Influences of nanoscale zero valent iron loadings and bicarbonate and calcium concentrations on hydrogen evolution in...

The estimation of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) reactivity after its injection into the subsurface is essential for its application in groundwater remediation. In the present study H₂ generation of commercially available nZVI and novel milled nZVI flakes were investigated in column experiments with varying nZVI loads (ranging from 8 to 43 g nZVI per kg sand). H₂ evolution rates were determined for column experiments without and with hydrogen carbonate and/or calcium. On average 0.29 mmol H₂/L per g Fe⁰ evolved within the first 30 days in column experiments with spherical, commercial nZVI particles. The H₂ evolution developed almost independently of the water matrices applied. The application of nZVI flakes resulted in lower H₂ generation rates. In general corrosion rates accelerated linearly with increasing initial amounts of iron. This was evident in experiments with both particle types. Concentration profiles of carbonate and calcium in influent and effluent were used to estimate corrosion products and precipitates. Despite the presence of high concentrations of inorganic carbon, Fe²⁺ reacted preferably with hydroxide ions to form ferrous hydroxide which is the precursor of magnetite. As a result only minor passivation of the reactive nZVI was observed.