Are contaminated soil and groundwater remediation with nanoscale zero-valent iron sustainable? An analysis of case studies
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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Removal of Arsenic Using a Cationic Polymer Gel Impregnated with Iron Hydroxide
Published on: June 28, 2019
Caroline Visentin1, Adeli Beatriz Braun1, Cleomar Reginatto1
1Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Passo Fundo, São José Neighborhood, BR 285, Zip Code 99052-900, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil.
Abstract:
Nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) is globally the main nanomaterial used in contaminated site remediation. This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of using nZVI in the nanoremediation of contaminated sites and to determine the factors that affect the sustainability of the use of nZVI in remediation. Five case studies of nZVI use on a pilot scale were selected. Life cycle analysis tools were used to evaluate environmental, economic, social impacts, and sustainability. The functional unit of the life cycle analyses was 1.00 m3 of remediated soil and groundwater. Case study of Brazil was the least sustainable, while case study of United States was the most sustainable. Only the modification of the functional unit results in variations in the sustainability index. Different factors influence the sustainability of nZVI in remediation, the main factor being the amount of nZVI used in the processes. Finally, this work contributes significantly to the state-of-the-art sustainable use of nZVI in remediation. This is a pioneering study in the detailed and comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of the use of nZVI in remediation. Through the analysis of case studies, it is possible to determine the main factors that influence the sustainability of the nZVI remediation life cycle.
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