Role of reactive oxygen species and effect of solution matrix in trichloroethylene degradation from aqueous solution by zeolite-supported nano iron as percarbonate activator

• The role of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) and effect of solution matrix have been investigated for the degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE). Zeolite-supported nano iron (Z-nZVI) was synthesized as an activator to catalyze sodium percarbonate (SPC) with or without hydroxylamine, i.e. as reducing agent (RA). The probe tests confirmed the generation of OH center dot and O-2(-center dot) in the Z-nZVI activated SPC system in absence of the RA, while the presence of RA significantly increased the generation of OH center dot and O-2(-center dot) radicals. Scavenger tests demonstrated that OH center dot was the main ROS responsible for TCE degradation, whereas O-2(-center dot) also participated in TCE degradation. From the solution matrix perspective, the experimental results confirmed significant scavenging effects of Cl- (1.0, 10.0, and 100 mmol L-1) and HCO3- (1.0 and 10.0 mmol L-1), whereas the scavenging effects were fairly impeded at 100 mmol L-1 concentration of HCO3-. On the other hand, a considerable decline in scavenging effect was observed in the presence of RA in tested Cl and HCO3- concentration ranges. In addition, negligible scavenging effects of NO3- and SO42- anions were found in all tested concentrations. The effect of initial solution pH on catalytic activity indicated a significant increase in the TCE degradation in the presence of RA even at higher pH value of 9. The results indicated that the Z-nZVI activated SPC system in presence of RA can effectively degrade chlorinated organic solvents, but it is important to consider the intensive existence of anions in groundwater.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Kemiteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Chemical Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Solution matrix

Reactive oxygen species (ROSs)

Zeolite supported nano iron particles (Z-nZVI)

Groundwater remediation

Chemical Engineering

Kemiteknik

Energy- and Environmental Engineering

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)