Innovative Remediation of Arsenic in Groundwater by Nano Scale Zero-Valent Iron

This research examines the feasibility of using laboratory-synthesized nano scale zero-valent iron particles to remove arsenic from aqueous phase. Batch experiments were performed to determine arsenic sorption rates as a function of the nano scale zero-valent iron solution concentration. Rapid adsorption of arsenic was achieved with the nano scale zero-valent iron. Typically 1 mg $L^{-1}$ arsenic (III) was adsorbed by 5 g $L^{-1}$ nano scale zero-valent iron below the 0.01 g $L^{-1}$ concentration within 7min. The kinetics of the arsenic sorption followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. Observed reaction rate constants ( $K_{obs}$) varied between 11.4 to 129.0 $h^{-1}$ with respect to different concentrations of nano scale zero-valent iron. A variety of analytical techniques were used to study the reaction products including HGAAS (hydride generator atomic adsorption spectrophotometer), SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy). Our experimental results suggest novel method for efficient removal of arsenic Iron groundwater.r.