Metallic iron (Fe0) is currently used in subsurface and above-ground water filtration systems on a pragmatic basis. Recent theoretical studies have indicated that, to be sustainable, such systems should not contain more than 60% Fe0 (vol/vol). The prediction was already validated in a Fe0/sand system using methylene blue as an operational tracer. The present work is the first attempt to experimentally verify the new concept using pumice particles. A well-characterized pumice sample is used as operational supporting material and is mixed with 200 g of a granular Fe0, in volumetric proportions, varying from 0 to 100%. The resulting column systems are characterized (i) by the time dependent evolution of their hydraulic conductivity and (ii) for their efficiency for the removal of CuII, NiII, and ZnII from a three-contaminants-solution (about 0.3 mM of each metal). Test results showed a clear sustainability of the long term hydraulic conductivity with decreasing Fe0/pumice ratio. In fact, the pure Fe0 system clogged after 17 days, while the 25% Fe0 system could operate for 36 days. The experimental data confirmed the view that well-designed Fe0 PRBs may be successful at removing both reducible and non-reducible metal species.
Improving the sustainability of granular iron/pumice systems for water treatment / Bilardi, S; Calabro', Paolo Salvatore; Caré, S; Moraci, N; Noubactep, C. - In: JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT. - ISSN 0301-4797. - vol.121:(2013), pp. 133-141. [10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.02.042]
Improving the sustainability of granular iron/pumice systems for water treatment
CALABRO' P S;MORACI N;
2013-01-01
Abstract
Metallic iron (Fe0) is currently used in subsurface and above-ground water filtration systems on a pragmatic basis. Recent theoretical studies have indicated that, to be sustainable, such systems should not contain more than 60% Fe0 (vol/vol). The prediction was already validated in a Fe0/sand system using methylene blue as an operational tracer. The present work is the first attempt to experimentally verify the new concept using pumice particles. A well-characterized pumice sample is used as operational supporting material and is mixed with 200 g of a granular Fe0, in volumetric proportions, varying from 0 to 100%. The resulting column systems are characterized (i) by the time dependent evolution of their hydraulic conductivity and (ii) for their efficiency for the removal of CuII, NiII, and ZnII from a three-contaminants-solution (about 0.3 mM of each metal). Test results showed a clear sustainability of the long term hydraulic conductivity with decreasing Fe0/pumice ratio. In fact, the pure Fe0 system clogged after 17 days, while the 25% Fe0 system could operate for 36 days. The experimental data confirmed the view that well-designed Fe0 PRBs may be successful at removing both reducible and non-reducible metal species.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
