Clay-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron composite materials for the remediation of contaminated aqueous solutions: A review

Abstract

Recent industrialization and urbanization have increased the aqueous concentrations of a wide range of contaminants, which are toxic to human health and the environment. Therefore, remediation of aqueous solutions has turned into an important environmental issue. Over the last decade, growing attention has been paid to clay-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) composite materials as efficient and promising remediation materials in wastewater treatment and groundwater remediation technologies. This paper gives an overview of the clay minerals, zero-valent iron materials, clay-supported nZVI composites, and progress obtained during the remediation of contaminated aqueous solutions utilizing the clay-supported nZVI composites for the removal of heavy metals, nitrate, selenate, dyes, phenolic compounds, chlorinated organic compounds, nitroaromatic compounds and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Reaction mechanisms and removal efficiencies were studied and evaluated. It was reported that the clay-supported nZVI composites have appreciable removal efficiency for different types of contaminants. This paper also reviews the use of ZVI-clay technology for the remediation of contaminated sites. Concerning clay-supported nZVI composites for future research, some recommendations are proposed and conclusions are drawn.