Removal of As from groundwater by in situ bioprecipitation and zero-valent iron

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in situ bioprecipitation (ISBP) and zero-valent iron (ZVI) for removal of arsenic from groundwater. Batch experiments were set up to test the metal/oxyanion removal efficiency using the processes induced by ZVI, by ISBP and by combining both technologies. For the construction of microcosms in anaerobic condition, aquifer material was mixed with synthetic groundwater in serum bottles. Solutions that contained commercial iron (powder, filings), iron from foundry (chips) and lactate with the carbon concentration of 0.02% (w/v) were amended. After 57 days the pH increased to 7.9 in the microcosm with lactate + iron chips. In the microcosms amended with lactate + commercial iron (powder and filings), pH was between 6.9 and 7.5 The highest decrease in sulfate concentrations was observed in the microcosm supplied with lactate (from 1,976 to 630 mg/L), and with lactate + iron filings (from 1,985 to 1,280 mg/L). The results showed that ISBP and ZVI can be efficient in the removal of As from groundwater; however, it strongly depends on the type and particle size of ZVI. The most effective was commercial ZVI. The highest decrease in As concentration was observed in the microcosm supplied with ethanol and iron powder (from 4,832 to 131 μg/L).