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Title: Enhanced reduction of chromate and PCE by pelletized surfactant-modified zeolite/zerovalent iron

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es990334s· OSTI ID:20006162

The current research focuses on enhanced removal of chromate and perchloroethylene from contaminated water by a combination of a reduction material (represented by zerovalent iron, ZVI) and a sorption material (represented by surfactant-modified zeolite, SMZ). Natural zeolite and ZVI were homogenized and pelletized to maintain favorable hydraulic properties while minimizing material segregation due to bulk density differences. The zeolite/ZVI pellets were modified with the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide to increase contaminant sorption and, thus, the contaminant concentration on the solid surface. Results of chromate sorption/reduction indicate that the chromate sorption capacity of pelletized SMZ/ZVI is at least 1 order of magnitude higher than that of zeolite/ZVI pellets. Compared to SMZ pellets, the chromate removal capacity of SMZ/ZVI pellets in a 24-h period is about 80% higher, due to the combined effects o sorption by SMZ and reduction by ZVI. The chromate and PCE degradation rates with and without surfactant modification were determined separately. The pseudo-first-order reduction constant increased by a factor of 3 for PCE and by a factor of 9 for chromate following surfactant modification. The enhanced contaminant reduction capacity of SMZ/ZVI pellets may lead to a decrease in the amount of material required to achieve a given level of contaminant removal.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, WI (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AR21-95MC32108
OSTI ID:
20006162
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 33, Issue 23; Other Information: PBD: 1 Dec 1999; ISSN 0013-936X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English