Performance evaluation of a zero-valent iron reactive barrier: mineralogical characteristics
Journal Article
·
· Environmental Science & Technology
- ORNL
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK)
There is a limited amount of information about the effects of mineral precipitates and corrosion on the lifespan and long-term performance of in situ Fe{sup 0} reactive barriers. The objectives of this paper are (1) to investigate mineral precipitates through an in situ permeable Fe{sup 0} reactive barrier and (2) to examine the cementation and corrosion of Fe{sup 0} filings in order to estimate the lifespan of this barrier. This field scale barrier (225-ft long x 2-ft wide x 31-ft deep) has been installed in order to remove uranium from contaminated groundwater at the Y-12 plant site, Oak Ridge, TN. According to XRD and SEM-EDX analysis of core samples recovered from the Fe{sup 0} portion of the barrier, iron oxyhydroxides were found throughout, while aragonite, siderite, and FeS occurred predominantly in the shallow portion. Additionally, aragonite and FeS were present in up-gradient deeper zone where groundwater first enters the Fe{sup 0} section of the barrier. After 15 months in the barrier, most of the Fe{sup 0} filings in the core samples were loose, and a little corrosion of Fe{sup 0} filings was observed in most of the barrier. However, larger amounts of corrosion (10-150 {micro}m thick corrosion rinds) occurred on cemented iron particles where groundwater first enters the barrier. Bicarbonate/carbonate concentrations were high in this section of the barrier. Byproducts of this corrosion, iron oxyhydroxides, were the primary binding material in the cementation. Also, aragonite acted as a binding material to a lesser extent, while amorphous FeS occurred as coatings and infilings. Thin corrosion rinds (2-50 {micro}m thick) were also found on the uncemented individual Fe{sup 0} filings in the same area of the cementation. If corrosion continues, the estimated lifespan of Fe{sup 0} filings in the more corroded sections is 5 to 10 years, while the Fe{sup 0} filings in the rest of the barrier perhaps would last longer than 15 years. The mineral precipitates on the Fe{sup 0} filing surfaces may hinder this corrosion but they may also decrease reactive surfaces. This research shows that precipitation will vary across a single reactive barrier and that greater corrosion and subsequent cementation of the filings may occur where groundwater first enters the Fe{sup 0} section of the barrier.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- SC USDOE - Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-00OR22725
- OSTI ID:
- 986469
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Science & Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science & Technology Journal Issue: 19 Vol. 34; ISSN 1520-5851; ISSN 0013-936X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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