Reductive dechlorination of p-chlorophenol by nanoscale iron

Objective To investigate reductive dechlorination of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) by nanoscale Fe0 under different conditions. Methods Nanoscale Fe0 was synthesized by using reductive method. 4-CP and its intermediate products were analyzed by HPLC. Chlorine ion was quantified with DX-100 ion chromatograph. Nano-iron particles were observed under a FEI Quanta 200 FEG environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Results The size of the particles was in the range of 10-100 nm. The nano-iron particles could reduce 4-CP effectively. The initial concentration of 4-CP increased with the decrease of the relative degradation rate, whereas the reduced amount of 4-CP increased. Temperature could influence both the dechlorination rate and the reaction pathway. Moreover, the stability and durability of nanoscale Fe0 was evaluated through batch studies over extended periods of time. Conclusion The nanoscale Fe0 can be used for sustainable treatment of contaminants in groundwater.