Aggregation of nanoparticles (NPs) can hinder the degradative reactivity of particles towards organic pollutants as it reduces available surface area for reaction. This limitation may be circumvented by applying dispersant to improve colloidal stability of nanoparticle suspension. This study examined the removal of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a recently listed persistent organic pollutant, by carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) stabilized nanoscale zerovalent iron (CMC-NZVI) and bimetallic Ni/Fe nanoparticles (CMC-Ni/Fe) under the influence of suspension chemistry. The mass-normalized removal rate constants of HBCD by CMC-Ni/Fe NPs increased with lower particle aggregation. However, the coating could introduce diffusion resistance as HBCD diffused through the CMC layer to the Fe surface. The activation energy was estimated to be 26.8 kJ mol-1, indicating the overall reaction process was neither surface-limited nor diffusion-controlled. The reactivity of CMC-Ni/Fe NPs toward HBCD was not affected by aqueous initial pH substantially. Common monoanions (Cl-, NO3-, and HCO3-) generally enhanced HBCD adsorption but diminished its debromination. The removal rate did not differ significantly among the studied monoanions over a concentration of 2.5-10 mM except HCO3-. Overall, CMC coating can stabilize Ni/Fe NPs, increase their adsorption of HBCD, provide buffer pH capacity, and overcome common inhibition effects of anions in water. These findings suggested the high potential of using CMC-Ni/Fe NPs for in-situ remediation.
Keywords: Activation energy; Carboxymethylcellulose stabilized Ni/Fe nanoparticle (CMC-Ni/Fe NPs); Debromination and adsorption; Electrolytes; Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD); pH.
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