Green Synthesis of Resin Supported Nanoiron and Evaluation of Efficiency for the Remediation of Cr(VI) Contaminated Groundwater by Batch Tests

In this study the fixation of nano zero valent iron (nZVI) on a polymeric matrix applying an environmentally friendly technique and the performance of this material for the treatment of Cr(VI) contaminated groundwater were evaluated. The investigated method could be applied in a pump & treat groundwater remediation system. A macroreticular cationic resin was selected as porous host material. It was found that green tea polyphenols were able to penetrate within the macroporous resin matrix and obtain the reduction of Fe(III) to the elemental state. The effectiveness of this composite material in removing Cr(VI) contaminated waters was evaluated by conducting batch tests. It was found that the reduction of Cr(VI) follows a kinetics law of first order with respect to the concentration of Cr(VI) and to the amount of nZVI per liter of solution. The kinetic constant varied between 5·10^-3 and 0.5·10^-3 per min and per mM of nZVI in the pH range 3.5-7.5.