Application of green zero-valent iron nanoparticles to the remediation of soils contaminated with ibuprofen

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 461-462; pp. 323 - 329
• Main Authors: Machado, S., Stawiński, W., Slonina, P., Pinto, A.R., Grosso, J.P., Nouws, H.P.A., Albergaria, J.T., Delerue-Matos, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.09.2013
• Subjects: Chemical treatment; Chromatography, Liquid; Environmental Restoration and Remediation - methods; Green production; Ibuprofen; Ibuprofen - chemistry; Iron - chemistry; Metal Nanoparticles - chemistry; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Soil Pollutants - chemistry; Soil remediation; Vitaceae; Zero-valent iron nanoparticles; Zero-valent iron nanoparticles; Soil remediation; Green production; Chemical treatment; Ibuprofen
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.05.016

Zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVIs) are often used in environmental remediation. Their high surface area that is associated with their high reactivity makes them an excellent agent capable of transforming/degrading contaminants in soils and waters. Due to the recent development of green methods for the production of nZVIs, the use of this material became even more attractive. However, the knowledge of its capacity to degrade distinct types of contaminants is still scarce. The present work describes the study of the application of green nZVIs to the remediation of soils contaminated with a common anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen. The main objectives of this work were to produce nZVIs using extracts of grape marc, black tea and vine leaves, to verify the degradation of ibuprofen in aqueous solutions by the nZVIs, to study the remediation process of a sandy soil contaminated with ibuprofen using the nZVIs, and to compare the experiments with other common chemical oxidants. The produced nZVIs had nanometric sizes and were able to degrade ibuprofen (54 to 66% of the initial amount) in aqueous solutions. Similar remediation efficiencies were obtained in sandy soils. In this case the remediation could be enhanced (achieving degradation efficiencies above 95%) through the complementation of the process with a catalyzed nZVI Fenton-like reaction. These results indicate that this remediation technology represents a good alternative to traditional and more aggressive technologies. [Display omitted] •Green zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) were produced using natural extracts.•The green nanoparticles degraded ibuprofen in aqueous solutions and in soils.•The remediation process is enhanced when complemented with nZVI catalyzed Fenton reaction.•The use of nZVI is extremely competitive when compared with common oxidants.