Comparison of Removal of 2,4-DNT by Reduction Using Various Iron-Based Materials

The reductive degradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) by three kinds of iron-based materials, namely, copper-doped iron, scrap iron and iron powder, was investigated in detail. The effects of iron materials, pH and iron dosage on the removal efficiency were studied. The results indicated that copper-doped iron had the highest removal rate of 2,4-DNT. The removal rate of 2,4-DNT increased with increasing temperature. After addition of sodium sulfate, the removal rate of 2,4-DNT was enhanced. According to GC/MS analyses, 2,4-diaminotoluene was the final product of 2,4-DNT and possible reductive pathway of 2,4-DNT was proposed.