Removal of Lead by Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron in Surfacewater

This study investigates removal of Lead (Pb2+) by nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) in surface water under various environmental conditions. Particles size of synthesized nZVI was in the range of 35.57–49.62 nm (<100 nm) and congregated to each other. Remarkable removal of Pb2+ (k = 0.30 min−1) was observed in nZVI suspension (0.32 g/L) in 10 min, while no significant of Pb2+ removal was observed in suspension alone at neutral pH. The removal of Pb2+ was significantly dependent on the suspension pH and concentrations of Pb2+ and nZVI. Percent removal of Pb2+ significantly decreased as the concentrations of Pb2+ increased. Removal efficiency of Pb2+ decreased (49–25 %) as the pH increased from neutral to basic conditions (pH 7–9). As concentration of nZVI increased (0.06–0.10 g/L), the removal efficiency increased approximately 1.67 times (42–70 %). Experimental results from this study provide basic knowledge on the role of nZVI as a reductant to remove Pb2+ in surface water at different environment conditions.