Modified nanoscale zero-valent iron in persulfate activation for organic pollution remediation: a review

Under the action of different activators, persulfate can produce sulfate radicals (SO4·–) with strong oxidizing ability, which can destruct many organic compounds. Meanwhile, persulfate is widely used in groundwater and soil remediation because of its fast reaction and wide application. With the high specific surface area and reactivity of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), it can enhance the degradation efficiency of the persulfate system on organic pollutants in soil and water as a persulfate activator. However, nZVI is easy to get oxidized and has a tendency to aggregation. To solve these problems, a variety of nZVI modification methods have been put forward and put into to applications in the activation of persulfate. This article will give a systematic introduction of the background and problems of nZVI-activated persulfate in the remediation of organic pollution. In addition, the modification methods and mechanisms of nZVI are summarized, and the applications and progress of modified nZVI-activated persulfate are reviewed. The factors that affect the removal of organic compounds by the activation system are discussed as well. Worldwide, the field studies and full-scale remediation using modified nZVI in persulfate activation are yet limited. However, the already known cases reveal the good prospect of applying modified nZVI in persulfate activation to organic pollution remediation.