Field Assessment of Nanoscale Bimetallic Particles for Groundwater Treatment

A field demonstration was performed in which nanoscale bimetallic (Fe/Pd) particles were gravity-fed into groundwater contaminated by trichloroethene and other chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons at a manufacturing site. With diameters on the order of 100−200 nm, the nanoparticles are uniquely suited to rapidly degrade redox-amenable contaminants and for optimal subsurface delivery and dispersion. Approximately 1.7 kg of the nanoparticles was fed into the test area over a 2-day period, resulting in minimal clogging of the injection well. The test area was located within a well-characterized region of the contaminant plume and included an injection well and three piezometer couplets spaced 1.5 m apart. Despite the low nanoparticle dosage, trichloroethene reduction efficiencies of up to 96% were observed over a 4-week monitoring period with the highest values observed at the injection well and adjacent piezometers. Data from the field assessment were consistent with the results of pre-injection laboratory studies, which showed rapid dechlorination of target chlorinated compounds accompanied by a sharp decrease of standard oxidation potential and an increase in pH.