Impact of Sodium Humate Coating on Collector Surfaces on Deposition of Polymer-Coated Nanoiron Particles

Author(s)
Vesna Micic Batka, Doris Schmid, Nathan Bossa, Andreas Gondikas, Milica Velimirovic, Frank von der Kammer, Mark Wiesner, Thilo Hofmann
Abstract

The affinity between nanoscale zerovalent iron (nano-ZVI) and mineral surfaces hinders its mobility, and hence its delivery into contaminated aquifers. We have tested the hypothesis that the attachment of poly(acrylic acid)-coated nano-ZVI (PAA-nano-ZVI) to mineral surfaces could be limited by coating such surfaces with sodium (Na) humate prior to PAA-nano-ZVI injection. Na humate was expected to form a coating over favorable sites for PAA-nano-ZVI attachment and hence reduce the affinity of PAA-nano-ZVI for the collector surfaces through electrosteric repulsion between the two interpenetrating charged polymers. Column experiments demonstrated that a low concentration (10 mg/L) Na humate solution in synthetic water significantly improved the mobility of PAA-nano-ZVI within a standard sand medium. This effect was, however, reduced in more heterogeneous natural collector media from contaminated sites, as not an adequate amount of the collector sites favorable for PAA-nano-ZVI attachment within these media appear to have been screened by the Na humate. Na humate did not interact with the surfaces of acid-washed glass beads or standard Ottawa sand, which presented less surface heterogeneity. Important factors influencing the effectiveness of Na humate application in improving PAA-nano-ZVI mobility include the solution chemistry, the Na humate concentration, and the collector properties.

Organisation(s)
External organisation(s)
Duke University, University of Gothenburg
Journal
Environmental Science & Technology
Volume
51
Pages
9202-9209
No. of pages
8
ISSN
0013-936X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b01224
Publication date
08-2017
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
210001 Nanoanalytics, 104023 Environmental chemistry, 104002 Analytical chemistry, 210004 Nanomaterials
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
General Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/b3b6b6e1-32ee-41d8-979f-8ea015b50bbd