Flaws in the design of Fe(0)-based filtration systems?

Chemosphere. 2014 Dec:117:104-7. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.06.014. Epub 2014 Jun 27.

Abstract

Use of metallic iron (Fe(0)) for water treatment has attracted much attention over the passed two decades. Achieved results have recalled that the formation of voluminous, low-soluble iron oxides and hydroxides within the system is ubiquitous at pH>4.0. These properties imply that efficiency and porosity of Fe(0)-based filtration systems will decrease in the long-term. Some methods have been suggested to solve the identified problems. However, they could be collectively regarded as weak because they are based on a false description of the system. This note reveals two major inherent flaws in the design of Fe(0)-based filters and shows ways to fix them.

Keywords: Packed-bed filtration; Paradigm shift; Permeability loss; Removal process; Zero-valent iron.

MeSH terms

  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry
  • Filtration / methods*
  • Iron / chemistry*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / chemistry*
  • Water Purification / methods*

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • ferric oxide
  • Iron