Humic acid and metal ions accelerating the dechlorination of 4-chlorobiphenyl by nanoscale zero-valent iron

Transformation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by zero-valent iron represents one of the latest innovative technologies for environmental remediation. The dechlorination of 4-chlorobiphenyl (4-ClBP) by nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) in the presence of humic acid or metal ions was investigated. The results showed that the dechlorination of 4-ClBP by NZVI increased with decreased solution pH. When the initial pH value was 4.0, 5.5, 6.8, and 9.0, the dechlorination efficiencies of 4-ClBP after 48 hr were 53.8%, 47.8%, 35.7%, and 35.6%, respectively. The presence of humic acid inhibited the reduction of 4-ClBP in the first 4 hr, and then significantly accelerated the dechlorination by reaching 86.3% in 48 hr. Divalent metal ions, Co2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+, were reduced and formed bimetals with NZVI, thereby enhanced the dechlorination of 4-ClBP. The dechlorination percentages of 4-ClBP in the presence of 0.1 mmol/L Co2+, Cu2+ and Ni2+ were 66.1%, 66.0% and 64.6% in 48 hr, and then increased to 67.9%, 71.3% and 73.5%, after 96 hr respectively. The dechlorination kinetics of 4-ClBP by the NZVI in all cases followed pseudo-first order model. The results provide a basis for better understanding of the dechlorination mechanisms of PCBs in real environment.  

Quantifying the adsorption and uptake of CuO nanoparticles by wheat root based on chemical extractions

This study screened out eluants for efficiently desorbing metal nanoparticles from plant root surface, and distinguished the proportions of CuO-nanoparticles uptake and adsorption.