In situ zero valent iron biostimulation for selenium and arsenic control
A novel in-situ treatment method utilizing zero-valent iron combined with biostimulation to enhance natural attenuation of selenium and arsenic in contaminated sites. This method employs controlled injections to promote reductive immobilization and minimize maintenance while achieving significant contaminant reduction.
Overview
The proposed solution offers an innovative in-situ treatment method that combines zero-valent iron (ZVI) with biostimulation to control selenium and arsenic contamination in groundwater. This approach enhances natural attenuation processes, using ZVI to promote reductive immobilization of selenate and selenite. By injecting a matrix that combines ZVI and controlled carbon amendments, the treatment effectively stimulates native microbial activity, facilitating the conversion and stabilization of selenium in the saturated zone. This method is designed to localize treatment, maximize residence time, and reduce maintenance, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional pumping and above-ground treatments.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes low-dose ZVI injection to promote selenium immobilization via Fe(II)-mediated reduction and adsorption.
- Controlled carbon amendments stimulate native selenium-reducing bacteria like Geobacter and Bacillus.
- Maintains mildly reducing and neutral pH conditions to minimize arsenic mobilization and promote Fe oxide formation.
- Employs permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) or injectable ZVI matrices to localize treatment and align with plume hydraulics.
- Achieves over 90% selenium removal within days, demonstrated through lab and field tests.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in laboratory environments and is ready for further field testing and pilot implementations to optimize its effectiveness and applicability.
About University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is a comprehensive public research university and Russell Group member based in Nottingham, with campuses in China and Malaysia, enabling international collaboration and talent pipelines. Industry partners engage through an on-campus research and technology park that co-locates companies with university groups, plus shared-use facilities and pilot spaces for scale-up. Integration with a major NHS hospital system supports clinical trials and translation, while placements and professional programs connect companies with student and graduate talent. Research is supported by competitive funding from UKRI research councils and Innovate UK, with added support through NHS partnerships and European programs. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinout formation.
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