In Situ Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLs by the Use of Emulsified Zero-Valent Nanoscale Iron Particles

GeoSyntec

Boca Raton, FL

The technology is a process for using emulsified zero-valent iron (EZVI) for the treatment of chlorinated solvents present as pools or residual of pure phase organic liquid or dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) below the water table.

The EZVI technology extends the application of ZVI by allowing ZVI to treat chlorinated solvents present as DNAPL.

The EZVI is composed of surfactant, biodegradable oil, water, and nano-scale or micro-scale zero-valent iron particles, which form emulsion particles (or micelles) that contain the iron particles in water surrounded by an oil-liquid membrane.

• GeoSyntec's applied research partnerships with leading universities, NASA, and others are producing better methods for the: remediation of recalcitrant chemicals in the environment.
• GeoSyntec's clients are approximately two-thirds from the private sector and one-third from the public sector. Five project teams led by GeoSyntec engineers and scientists have received funding for research projects through the Strategic Environmental Research & Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP).

• On August 24, 2004, the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) completed the negotiation and signing of a Nonexclusive Patent License Agreement with GeoSyntec Consultant for the use and sale of NASA's Emulsified Zero Valent Iron (EZVI) (U.S. Patent No.6,664,298) technology for groundwater remediation.
• Development and deployment of this technology demonstrates that NASA environmental programs have direct applicability to remediation programs worldwide.

• This technology provides NASA an effective method of combining two mechanisms (abiotic reductive dechlorination due to ZVI and biological reductive dechlorination) for degrading chlorinated solvents present in pools or as residual organic liquid.
• The technology provides a low cost alternative for treating chlorinated solvents in groundwater that will improve groundwater quality and reduce the potential human health and environmental risks.

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