Synergetic Effect of Activated Carbon and Zero-valent Iron for Removal of Nitrate-polluted Potable Water

Abstract

Nitrate contamination in drinking water poses significant health risks, necessitating effective remediation techniques. This study investigates the synergetic effect of combining activated carbon (AC) and nano-zero valent iron (nZVI) for the removal of nitrate ions from polluted potable water. nZVI was synthesized via the reduction of ferric ions with sodium borohydride and characterized using SEM, TEM, EDX, and XRD analyses, revealing spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 40 nm and high crystallinity. AC was prepared through phosphoric acid activation and characterized similarly. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the nitrate removal performance of nZVI and the nZVI-AC composite under varying conditions. Results showed that nZVI effectively reduced nitrate concentrations, with optimal dosages achieving up to 96% removal. The nZVI-AC composite further enhanced the removal efficiency, minimizing the formation of ammonia as a by-product. The adsorption capacity of AC for nitrate ions was also investigated, demonstrating its complementary role in the treatment process. The synergetic effect of nZVI and AC offers a promising approach for efficient nitrate remediation in drinking water, with potential applications in water purification and environmental remediation.