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Emulsified Zero-Valent Iron
Laboratory Studies Conducted at UCF


Figure 1:  Micrograph
of a micro-iron emulsion
Figure 2:  Micrograph
of a nano-iron emulsion

Laboratory studies on Emulsified Zero-Valent Iron (EZVI) were conducted at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Tests demonstrated that EZVI could be delivered to a pool of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) in a soil matrix. In addition, these tests showed that EZVI was able to degrade DNAPL, while non-emulsified ZVI particles were non-reactive with DNAPL.

Tests were run with both micro-scale (Figure 1) and nano-scale iron particles (Figure 2). The studies indicated that a more stable and reactive emulsion can be produced when using smaller iron particles. Smaller iron particles also enable the emulsion to penetrate smaller pore openings in the soil matrix.

Figure 3: column studies in laboratory

Additional lab tests were conducted to optimize emulsion formulations. Emulsions were created using different biodegradable oils and surfactant in varying concentrations and with various emulsion preparation procedures. The stability, mobility, and physical properties of each emulsion were evaluated.

Column tests were conducted to test reactivity, micelle stability, and "pumbability" of the emulsions (Figure 3). EZVI was successfully pulse-pumped through columns packed with sand from Launch Complex 34; however, the emulsion was difficult to pump (pressures as high as 160 pounds per square inch). Micrographs of the column effluent were taken to confirm that the micellular structure of the emulsions was maintained.
Figure 3:  Column studies in laboratory

A variety of vial studies were also conducted to test the efficiencies of the emulsions. Chlorinated by-products were not detected in the headspace of any of the emulsion experiments. Only ethene by-products and small concentrations of other non-chlorinated hydrocarbons by-products were measured. Iron consumption studies were conducted by adding varying amounts of trichloroethylene (TCE) in soil and measuring the production of ethene (Figure 4).


Click here for information on the field demonstration of EZVI at KSC.

 Figure 4: Results of vial study with constant amount of emulsion and varying amounts of TCE in soil
Figure 4:  Results of vial study with constant amount of emulsion and varying amounts of TCE in soil
Click here to see an enlarged view.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
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