AECOM in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, is researching on a bench-scale study of nanomaterials to be used in groundwater treatment.
The research will analyze the use of multiple zero valent iron (ZVI) products, such as nano zero valent iron (nZVI), on the treatment of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs), a pollutant present in ground water sites. nZVI products have more surface area than normal iron powders. The products will be used on groundwater and geologic materials derived from a production site in order to determine their morphology or structure and mobility, perseverance and toxicity to water bacteria.
Dr. Dora Chiang, project design engineer with AECOM’s environmental practice in Atlanta says an in situ bioremediation platform and an nZVI or other products will be used to augment CVOC biodegradation. Increased non-biological deterioration and CVOC bio-degradation will reduce treatment time. This technology is eco-friendly and will protect human health.
Dr. Arturo A. Keller, co-director of UC Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, will lead the research team at UCSB, with Professor Hunter Lenihan.
Source: http://www.aecom.com/