Performance evaluation of Fe0 and biochar in permeable reactive barriers for remediation of groundwater contaminated by metals

• Grant number: 12/02619-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: May 01, 2012 - April 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Perobelli Borba
• Grantee: Ricardo Perobelli Borba
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IG). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Aline Renee Coscione ; Otávio Antonio de Camargo ; Sueli Yoshinaga Pereira ; Wanilson Luiz Silva

Abstract

The permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is the in situ remediation technology of water of greater success in the remediation of groundwater. The material most used in BRP has been zero-valent iron (Fe0) as a sorbent, co-precipitating or immobilizer of inorganic compounds or reducing organic and inorganic compounds (nitrate). Biochar (BC) is successfully applied mainly as a sorbent for remediation of soils contaminated by organic compounds. The BC was never used in BRP.The Jardim das Oliveiras (São Bernardo do Campo-SP) is considered a critical contaminated area by CETESB due to high concentrations of organic and inorganic pollutants (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr and Hg) in soil and groundwater . Today live in the site about 800 families, and there is a need for their remediation.In this research project will be evaluated in the laboratory permeable reactive barriers containing Fe0, Fe0/BC and BC as remediation agents of solutions containing metals, under changing environmental chemical conditions of solutions and leachates. It will be taken into account the role of oxides formed in the oxidation process of BRP in the remediation of metals in solutions containing Fe0 barriers that they contain. As a case study will be assessed the implementation and performance of the PBR as a conceptual model of remediation of inorganic pollutants in the groundwater of the Jardim das Oliveiras, taking into account the pollutants present in groundwater. In addition, performance indicators will be identified and will be assessed the longevity of the PBR. It will also be held hydrogeochemical modeling of these processes occurred in the operation of PBR. (AU)