PolyMetallix, Nanoscale Iron for In Situ Environmental Remediation Projects

Results of Field Pilot Testing

A field pilot test was conducted in 2003 by ARCADIS with the PolyMetallix Nanoscale iron particles. The site was in the north-eastern United States where tetrachloroethene (PCE) dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) is present in fractured bedrock. Groundwater at the site is currently being treated using anaerobic in-situ reactive zone technology to enhance reductive dechorination. The pilot test with the PolyMetallix material was performed to determine whether nanoscale iron could augment the existing in-situ treatment.

Historic dissolved-phase concentrations of PCE in the injection area have ranged up to 130 mg/l. The injection area included a network of 6 wells, one served as the injection point and the others served as monitoring wells, 30 to 110 feet from the injection point. A 529 gallon solution containing 100 pounds of PolyMetallix material was injected during the test.

Immediately after the injection event, PCE concentrations dropped by about 60%, while TCE, cis-DCE and VC dropped by more than 95%. Biogeochemical trends demonstrated a strongly reducing environment and the relative concentrations of CVOC's and ethene demonstrated a significant amount of complete dechlorination as a result of the PolyMetallix injection. The pilot testing concluded that the PolyMetallix material successfully enhanced the rates of mass destruction of contaminants in the test area.

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