Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
18.2.1.1 Research and Development
A great deal of research has been conducted on the
in situ
underground water remedia-
tion using nanoparticles worldwide. The researchers work on the technical and economic
aspects of this method, such as eficiency of the nanoparticles for removing pollutants,
distance of migration into the ground, lifetime of being effective, etc. There are a lot of
pilot plants implemented in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia (see Figure 18.2).
As an example of developing countries' contribution, a few research groups are active
at Iranian universities and research centers working on this technique (in laboratory-scale
projects). They are working on
in situ
removal of contaminants such as nitrates, arsenic,
mercury, and oil-generated pollutants from groundwater. In addition, some groups are
working on simulation of nano-iron migration into the ground in different soil conditions.
18.2.1.2 Commercialization
To commercialize the nZVI method for underground remediation, two approaches can be
taken. First, have a research base infrastructure and then a successful mechanism to scale
up the developed laboratory-scale to industrial-scale production. Second, the technology
can be transferred from already successful developers.
As illustrated in Figure 18.2, a great deal of research and subsequent semi-industrial
project plans have been implemented worldwide on the application of nano-iron in under-
ground remediation; therefore, some nano-iron suppliers have been formed in the world.
For instance, Nano Iron s.r.o. is a science and technology limited liability company in the
Czech Republic, producing Fe
0
nanoparticles at the industrial scale. The company was suc-
cessful in substantially decreasing the price of nZVI and has been implementing several
projects in Europe.
Laboratory-scale research is also being conducted in developing countries such as IR Iran
(“Iran”) on the application of nZVI in water remediation. nZVI powder is also produced
in semi-industrial scale in Iran by PNF Co. (Payamavaran Nanotechnology Fardanegar)
with a higher price in comparison with Nano Iron in the Czech Republic, which can be
mitigated by scale-up or technology transfer.
18.2.1.3 Technology Transfer and Adoption
Technology transfer is a shortcut for bringing the developing countries on track for the
nZVI application for water remediation. However, even if the technology is transferred, it
needs to be applied and adopted. To facilitate this process in Iran, the National Water and
Wastewater Engineering Company (NWWEC), a holding company, has jurisdiction over
60 water companies in 30 provinces, all of which need to be made aware. The knowledge
building can be conducted through implementing demonstration projects on using nZVI
in underground remediation. However, for conducting demonstration projects, the need
assessment for this technology and pollution mapping are necessary steps.
18.2.2 Product Life Cycle of nZVI
In this section, the product life cycle of iron nanoparticles in water application will be
assessed (see Figure 18.3).
