The use of nano zerovant iron (nZVI) in soil remediation and its interactions with plants

Bc. Mayda Rojnik

Master's thesis

Abstract:

As soil contamination still remains to be one of the universal environmental obstacles, necessities for innovative remediation solution such as nZVI are in dire need. This thesis will therefore explore the use of nZVI in soil remediation and its behaviours in relation to two plant species Arrhenatherum elatius and Festuca rubra. Overview of nZVI’s properties and applications, followed by an experimental part which will delve more in depth and analyse the efficiency of sulphiated nZVI and thermally treated sludge in hopes to find synergy among them for remediation purposes of the highly contaminated Technosol. The literary research will define nZVI and how it developed throughout the years based on the research directions that branched out following the specificities of remediation. Successful and unsuccessful remediation findings of nZVI, especially considering potentially risky elements, while also bringing to light its potential toxicity, alongside its other challenges and limitations, will be critically discussed. As this thesis also regards interactions with plants, supported phytoremediation and phytotoxicity will be explored as well. The critical review on the properties of nZVI can point out and identify future research gaps that need to be investigated. Likewise, the experimental part will analyse and discuss the complexities behind this innovative remediation technique and bring more future insight in this more sustainable way of soil remediation through methods of aqua regia, soil water extraction, total elemental concentrations, pH determination, and plant biomass and digestion. The experimental findings will be discussed based on the results which showed effective synergy between nZVI and sludge via their successfulness in simultaneously immobilizing contaminants while also providing essential nutrients.

Keywords

metals, metalloids, extraction, biomass, immobilization

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 30. 3. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Zuzana Vaňková, Ph.D.
• Reader: Luke Beesley, Dr.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Master programme:
Environmental Geosciences