A Review of the Hydraulic Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers Based on Granular Zero Valent Iron

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) based on the use of zero valent iron (ZVI) represent an efficient technology for remediation contaminated groundwater, but literature evidences “failures”, often linked to difficulty fully understanding long-term performance ZVI-based PRBs in terms their hydraulic behavior. The aim this paper is provide overview behavior composed ZVI mixed with other or inert materials. full-scale applications, laboratory testing and related mathematical modeling was thoroughly analyzed. outcomes review include in-depth analysis factors influencing (i.e., medium, contamination geotechnical, geochemical hydrogeological characteristics aquifer) a critical revision procedures aimed at investigating performance. clearly shows that admixing nonexpansive granular materials most suitable choice obtaining hydraulically PRB. Finally, summarizes procedure correct design outlines research should developing numerical models able couple PRBs’ behaviors.