Removal of Nitrate Nitrogen in Groundwater by Attapulgite Loaded with Nano-Zero-Valent Iron

Nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI) can be used to remove nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) from groundwater. However, it has low reduction efficiency owing its oxidation and aggregation characteristics. Thus, nZVI-loaded material is alleviate these drawbacks. In this study, nZVI-coated attapulgite (ATP) was prepared for the removal of NO3-N ATP-nZVI using chemical liquid deposition-coreduction method. The materials were characterized by SEM, XRD, XPS analyses, which confirmed that aluminum silicate particles in ATP structure are effective carriers nZVI effectively inhibit self-consumption caused nZVI. batch experiments examined experimental samples containing 30 mg/L analyzed effects various parameters, including material, mass ratio, initial pH, temperature, coexisting anions on efficiency. results showed optimal rate composite 78.61%, higher than same amount ATP, powder, When ratio 1 : 1, highest. pH value increased 3 9, decreased, while an increase reaction temperature promoted removal. order inhibitory effect nanoions PO43–>CO32–>SO42–>Cl–. adsorption kinetic model fitting indicated chemisorption electron exchange between main rate-limiting step reaction. This study demonstrates potential