Colloidal iZVI™

What Is Colloidal iZVI?

Colloidal iZVI™ is a colloidal (5 µm) injectable zero valent iron (ZVI) suspension designed for the remediation of chlorinated solvents, hazardous metals, herbicides, and pesticides. This advanced formulation eliminates the need for fracturing by optimizing distribution and contact in transmissive zones. It seamlessly integrates with other remediation strategies, including anaerobic bioremediation, bioaugmentation, and our ColloidalChem™ activated carbon.

Key Features and Benefits

High Persistence

• Extended Longevity: Offers up to 7 years of activity within treatment zones, effectively overcoming back-diffusion challenges, especially in highly heterogeneous sites.
  
  
• Sustained Remediation: Provides long-term treatment, reducing the need for repeated applications and associated costs.

Neat Suspension Formulation

• Pre-Blended Convenience: Delivered as a ready-to-use suspension, eliminating field issues such as ZVI ignition risks when handling dry solids or clumping during mixing.
  
  
• Ease of Application: Ensures smooth, consistent injections without the complications associated with preparing ZVI/Guar/Breaker mixtures on-site.

Simplicity in Design

• Effortless Mixing and Dilution: Designed for straightforward dilution with water, requiring no complex mixing equipment or procedures.
  
  
• Operational Efficiency: Reduces setup time and labor, allowing for quicker project deployment and completion.

Versatile Integration

• Compatibility with Other Technologies: Can be combined with anaerobic bioremediation, bioaugmentation, and ColloidalChem™ activated carbon for a multifaceted remediation approach.
  
  
• Enhanced Effectiveness: Synergistic effects improve overall treatment performance, addressing a wider range of contaminants and site conditions.
  
  

How Does Colloidal iZVI Work?

Injection Process

Colloidal iZVI™ is injected as a precisely blended liquid suspension using direct-push technology or injection wells. The unique formulation promotes broad dispersion in the subsurface at low or below-fracture injection pressures. This optimization ensures maximum contact with contaminants without the need for invasive fracturing techniques.

Chemical Reduction Mechanism

Once injected, Colloidal iZVI™ facilitates reductive dechlorination, a process where the zero valent iron donates electrons to chlorinated solvent molecules. This electron transfer breaks down complex contaminants into less harmful substances. For example, chlorinated solvents are degraded into acetylene and ethane, which are benign end products. In the case of hazardous metals, the ZVI reduces metal ions to less soluble forms, immobilizing them and preventing further migration.

Applications

Colloidal iZVI™ is suitable for a variety of remediation scenarios:

• Chlorinated Solvent Remediation: Targets contaminants like trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), effectively treating plumes in transmissive zones and preventing pollutant spread.
  
  
• Hazardous Metals Reduction: Applicable for metals such as hexavalent chromium and arsenic, reducing their mobility and toxicity to protect groundwater resources.
  
  
• Herbicides and Pesticides Degradation: Breaks down persistent organic pollutants from agricultural activities, aiding in the rehabilitation of impacted soils.
  
  
• Barrier Applications: Forms in situ reactive zones that contaminants must pass through, ensuring contact and treatment. These barriers can be strategically placed downgradient of sources or around property boundaries.

Integration with Other Remediation Technologies

Anaerobic Bioremediation

Combining Colloidal iZVI™ with organic substrates stimulates microbial activity in the subsurface. The organic substrates serve as electron donors, fostering conditions also favorable for the biodegradation of contaminants. This synergy accelerates the remediation process, through a combined abiotic and biotic remedy.

Bioaugmentation

Introducing dechlorinated microorganisms can complement the chemical reduction process initiated by Colloidal iZVI™. These microbes further degrade contaminants that the ZVI has partially reduced through a minor biotic pathway ensuring a more complete remediation. This integrated approach enhances the effectiveness of the treatment.

ColloidalChem™ Activated Carbon

Pairing Colloidal iZVI™ with our ColloidalChem™ activated carbon offers both physical removal and chemical destruction of pollutants. The activated carbon adsorbs contaminants, creating less demand on iZVI dosing. This combination provides a robust solution for challenging sites that need quick results to minimize owner liability.

Why Choose Colloidal iZVI?

Colloidal iZVI™ stands out for its efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness:

• Efficiency: By eliminating the need for fracturing and optimizing contaminant contact, it shortens the remediation process.
  
  
• Safety: The pre-blended suspension reduces handling risks associated with dry ZVI powders, such as ignition or inhalation hazards.
  
  
• Cost-Effectiveness: Extended persistence minimizes the frequency of reapplication, and the simplicity of mixing and injection reduces equipment and labor costs.
  
  
• Environmental Compliance: It promotes the degradation of contaminants to non-toxic end products, e.g., ethane

What is It Designed to Address?