Pilot application of nanoparticles containing iron nitrides for reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethylenes in groundwater 

The primary aim of the project is to develop a pilot-scale production of iron nitride-based (Fe_xN) nanoparticles and subsequently apply this nanomaterial for groundwater remediation. Specifically, Fe_xN-containing nanoparticles and especially their crystalline phase’s gamma-Fe₄N and epsilon-Fe_2-3N react in an aqueous environment with chlorinated ethylenes to form non-toxic aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons with a longer carbon chain. These resulting hydrocarbons could serve as a carbon source for bioremediation microorganisms, potentially creating a synergistic effect between Fe_xN nanoparticles and the microorganisms active in groundwater remediation. The project aims to target a specific site affected by groundwater pollution from chlorinated ethylenes (ClE) and to demonstrate the effectiveness of Fe_xN nanoparticles in addressing such an environmental challenge.

PLANNED PROJECT OUTCOMES:

1. Pilot-Scale: Pilot-scale production of Fe_xN nanoparticles.

Development of procedures and equipment for the pilot-scale production of newly developed Fe_xN- based nanomaterial. This nanomaterial serves as the core component of the proposed remediation technology.

2. Verified technology: Application of nFe_xN at a contaminated site.

Pilot verification of the technology directly at the ClE-contaminated site. The core approach involves the application of a newly synthesized iron nitride-based nanomaterial (nFe_xN) for the removal of ClE from contaminated groundwater.

3. Functional sample: Microbial consortium exhibiting remediation effect in the presence of Fe_xN nanoparticles in lyophilized form.

Acquisition of a lyophilizate of remediation-active microbial strains from the remediated site. These strains will be included in the EPS Biotechnology collection and subsequently made available for commercial use in further remediation applications of the entire technology as a bio-augmentation agent, directly supporting the degradation of present pollutants.

4. Secondary results/outputs of the project: 1 x peer-reviewed scientific paper, 2 x conference presentations.

This work was co-funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic through the Programme for the Support of Applied Research, Experimental Development and Innovation in the Environmental Fields – Environment for Life. Additional support is provided by the National Recovery Plan, financed by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility under Project No. SS07020145, entitled “Pilot application of nanoparticles containing iron nitrides for reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethylenes in groundwater“.