Catalytic reductive dechlorination of chlorinated benzenes with nanoscale Pd/Fe particles : kinetics, mechanism, and influences of aqueous matrix

Abstract

Chlorinated benzenes are widely used in synthesis of dyes, pesticides and other chemicals, as space deodorants and moth repellent, and as solvent. Because of their biorefractory nature, they tend to accumulate in the environment and in animal tissues. Biodegradation requires well controlled growth conditions for the indigenous microorganisms, and may take a long period to degrade these contaminants. Recently, destruction of halogenated hydrocarbons in water by means of abiotic reductive dehalogenation with zero-valent iron (ZVI) has been proved to be a promising technology.