Metallic iron for environmental remediation: the long walk to evidence

Abstract

The science of metallic iron for environmental remediation is yet to be established. The prevailing theory of the Fe0/H2O system is characterized by its inability to fully rationalize the concept that holds up the technology. The present article demonstrates that Fe0 technology was introduced by altering the course of mainstream science and by distorting the work of corrosion scientists. The Fe0 research community is now facing the consequences of this initial “forcing”. The technology is still innovative despite two decades of commercialization.

Metallic iron for environmental remediation: A review of reviews

“…This virtually corresponds to the number of peer-reviewed articles on using Fe 0 for environmental remediation. The eight review articles considered herein have cited a total of 629 references (Table 1) and demonstrated that the large majority of individuals engaged in Fe 0 research is being working according to a false premise (Gheju and Balcu, 2011;Noubactep, 2013bNoubactep, , 2013cNoubactep, , 2013dNoubactep, , 2014bGhauch, 2015;Noubactep, 2015aNoubactep, , 2015b. This evidence must/should be a concern to all members of the Fe 0 remediation community and represents the major reason for writing to write this didactic review.…”

Appropriate technology for domestic wastewater management in under-resourced regions of the world

“…biphenyls, detergents, dyes, fertilizers, greases, hydrocarbons, oils, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, plasticizers, phenols, and surfactants) in aqua system has prompted the development of efficient, applicable, and affordable technologies, in particular, in remote, low-income communities. The use of metallic iron (Fe 0 ) beds has been demonstrated as such an appropriate technology (Ghauch 2015;Noubactep et al 2009;Litter et al 2010;Noubactep 2010a;Noubactep and Schöner 2010;Giles et al 2011;Noubactep 2013a) and design criteria presented (Noubactep and Caré 2010;Noubactep et al 2012a, b;Bilardi et al 2013a, b;Caré et al 2013;Btatkeu-K et al 2014). The suitability of Fe 0 to treat a complex mixture of micro-pollutants arises from the fact that the primary removal mechanism is not a specific one.…”

Rescuing Fe0 remediation research from its systemic flaws

“…Therefore, academic institutions, scientific societies, funding organizations, and other interested parties are encouraged to organize discussions (at regional, national and international levels) with a wide range of relevant constituencies [149]. Some discussions of this type have already begun in countries like Cameroon, Germany, India, Lebanon, Romania and Tanzania [8,55,[150][151][152][153][154][155][156][157][158][159]. However, critical actions are needed on several fronts by many parties to re-orient research on Fe 0 for water treatment.…”