Nanoscale zero-valent iron composites for uranium-contaminated water treatment and environmental remediation: a review

With the development of nuclear power and the nuclear industry, some uranium-containing wastewater will inevitably be released into the environment, which poses a threat to human health and the environment. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and its composites can be used to treat uranium-contaminated water because of its large specific surface area, many active centres and high adsorption capacity. This review proposed a matrix loaded zero-valent iron, including bimetals, inorganic materials, carbon materials, and organic and porous framework materials. The latest research progress of various nZVI-based composites in removing uranium from aqueous solutions was reviewed. A detailed introduction to the preparation methods, removal mechanisms, and environmental factors affecting the removal performance of nZVI and its composite materials was provided. The advantages and disadvantages of nZVI and its composite materials for uranium removal were analyzed, and loading methods conducive to solving the dispersion and agglomeration problems of nZVI were emphasized. Finally, the application prospects of nZVI and its composites in the remediation of uranium-contaminated water were briefly proposed, and the application prospects in environmental remediation were discussed. With the development of nuclear power and the nuclear industry, some uranium-containing wastewater will inevitably be released into the environment, which poses a threat to human health and the environment.