Metallic iron for environmental remediation: the still overlooked iron chemistry

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) containing metallic iron (Fe0) as reactive materials are currently considered as an established technology for groundwater remediation. Fe0 PRBs have been introduced by a field demonstration based on the fortuitous observation that aqueous trichloroethylenes are eliminated in Fe0-based sampling vessels. Since then, Fe0 has been tested and used for treating various biological (e.g. bacteria, viruses) and chemical (organic and inorganic) contaminants from polluted waters. There is a broad consensus on the view that “reactivity loss” and “permeability loss” are the two main problems hampering the design of sustainable Fe0 systems. However, the view that Fe0 is a reducing agent (electron donor) under environmental conditions should be regarded as a distortion of Corrosion Science. This is because it has been long established that aqueous iron corrosion is a spontaneous process and results in the Fe0 surface being shielded by an oxide scale. The multi-layered oxide scale acts as a conduction barrier for electrons from Fe0. Accordingly, “reactivity loss”, defined as reduced electron transfer to contaminants, must be revisited. On the other hand, because “stoichiometric” ratios were considered while designing the first generation of Fe0 PRBs (Fe0 as reductant), “permeability loss” should also be revisited. The aim of this communication is to clarify this issue and reconcile a proven efficient technology with its scientific roots (i.e. corrosion science).