Reduction of hexachlorobenzene by nanoscale zero-valent iron: Kinetics, pH effect, and degradation mechanism

▶ The rapid degradation of hexachlorobenzene by nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. ▶ Rate constants and degradation efficiencies increase with increasing temperature and NZVI dosage but decrease with increasing pH. ▶ The activation energy was determined to be 16.6 kJ mol−1. ▶ The stepwise dechlorination pathway of hexachlorobenzene with NZVI was the dominant reaction.