A novel hybrid nano zerovalent iron initiated oxidation – Biological degradation approach for remediation of recalcitrant waste metalworking fluids

Disposal of operationally exhausted metal working fluids (MWF) through a biological route is an attractive option, since it is effective with relatively low energy demands. However, it is enormously challenging since these fluids are chemically complex, including the addition of toxic biocides which are added specifically to retard bio-deterioration whilst the fluids are operational. Nano-sized elemental iron represents a new generation of environmental remediation technologies. Laboratory scale batch studies were performed to test the degradation ability of a semi-synthetic metalworking fluid (MWF) wastewater (which was found to be resistant to initial bacterial treatment in specifically established bioreactors) by employing a novel hybrid approach. The approach was to combine the synergistic effects of nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) induced oxidation, followed by biodegradation, specifically for the remediation of recalcitrant components of MWF effluent. Addition of nZVI particles to oxygenated wastewater resulted in oxidation of organic contaminants present. Our studies confirmed 78% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) by nZVI oxidation at pH 3.0 and 67% reduction in neutral pH (7.5), and 85% concurrent reduction in toxicity. Importantly, this low toxicity made the nZVI treated effluent more amenable for a second stage biological oxidation step. An overall COD reduction of 95.5% was achieved by the novel combined treatment described, demonstrating that nZVI oxidation can be exploited for enhancing the biodegradability of a recalcitrant wastewater in treatment processes.

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► Novel treatment process for waste metalworking fluid using nano zerovalent iron.
► 78% and 85% reduction in COD and toxicity was achieved by ZVI pre-treatment.
► 95% COD reduction noticed after second stage biological degradation.
► ZVI could be recycled and reused for subsequent treatments.
► Sustainable economical treatment option.