The tortoise versus the hare - Possible advantages of microparticulate zerovalent iron (mZVI) over nanoparticulate zerovalent iron (nZVI) in aerobic degradation of contaminants

• nZVI and mZVI oxidize a simple target contaminant at similar rates.
• Passivating layers of lepidocrocite form on nZVI while ferrihydrite forms on mCDI.
• Ferrihydrite at mZVI surface is critical to co-location of contaminant and oxidant.
• Rapid rate of reaction of nZVI with water lowers its efficiency as an oxidant.