Heavy-Metal Extraction from Wastewater by Means of Iron Nanopowder

Abstract

Two methods of producing iron nanopowder that is resistant to atmospheric oxidation are considered. The properties of the nanopowder are investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Its specific surface is measured by low-temperature nitrogen absorption. The effectiveness of the iron nanopowder in the removal of heavy metals (lead, copper, and zinc) from industrial wastewater is assessed for model solutions and for wastewater from the gas-processing system in the blast-furnace shop at PAO Severstal. The concentrations of dissolved ions are determined by ion-selective potentiometry and atomic-emission spectrometry. For purposes of comparison, experiments are conducted with natural sorbents (shungite, glauconite) and artificially activated K coal.