ABSTRACT
The use of zero-valent iron to reduce chlorinated hydrocarbons was first reported in patent literature by Sweeny and Fischer in 1972; however, Sweeny and Fischer never published their studies in peer reviewed journals, so their work was overlooked by the research community (Gillham and O’Hannesin, 1994). In the late 1980s, Reynolds observed that organics disappeared from the iron pipes used in his study on the corrosion of PVC and iron pipes by water contaminated with organics. Several years later, Gillham realized the potential of using the reduction ability of zero-valent iron for practical purposes and holds several patents for the application of zerovalent iron degradation of organic compounds (Wilson, 1995).
