We have developed "effervescent tablets" with an active substance based on highly reactive iron nano-particles (referred to as NZVI, from the English term "nanoscale zero-valent iron") for the purpose of rapid water purification. These tablets are easily storable and their application involves simply tossing them into contaminated water. The effervescent effect of the tablets ensures rapid action, with the tablet completely dissolving within 30 seconds, allowing the active substance to fully act throughout the entire volume of the contaminated water. Furthermore, these tablets do not contain any toxic substances and thus are environmentally friendly. The active substance naturally oxidizes into common iron oxides ("rust") in the environment, which are almost ubiquitous in the natural environment. If it becomes necessary to remove them after decontamination, a simple magnetic separation can be carried out, as the NZVI remains magnetic even after reacting in water with the contaminating substance.

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

The Advantages

Compared to conventional materials, the effervescent tablets are up to 10 times more efficient and have up to 10 times faster onset of action. Their composition makes them suitable for removing heavy metals such as chromium, copper, lead, mercury, arsenic, as well as inorganic pollutants such as sulfates, nitrates, or perchlorides, and even for remediating water contaminated with organic substances, for example, polychlorinated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, etc.

 

The use of the Effervescent Tablets

The tablets are suitable for the quick and easy cleaning of highly contaminated surface waters, wells, and similar sources. The cleaning can be performed routinely or in response to contaminations following floods, industrial accidents, or other emergencies. Therefore, they could be part of the equipment used by firefighters, or they could be utilized by environmental remediation companies for the removal of contaminations of various origins.

 

Uniqueness/Innovation

The effervescent tablets are truly unique from several perspectives: they contain highly reactive iron nano- particles, which are in themselves unique materials with significant potential for use in a wide range of environmental technologies. The effervescent effect of the tablets eliminates the need for physical intervention to disperse the reactive nano-particles in the treated volume (e.g., through mixing). Additionally, the overall composition of the tablets enhances the reactive effect of the iron nano-particles, maximizing their reactivity. The tablets are suitable for the rapid and easy cleaning of highly contaminated surface waters, wells, and the like. Cleaning can be performed routinely or, for instance, during decontamination after floods, industrial, or other accidents. Therefore, they could be part of firefighters' equipment, or they could be used by remediation companies for removing contaminations of various origins.

​

​

* European patent EP3585736A1