Chemical reduction kinetics of nitrate in aqueous solution by Mg/Cu bimetallic particles.

Synthesized magnesium/copper (Mg/Cu) bimetallic particles have shown good potential for use in the reduction of nitrate from aqueous solutions. This study was conducted to investigate the main factors affecting the kinetics of nitrate reduction by Mg/Cu particles (<100 microm) in uncontrolled reaction conditions. The Mg/Cu bimetallic particles removed the majority of the various nitrate concentrations tested (50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mg L(-1)) within a short period. The time required for the removal of 90.6% of the NO3(-) from a 100 mg L(-1) solution was about 20 min using 2 gL(-1) bimetallic Mg/Cu at an initial solution pH of 6. The activation energy (Ea) for nitrate reduction by Mg/Cu over the temperature range of 5 to 60 degrees C was 14.21 kJ mol(-1). The experimental results of the kinetic analysis from batch studies indicated that a higher initial nitrate concentration yielded a greater reaction-rate constant and the denitrification rate increased with increase Mg/Cu dosage.