Investigating the Effects of Treating Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Water with Green Nano Zero-Valent Iron on Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria
This study aimed to evaluate how green-synthesised nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), produced using polyphenols extracted from green tea, influences the treatment of hydrocarbon-contaminated water and the associated hydrocarbon-degrading microbial community. By comparing the performance of green nZVI with a commercially manufactured nZVI, the research sought to determine whether an environmentally benign synthesis route could provide comparable contaminant removal while supporting rather than suppressing beneficial microbial activity. The study is relevant because it addresses the need for sustainable and low-toxicity remediation technologies, offering evidence that plant-derived nZVI can balance effective petroleum hydrocarbon breakdown with the preservation of microbial processes essential for long-term ecological recovery.