The mass production of Ni/Fe bimetallic composite supported by natural zeolites (Ni/Fe@Zeolite) was conducted through pilot testing to implement in-situ remediation technology for soil and groundwater contaminated by trichloroethylene (TCE). Based on the successful outcomes of labscale synthesis, a bulk-scale production process was proposed, along with optimized pre-treatment and synthesis protocols. The pilot test determined optimal conditions for the alkali treatment of zeolite for enhanced yield and appropriate storage methods to prevent the oxidation of Ni/Fe@Zeolite. The bulk-synthesized Ni/Fe@Zeolite exhibited characteristics consistent with those of the lab-synthesized material. Additionally, improved delivery efficiency and reduced aggregation of Ni/Fe@Zeolite in porous media were confirmed through the use of natural zeolite support. Batch experiments for TCE degradation showed a removal efficiency of 32.45% using bulk-synthesized Ni/Fe@Zeoite, with the well-coated nickel (Ni) on the nZVI surface facilitating reductive TCE dechlorination. The sandbox test simulating in-situ TCE degradation demonstrated a decomposition efficiency of 39.78%, indicating that bulk-produced Ni/Fe@Zeolite could effectively target TCE and achieve dechlorination to ethylene and ethane without causing pore clogging. Acute ecotoxicity tests indicated no adverse effects, highlighting the significant potential of bulk-syntheised Ni/Fe@Zeolite as an eco-friendly in-situ remedial material for TCE degradation.

Keywords: Trichloroethylene (TCE), Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), Natural zeolite, In-situ remedial material, Bulk synthesis process