Microbes team with nanoscale zero-valent iron: A robust route for degradation of recalcitrant pollutants.

• Integrating nZVI with bioprocess is highlighted for the treatment of contaminants. • Synergic interactions between the nZVI and the microbes are elucidated. • Theory and applications of the nZVI-bio system are reviewed. • Future and prospects of the integrated process are discussed. Integrating nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) with biological treatment processes holds the promise of inheriting significant advantages from both environmental nano- and bio-technologies. nZVI and microbes can perform in coalition in direct contact and act simultaneously, or be maintained in separate reactors and operated sequentially. Both modes can generate enhanced performance for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. nZVI scavenges and eliminates toxic metals, and enhances biodegradability of some recalcitrant contaminants while bioprocesses serve to mineralize organic compounds and further remove impurities from wastewater. This has been demonstrated in a number of recent works that nZVI can substantially augment the performance of conventional biological treatment for wastewaters from textile and nonferrous metal industries. Our recent laboratory and field tests show that COD of the industrial effluents can be reduced to a record-low of 50 ppm. Recent literature on the theory and applications of the nZVI-bio system is highlighted in this mini review. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]