Reduction of nitrobenzene in aqueous and soil phases using carboxymethyl cellulose stabilized zero-valent iron nanoparticles

•CMC-stabilized ZVI nanoparticles degrade NB 3.7 times faster than bare ZVIs.•Stabilized ZVI nanoparticles are most effective in converting NB into nitrosobenzene.•DOM at high concentrations (>10mg/L) mainly inhibits conversion of intermediates.•Higher pH favors NB reduction due to much reduced precipitation of iron (hydr)oxides.•Stabilized ZVI can completely degrade soil-sorbed NB despite sorption hysteresis.