Jump to main content.

Research Project Search
 Enter Search Term:
   
 NCER Advanced Search

Optimizing Remediation of Trichloroethylene in Aqueous and Soil Systems Using Fenton-Like Oxidation

EPA Grant Number: U915161
Title: Optimizing Remediation of Trichloroethylene in Aqueous and Soil Systems Using Fenton-Like Oxidation
Investigators: Weeks, Katherine R.
Institution: University of Massachusetts - Lowell
EPA Project Officer: Thompson, Delores
Project Period: January 1, 1997 through January 1, 1999
Project Amount: $68,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1997)
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Civil/Environmental Engineering , Engineering and Environmental Chemistry

Description:

Objective:

Chemical oxidation by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) catalyzed by iron is known as a Fenton-like reaction, with the stoichiometry: Fe2+ + H2O2 -> Fe3+- + .OH + OH¯. The objective of this research project is to use Fenton's reaction in aqueous and soil slurry systems using trichloroethylene (TCE) as the target contaminant, to maximize TCE degradation while minimizing H2O2 degradation. The hydroxyl radical ('OH) reacts with other substances such asTCE. The degradation of these materials is a desired outcome in soil remediation. To effectively apply this oxidation chemistry for in situ remediation, it is necessary to optimize the effectiveness and persistence of H2O2. In this laboratory study, Fenton's reaction will be observed in aqueous and soil slurry systems using TCE as the target contaminant, with the goal of maximizing TCE degradation while minimizing H2O2 degradation.

Approach:

This research is composed of two phases: aqueous kinetic studies and batch soil slurry kinetic studies. In the aqueous kinetic studies, varying concentrations of H2O2, soluble iron, and TCE were combined in distilled water to determine the optimum concentration of H2O2 to prolong its persistence in the Fenton's reaction as well as degrade TCE quickly. H2O2, pH, TCE, and iron were quantified over time. In the batch soil slurry kinetic studies, H2O2, soluble iron, and TCE were combined in a soil-water matrix, varying the soil:water ratio (mass ratio) and containing various fractions of soil organic content (Foc). The effectiveness of H2O2 in reducing TCE as well as the persistence of H2O2 were examined. H2O2, pH, TCE, and iron were quantified over time.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, soil organic content, Foc, trichloroethylene, TCE, aqueous systems, soil system, oxidation, remediation, in situ remediation, Fenton's reaction, TCE degradation. , Water, Scientific Discipline, Waste, PHYSICAL ASPECTS, Remediation, Physics, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Physical Properties, Contaminated Sediments, Groundwater remediation, Fenton-like reductions, reactivity, Trichloroethylene, degradation, kinetic studies, contaminated sediment, remediation technologies, in-situ bioremediation, TCE, enhanced desporption, contaminated groundwater, sediment treatment, organics, soil sediment, oxidation reduction potential

Top of page

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.