DOI

10.5703/1288284313306

Abstract

Many of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) sites are contaminated with aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents; these contaminants often occur in the form of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) or dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). Considerable effort has recently been focused on developing in-situ technologies for removing or destroying NAPL source zones, and several potentially viable methods have emerged, including in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). ISCO has become an attractive remediation option to managers at many contaminated sites. The three oxidants that are most often applied in-situ are hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with iron catalysts, potassium permanganate (KMnO4), and ozone (O3). While each oxidant system has been field demonstrated to be effective in some instances, a clear understanding of these processes is important to the successful implementation of the technology. The primary goal of the laboratory experiments is to evaluate strategies for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the oxidants as applied to aggressive remediation of source zones containing residual saturations of NAPLs, particularly as applied at INDOT sites. Several novel approaches have been taken to reach the goals of the study. The first approach enhances the application of Fenton's reagent in soil slurry systems, resulting in a better understanding of the magnitude of non-specific oxidant losses relative to consumption by the target compounds. The second approach explores minimizing non-specific losses of the oxidant by introducing the oxidant (KMnO4) in an encapsulated form. Finally, solubility enhancers are examined to enhance the aqueous NAPL concentrations. Significant enhancements in NAPL aqueous concentration will result in corresponding enhancements of the observed oxidation rate. Based on input from INDOT staff, selected sites will be assessed for amenability to remediation via in-situ oxidation. Efforts will be made to choose sites that are representative of a broad range of INDOT needs. Assessment required travel by senior personnel to specific sites to evaluate the nature and extent of contamination. Site visits were also be made by research assistants to collect soil samples for laboratory experiments.

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2004/01

Keywords

in situ oxidation, remediation, groundwater, soil, source zone, perchloroethylene, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, SPR-2623

SPR Number

2623

Project Number

C-36-68O

File Number

4-7-15

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, IN

Date of this Version

2004

Download Free PDF

Share

COinS