Grantee Research Project Results
Optimizing Remediation of Trichloroethylene in Aqueous and Soil Systems Using Fenton-Like Oxidation
EPA Grant Number: U915161Title: 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: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: January 1, 1997 through January 1, 1999
Project Amount: $68,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Safer Chemicals , Fellowship - Civil Engineering
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., Scientific Discipline, PHYSICAL ASPECTS, Waste, Water, Remediation, Contaminated Sediments, Environmental Chemistry, Physics, Physical Properties, Environmental Engineering, Groundwater remediation, oxidation reduction potential, degradation, sediment treatment, soil sediment, remediation technologies, contaminated sediment, Trichloroethylene, enhanced desporption, kinetic studies, in-situ bioremediation, organics, contaminated groundwater, reactivity, Fenton's reagent, Fenton-like reductionsProgress and Final Reports:
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.