John M. Harden1, Mark E. Zappi2, Rafael Hernandez3, Dr. William T. French3, and William L. Kingery4. (1) Mississippi State University, Box 9595, Mississippi State, MS 39762-9595, (2) College of Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, PO Box 44872, Lafayette, LA 70504-4872, (3) Chemical Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, (4) Dept. of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University, Box 9555, Mississippi State, MS 39762
Insitu chemical oxidation is a rapidly developing treatment technique used for remediation of contaminated aquifer systems. The process involves the application of powerful chemical oxidizers into sub-surface systems. Since soil is composed of heterogeneous chemical/physical structures, many of which are reactive, then the application of this process involves the injection of a reactive chemical(s) into a highly reactive environment. Unfortunately, little research has been directed toward the improved understanding of this reactive coupling resulting in the industry using minimal design protocol based on chemical fate mechanisms.
This presentation will summarize a series of projects oriented toward improving our understanding of the chemical reactions between soil and chemical oxidizers. Experiments were oriented toward the study of both oxidizer fate and the resulting impacts of the reactions on soil fabric. Results indicate impacts to soil permeability, soil organic structure, pollutant adsorption dynamics, and bacterial populations. Additionally, numerous site assessment and treatability techniques were developed during performance of these projects which could provide practitioners with improved technology assessment protocols during the feasibility stage of site remediation activities.