In Situ Chemical Oxidation Initiative
Abstract
The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) are designed to develop and transition innovative research and technology to help the Department of Defense (DoD) perform its mission in several environmental thrust areas. Environmental cleanup is one of these thrust areas. While DoD facilities may have several contaminants, chlorinated solvents are by far the most prevalent. These compounds, which collectively may be categorized as chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs), continue to be difficult to remediate, despite several years of research and development. Cleanup is particularly difficult at sites containing CAH as dense nonaqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) where the DNAPL serves as a continuing long-term source of dissolved-phase groundwater contamination. In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) has been rapidly adopted as a remediation technology for CAHs, and more recently for DNAPL source zones. This report reviews the technical basis for funding priorities, highlights the scope and objectives of the individual projects, and summarizes their progress in advancing the understanding of key ISCO issues. ISCO involves injection of strong oxidants into the contaminated subsurface, in some cases with other chemicals that function as catalysts. The oxidants chemically break down CAHs upon contact to inert materials such as carbon dioxide, chloride and water. Chloroethenes are particularly susceptible to chemical oxidation. Several oxidants have been tried, but most commercial applications have used either hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate in the saturated zone and either hydrogen peroxide or ozone for the vadose zone.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA511715
Entities
Organizations
- Environmental Security Technology Certification Program