Facilitated Transport Enabled In-Situ Chemical Oxidation of 1,4-Dioxane-Contaminated Groundwater

In situ chemical oxidation ISCO is a remediation alternative for organic contaminants in groundwater. It involves the injection of oxidants, which transform contaminants into benign products within the groundwater. For ISCO to be effective, oxidants must come in contact with contaminants within the subsurface. Thus, delivery of oxidants is critical, and heterogeneity of the subsurface constrains the delivery of oxidants. This is especially the case for short-lived strong oxidants, which are required for some contaminants, such as 1,4-dioxane. This project has enhanced our ability to deliver strong oxidants by complexing them with other compounds i.e., delivery agents that facilitate the transport and improve the stability of oxidants within the subsurface. We have also successfully demonstrated methods for stabilizing and prolonging the reactivity of oxidants, including oxidant catalysis methods using oxidant mixtures and aquifer materials. Finally, we examined the potential for oxidants to oxidize and transform the delivery agents, and we have been testing methods to prolong oxidant reactivity lifetime.