Abiotic Trichloroethylene (and Carbon Tetrachloride) Reduction by Meta-Stable Mineral Phases

The objective of this project was to examine the formation of meta-stable reactive species under realistic groundwater scenarios, including the addition of precursor materials that have been reported to enhance abiotic degradation (e.g., magnetite, sulfate, ferrous iron, lactate). By conducting a matrix of experiments varying carbon source (lactate), carbonate concentration, magnetite mineral addition, as well as aqueous ferrous iron and sulfate addition, it was hoped that the factors controlling abiotic degradation could be isolated and quantified.