In situ Chemical Oxidation and Its Application to Remediation of Contaminated Soil and Groundwater

Abstract

A comprehensive review on in situ chemical oxidation, which ranks among progressive methods of remediation of contaminated ground, in particular by the removal of organic pollutants from soil and groundwater. The method is based on direct injection of an aqueous solution of the oxidant (mostly KMnO₄ or H₂O₂) into the subsurface. The main advantage of the method consists in fast destruction of organic pollutants. The method is well applicable to grounds showing high hydraulic permeability, without preferential pathways. Its main drawback is the nonselectivity of the oxidant, a significant part of which is consumed by oxidation of natural soil and groundwater components.