Oxidation of chlorinated ethenes by potassium permanganate: a kinetics study

Advanced electrocatalytic redox processes for environmental remediation of halogenated organic water pollutants

Halogenated organic compounds are widespread, and decades of heavy use have resulted in global bioaccumulation and contamination of the environment, including water sources. Here, we introduce the most common halogenated organic water pollutants, their classification by type of halogen (fluorine, chlorine, or bromine), important policies and regulations, main applications, and environmental and human health risks. Remediation techniques are outlined with particular emphasis on carbon-halogen bond strengths. Aqueous advanced redox processes are discussed, highlighting mechanistic details, including electrochemical oxidations and reductions of the water-oxygen system, and thermodynamic potentials, protonation states, and lifetimes of radicals and reactive oxygen species in aqueous electrolytes at different pH conditions. The state of the art of aqueous advanced redox processes for brominated, chlorinated, and fluorinated organic compounds is presented, along with reported mechanisms for aqueous destruction of select PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Future research directions for aqueous electrocatalytic destruction of organohalogens are identified, emphasizing the crucial need for developing a quantitative mechanistic understanding of degradation pathways, the improvement of analytical detection methods for organohalogens and transient species during advanced redox processes, and the development of new catalysts and processes that are globally scalable.

Release efficiencies of potassium permanganate controlled-release biodegradable polymer (CRBP) pellets embedded in polyvinyl acetate (CRBP-PVAc) and polyethylene oxide (CRBP- PEO) for groundwater treatment

In-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is a commonly used method for the remediation of environmental contaminants in groundwater systems. However, traditional ISCO methods are associated with several limitations, including safety and handling concerns, rebound of groundwater contaminants, and difficulty in reaching all areas of contamination. To overcome these limitations, novel Controlled-Release Biodegradable Polymer (CRBP) pellets containing the oxidant KMnO₄ were designed and tested. The CRBP pellets were encapsulated in Polyvinyl Acetate (CRBP-PVAc) and Polyethylene Oxide (CRBP-PEO) at different weight percentages, baking temperatures, and time. Their release efficiency was tested in water, soil, and water and soil mixture media. Results showed that CRBP-PVAc pellets with 60 % KMnO₄ and baked at 120 °C for 2 min had the highest release percentage and rate across different conditions tested. Natural organic matter was also found to be an important factor to consider for in-field applications due to its potential reducing effect with Mn O 4 - . Overall, the use of CRBP pellets offers an innovative and sustainable solution to remediate contaminated groundwater systems, with the potential to overcome traditional ISCO limitations. These findings suggest that CRBP pellets could provide sustained and controlled release of the oxidant, reducing the need for multiple injections and minimizing safety and handling concerns. This study represents an important step towards developing a new and effective approach for ISCO remediation.

Permanganate Oxidation of Organic Contaminants and Model Compounds

Permanganate oxidation is an attractive environmental remediation strategy due to its low cost, ease of use, and wide range in reactivity. Here, permanganate reactivity trends are investigated for model organic compounds and organic contaminants. Second-order permanganate reaction rate constants were compiled for 215 compounds from 82 references (journal articles, conference proceedings, master's theses, and dissertations). Additionally, we validated some phenol rate constants and contribute a few additional phenol rate constants. Commonalities between contaminant oxidation products are also discussed, and we tentatively identify several model compound oxidation products. Aromatic rings, alcohols, and ether groups had low reaction rate constants with permanganate. Alkene reaction sites had the highest reaction rate constants, followed by phenols, anilines, and benzylic carbon-hydrogen bonds. Generally, permanganate reactivity follows electrophilic substitution trends at the reaction site where electron donating groups increase the rate of reaction, while electron withdrawing groups decrease the rate of reaction. Solution conditions, specifically, buffer type and concentration, may impact the rate of reaction, which could be due to either an ionic strength effect or the buffer ions acting as ligands. The impact of these solution conditions, unfortunately, precludes the development of a quantitative structure-activity relationship for permanganate reaction rate constants with the currently available data. We note that critical experimental details are often missing in the literature, which posed a challenge when comparing rate constants between studies. Future research directions on permanganate oxidation should seek to improve our understanding of buffer effects and to identify oxidation products for model compounds so that extrapolations can be made to more complex contaminant structures.

Quantitative analysis of dominant mechanisms in improving fluid sweeping uniformity in a layered heterogeneous system via xanthan gum addition

Although it has been proven that the addition of shear-thinning polymers can lead to an improvement in the sweeping efficiency of the remedial agent in heterogeneous aquifers, the related mechanisms require further investigation. This study revealed the mechanisms associated with the improvement of fluid sweeping uniformity. Under the assumption of no transverse flow existed between layers, the variation patterns of the fluid sweeping uniformity in strip layered heterogeneous media (R_P/R_K) with the change of the fluid hydraulic conductivity were investigated. The outcomes showed that, for the hydraulic conductivity dominated fluid sweeping uniformity control, the performance was satisfactory only when the ratio of the hydraulic conductivities of viscous fluid in porous media (PM) layers (K_1P/K_2P) is less than 2.5 times that of pure oxidant solution (K_1K/K_2K), and PM combinations with higher permeability contrast usually present a wider applicability and better performance. In addition, transverse fluid movement was more likely to occur in layers with low permeability contrasts (2.3-5) than in those with relatively higher permeability contrasts (> 11). The observed transverse pressure difference directly confirmed the hypothesis of the dynamics of the cross-flow mechanism that existed during viscous fluid flow, and the relationships between the fluid fronts and the pressure head difference at each point (Px) were proposed. Our study exemplifies an effective strategy for determining the most economically effective co-injection concentration of xanthan to achieve highly efficient delivery of remedial agents.

Photoreductive degradation of CCl4 by UV-Na2SO3: influence of various factors, mechanism and application

Due to the strong electron-withdrawing nature of Cl atom in CCl₄, CCl₄ could not readily be degraded by oxidation process. In the present study, aqueous electron (e_aq ^-), a powerful reducing agent generated in UV-Na₂SO₃ system, was applied to reductively degradation of CCl₄. The effects of several crucial factors (e.g. Na₂SO₃ concentration, solution pH, inorganic ions and NOM) on CCl₄ degradation as well as degradation mechanism and pathway were systematically investigated. Results indicated that CCl₄ was efficiently degraded in UV-Na₂SO₃ system and the process could be well described by pseudo-first order kinetic model. The degradation rate increased with the elevated Na₂SO₃ concentration (0-10 mmol/L) and solution pH (6.0-8.0), while remained approximately constant in alkaline conditions (pH = 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0). Nevertheless, O₂, inorganic ions and NOM exerted a negative effect on CCl₄ degradation and the removal efficiency of CCl₄ in groundwater was only 31.7%. Mechanistic study implied that degradation of CCl₄ was primarily induced by e_aq ^-. CCl₄ (10 mg/L) was almost completely dechlorinated within 60 min and the predominant intermediate products were CHCl₃, C₂Cl₄ and C₂HCl₃. CHCl₃ and CH₂Cl₂ were also rapidly degraded in the UV-Na₂SO₃ system.

Electrokinetics applied in remediation of subsurface soil contaminated with chlorinated ethenes - A review

Electrokinetics is being applied in combination with common insituremediation technologies, e.g. permeable reactive barriers, bioremediation and in-situ chemical oxidation, to overcome experienced limitations in remediation of chlorinated ethenes in low-permeable subsurface soils. The purpose of this review is to evaluate state-of-theart for identification of major knowledge gaps to obtain robust and successful field-implementations. Some of the major knowledge gaps include the behavior and influence of induced transient changes in soil systems, transport velocities of chlorinated ethenes, and significance of site-specific parameters on transport velocities, e.g. heterogeneous soils and hydrogeochemistry. Furthermore, the various ways of reporting voltage distribution and transport rates complicate the comparison of transport velocities across studies. It was found, that for the combined EK-techniques, it is important to control the pH and redox changes caused by electrolysis for steady transport, uniform distribution of the electric field etc. Specifically for electrokinetically enhanced bioremediation, delivery of lactate and biodegrading bacteria is of the same order of magnitude. This review shows that enhancement of remediation technologies can be achieved by electrokinetics, but major knowledge gaps must be examined to mature EK as robust methods for successful remediation of chlorinated ethene contaminated sites.

Removal of cyanotoxins by potassium permanganate: Incorporating competition from natural water constituents

In recent years, harmful algal blooms capable of producing toxins including microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, and saxitoxin have increased in occurrence and severity. These toxins can enter drinking water treatment plants and, if not effectively removed, pose a serious threat to human health. The work here investigated the efficacy of permanganate oxidation as a treatment strategy, with a focus on incorporating competition by cyanobacterial cells and dissolved organic matter (DOM). We report rate constants of 272 ± 23 M^-1 s^-1 for the reaction between permanganate and microcystin-LR, 0.26 ± 0.05 M^-1 s^-1 for the reaction between permanganate and cylindrospermopsin, and, using chemical analogs, estimate a maximum rate constant of 2.7 ± 0.2 M^-1 s^-1 for the reaction between permanganate and saxitoxin. We conclude that permanganate only shows potential to remove microcystins. No pH (6-10) or alkalinity (0-50 mM) dependence was observed for the rate of reaction between microcystin-LR and permanganate; however, a temperature dependence was observed and can be characterized by an activation energy of 16 ± 5 kJ mol^-1. The competition posed by cyanobacterial cells was quantified by an apparent second order rate constant of 2.5 ± 0.3 × 10^-6 L μg chl-a^-1 s^-1. From this apparent second order rate constant, it was concluded that cyanobacterial cells are not efficient scavengers of permanganate within typical contact times but this second order rate constant can be used to accurately predict microcystin degradation in algal-impacted waters. The competition posed by DOM depended on both the amount of DOM present (as measured by TOC) and its electron donating capacity (as predicted by SUVA-254 or E2/E3 ratio). DOM was concluded to scavenge permanganate efficiently and we forward that this should be considered in permanganate dosing calculations.

Oxidation of Microcystins by Permanganate: pH and Temperature-Dependent Kinetics, Effect of DOM Characteristics, and Oxidation Mechanism Revisited

Oxidative degradation of six representative microcystins (MCs) (MC-RR, -LR, -YR, -LF, -LW, and -LA) by potassium permanganate (KMnO₄; Mn(VII)) was investigated, focusing on the temperature- and pH-dependent reaction kinetics, the effect of dissolved organic matter (DOM), and the oxidation mechanisms. Second-order rate constants for the reactions of the six MCs with Mn(VII) ( k_Mn(VII),MC) were determined to be 160.4-520.1 M^-1 s^-1 (MC-RR > -LR ≈ -YR > -LF ≈ -LW > -LA) at pH 7.2 and 21 °C. The k_Mn(VII),MC values exhibited activation energies ranging from 15.1 to 22.4 kJ mol^-1. With increasing pH from 2 to 11, the k_Mn(VII),MC values decreased until pH 5, and plateaued over the pH range of 5-11, except for that of MC-YR (which increased at pH > 8). Species-specific second-order rate constants were calculated using predicted p K_a values of MCs. The oxidation of MCs in natural waters was accurately predicted by the kinetic model using k_Mn(VII),MC and Mn(VII) exposure (∫[Mn(VII)]dt) values. Among different characteristics of DOM in natural waters, UV₂₅₄, SUVA₂₅₄, and the abundance of humic-like substances characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy exhibited good correlation with ∫[Mn(VII)]dt. A thorough product study of MC-LR oxidation by Mn(VII) was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Resolving Discrepancy between Theory and Experiment in 4-Nitrotoluene Oxidation

We have performed calculations of possible oxidation pathways of 4-nitrotoluene (4NT) by permanganate anion and evaluated relative contributions of oxidation of the methyl group and aromatic ring. Although a few theory levels matched the experimental results obtained by compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) for 4NT, they failed in reproducing results for other nitrotoluene derivatives studied previously [Wijker, R.S.; Adamczyk, P.; Bolotin, J.; Paneth, P.; Hofstetter, T.B. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2013, 47, 13459-13468]. This discrepancy prompted us to reevaluate the experimental isotopic fractionation of carbon and hydrogen for 4NT on which the relative contributions of the oxidation channels has been based. Using position specific isotope analysis (PSIA) for hydrogen isotopic fractionation we have found that the previously determined value was incorrect. Reexamination of theory levels that are in agreement with these new findings indicated that while a better agreement for this particular case can be reached, overall, the previously used B3LYP functional expressed in the 6-31+G(d,p) basis set with inclusion of the polarized continuum model (PCM) of aqueous solution remains the theoretical level of choice in modeling oxidation of nitrotoluene derivatives by permanganate.

The principle and effect of transfer agent for the removal of PCE during in situ chemical oxidation

Viscosity remedial technology, which uses a water-soluble polymer mixed with remedial fluids, has been introduced in recent years to improve the removal efficacy of perchloroethylene/tetrachloroethylene (PCE) by improving oxidant coverage (i.e. sweep efficiency). Xanthan gum and hydrolysed polyacrylamide (HPAM) are relatively stable with time and temperature and possess salt and oxidation resistance, indicating that they may be good flooding agents (the former is better than the latter in this work). In this work, we quantified the polymer directly improved oxidation of PCE during transport by using a two-dimensional flow tank. Using a low pore volume (≤3.0), the removal rate of the PCE increased with the polymer concentration before stabilizing at approximately 93.00 and 88.30% for xanthan and HPAM, respectively. In this work, over 80% of PCE was removed via less than 3.0 PV of the SDS solution, whereas complete removal (100%) was achieved with less than 3.0 PV of SDS foam. Furthermore, the new experimental discoveries demonstrate that xanthan is better than HPAM and SDS foam is a better remediation agent than the SDS solution for removing PCE. Graphical abstract (Reaction device, A - inlet device (pump 1#), B - 2D tank, C - outflow device (pump 2#), D - data recording and processing device, E - microscopic expression, E (a) - KMnO₄ flushing, E (b) - polymer solution flushing).

Analytical model for the design of in situ horizontal permeable reactive barriers (HPRBs) for the mitigation of chlorinated solvent vapors in the unsaturated zone

In this work we introduce a 1-D analytical solution that can be used for the design of horizontal permeable reactive barriers (HPRBs) as a vapor mitigation system at sites contaminated by chlorinated solvents. The developed model incorporates a transient diffusion-dominated transport with a second-order reaction rate constant. Furthermore, the model accounts for the HPRB lifetime as a function of the oxidant consumption by reaction with upward vapors and its progressive dissolution and leaching by infiltrating water. Simulation results by this new model closely replicate previous lab-scale tests carried out on trichloroethylene (TCE) using a HPRB containing a mixture of potassium permanganate, water and sand. In view of field applications, design criteria, in terms of the minimum HPRB thickness required to attenuate vapors at acceptable risk-based levels and the expected HPRB lifetime, are determined from site-specific conditions such as vapor source concentration, water infiltration rate and HPRB mixture. The results clearly show the field-scale feasibility of this alternative vapor mitigation system for the treatment of chlorinated solvents. Depending on the oxidation kinetic of the target contaminant, a 1m thick HPRB can ensure an attenuation of vapor concentrations of orders of magnitude up to 20years, even for vapor source concentrations up to 10g/m³. A demonstrative application for representative contaminated site conditions also shows the feasibility of this mitigation system from an economical point of view with capital costs potentially somewhat lower than those of other remediation options, such as soil vapor extraction systems. Overall, based on the experimental and theoretical evaluation thus far, field-scale tests are warranted to verify the potential and cost-effectiveness of HPRBs for vapor mitigation control under various conditions of application.

Degradation of chlorinated organic solvents in aqueous percarbonate system using zeolite supported nano zero valent iron (Z-nZVI) composite

Chlorinated organic solvents (COSs) are extensively detected in contaminated soil and groundwater that pose long-term threats to human life and environment. In order to degrade COSs effectively, a novel catalytic composite of natural zeolite-supported nano zero valent iron (Z-nZVI) was synthesized in this study. The performance of Z-nZVI-catalyzed sodium percarbonate (SPC) in a heterogeneous Fenton-like system was investigated for the degradation of COSs such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) and trichloroethylene (TCE). The surface characteristics and morphology of the Z-nZVI composite were tested using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Total pore volume, specific surface area, and pore size of the natural zeolite and the Z-nZVI composite were measured using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. SEM and TEM analysis showed significant elimination of aggregation and well dispersion of iron nano particles on the framework of natural zeolite. The BET N2 measurement analysis indicated that the surface area of the Z-nZVI composite was 72.3 m(2)/g, much larger than that of the natural zeolite (0.61 m(2)/g). For the contaminant analysis, the samples were extracted with n-hexane and analyzed through gas chromatograph. The degradation of 1,1,1-TCA and TCE in the Z-nZVI-catalyzed percarbonate system were 48 and 39 % respectively, while strong augmentation was observed up to 83 and 99 %, respectively, by adding the reducing agent (RA), hydroxyl amine (NH2OH•HCl). Probe tests validated the presence of OH(●) and O2 (●-) which were responsible for 1,1,1-TCA and TCE degradation, whereas both free radicals were strengthened with the addition of RA. In conclusion, the Z-nZVI/SPC oxidation with reducing agent shows potential technique for degradation of groundwater contaminated by 1,1,1-TCA and TCE.

Injectable silica-permanganate gel as a slow-release MnO4(-) source for groundwater remediation: rheological properties and release dynamics

Injectable slow-release permanganate gels (ISRPGs), formed by mixing aqueous KMnO4 solution with fumed silica powders, may have potential applications in remediating chlorinated solvent plumes in groundwater. A series of batch, column, and two-dimensional (2-D) flow cell experiments has been completed to characterize the ISRPG and study the release of permanganate (MnO4(-)) under a variety of conditions. The experiments have provided information on ISRPG rheology, MnO4(-) release dynamics and distribution in porous media, and trichloroethene (TCE) destruction by the ISRPG-released oxidant. The gel possesses shear thinning characteristics, resulting in a relatively low viscosity during mixing, and facilitating subsurface injection and distribution. Batch tests clearly showed that MnO4(-) diffused out from the ISRPG into water. During this process, the gel did not dissolve or disperse into water, but rather maintained its initial shape. Column experiments demonstrated that MnO4(-) release from the ISRPG lasted considerably longer than that from an aqueous solution. In addition, due to the longer release duration, TCE destruction by ISRPG-released MnO4(-) was considerably more effective than that when MnO4(-) was delivered using aqueous solution injection. In the 2-D flow cell experiments, it was demonstrated that ISRPGs released a long-lasting, low-concentration MnO4(-) plume potentially sufficient for sustainable remediation in aquifers.

Recyclable Capture and Destruction of Aqueous Micropollutants Using the Molecule-Specific Cavity of Cyclodextrin Polymer Coupled with KMnO4 Oxidation

The removal of aqueous micropollutants remains challenging because of the interference of natural water constituents that are typically 3-9 orders of magnitude more concentrated. Cyclodextrins, which feature molecular recognition and are widely applied in separation and catalysis, are promising materials in the development of pollutant treatment technologies. Here, we described the facile integration of cyclodextrin polymer (CDP) adsorption and KMnO4 oxidation for recyclable capture and destruction of aqueous micropollutants (i.e., antibiotics and TBBPA). CDP exhibited adsorption efficiencies of 0.81-88% and 0.81-94% toward 14 pollutants at 50.0 ng/L and 50.0 μg/L, respectively, at a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:1250. The presence of simulated or natural water constituents (e.g., Mg(2+), Ca(2+), DOC, and a combination thereof) did not decrease the adsorption potential of CDP toward these pollutants because the pollutants, based on molecular specificity, were entrapped in the CD cavity. Subsequent KMnO4 oxidation completely degraded the retained pollutants, demonstrating that the pollutants could be broken down in the cavity. Pristine CDP was rearranged into the structurally loose composites that featured a porous CDP architecture with uniform embedment of δ-MnO2 nanoparticles and different adsorption efficiencies. δ-MnO2 loading was a linear function of the number of times the integrated procedure was repeated, underlying the accurate control of CDP recycling. Thus, this approach may represent a new method for the removal of aqueous micropollutants.

Perchloroethylene (PCE) oxidation by percarbonate in Fe(2+)-catalyzed aqueous solution: PCE performance and its removal mechanism

The performance of Fe(2+)-catalyzed sodium percarbonate (SPC) stimulating the oxidation of perchloroethylene (PCE) in groundwater remediation was investigated. The experimental results showed that PCE could be completely oxidized in 5 min at 20 °C with a Fe(2+)/SPC/PCE molar ratio of 8/8/1, indicating the effectiveness of Fe(2+)-catalyzed SPC oxidation for PCE degradation. Fe(2+)-catalyzed SPC oxidation was suitable for the nearly neutral pH condition, which was superior to the conventional Fenton oxidation in acidic condition. In addition, the investigations by using hydroxyl radical scavengers and free radical probe compounds elucidated that PCE was degraded mainly by hydroxyl radical (HO) oxidation in Fe(2+)/SPC system. In conclusion, Fe(2+)-catalyzed SPC oxidation is a highly promising technique for PCE-contaminated groundwater remediation, but more complex constituents in groundwater should be carefully considered for its practical application.

Application of a Persistent Dissolved-phase Reactive Treatment Zone for Mitigation of Mass Discharge from Sources Located in Lower-Permeability Sediments

The purpose of this study is to examine the development and effectiveness of a persistent dissolved-phase treatment zone, created by injecting potassium permanganate solution, for mitigating discharge of contaminant from a source zone located in a relatively deep, low-permeability formation. A localized 1,1-dichloroethene (DCE) source zone comprising dissolved- and sorbed-phase mass is present in lower permeability strata adjacent to a sand/gravel unit in a section of the Tucson International Airport Area (TIAA) Superfund Site. The results of bench-scale studies conducted using core material collected from boreholes drilled at the site indicated that natural oxidant demand was low, which would promote permanganate persistence. The reactive zone was created by injecting a permanganate solution into multiple wells screened across the interface between the lower-permeability and higher-permeability units. The site has been monitored for nine years to characterize the spatial distribution of DCE and permanganate. Permanganate continues to persist at the site, and a substantial and sustained decrease in DCE concentrations in groundwater has occurred after the permanganate injection.. These results demonstrate successful creation of a long-term, dissolved-phase reactive-treatment zone that reduced mass discharge from the source. This project illustrates the application of in-situ chemical oxidation as a persistent dissolved-phase reactive-treatment system for lower-permeability source zones, which appears to effectively mitigate persistent mass discharge into groundwater.

In situ chemical oxidation of contaminated groundwater by persulfate: decomposition by Fe(III)- and Mn(IV)-containing oxides and aquifer materials

Persulfate (S2O8(2-)) is being used increasingly for in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) of organic contaminants in groundwater, despite an incomplete understanding of the mechanism through which it is converted into reactive species. In particular, the decomposition of persulfate by naturally occurring mineral surfaces has not been studied in detail. To gain insight into the reaction rates and mechanism of persulfate decomposition in the subsurface, and to identify possible approaches for improving its efficacy, the decomposition of persulfate was investigated in the presence of pure metal oxides, clays, and representative aquifer solids collected from field sites in the presence and absence of benzene. Under conditions typical of groundwater, Fe(III)- and Mn(IV)-oxides catalytically converted persulfate into sulfate radical (SO4(•-)) and hydroxyl radical (HO(•)) over time scales of several weeks at rates that were 2-20 times faster than those observed in metal-free systems. Amorphous ferrihydrite was the most reactive iron mineral with respect to persulfate decomposition, with reaction rates proportional to solid mass and surface area. As a result of radical chain reactions, the rate of persulfate decomposition increased by as much as 100 times when benzene concentrations exceeded 0.1 mM. Due to its relatively slow rate of decomposition in the subsurface, it can be advantageous to inject persulfate into groundwater, allowing it to migrate to zones of low hydraulic conductivity where clays, metal oxides, and contaminants will accelerate its conversion into reactive oxidants.

Development and characterization of colloidal silica-based slow-release permanganate gel (SRP-G): laboratory investigations

Slow-release permanganate (MnO4(-)) gel (SRP-G) is a hyper-saline KMnO4 solution that can be used for treating large, dilute, or deep plumes of chlorinated solvents in groundwater. Ideally, the SRP-G injected into aquifers will slowly gelate to form MnO4(-) gel in situ, and the gel will slowly releases MnO4(-). Objectives of this study were to develop SRP-G using colloidal silica as gelling solution, characterize its gelation and release kinetics, and delineate its dynamics in a saturated sandy media. The SRP-G exhibited a two-phase increase in viscosity: a lag phase characterized by little increase in viscosity followed by a short gelation phase. Gelation lag times of SRP-G solutions increased (from 0.5h to 13d) with decreasing KMnO4 concentrations (from 25 to 8 g L(-1)). Permanganate release from gelated SRP-G increased with increasing KMnO4 concentrations, and was characterized as asymptotic release with initial peak (0.9-2.2 mg min(-1)) followed by more attenuated release. Gelation lag times of SRP-G flowing in sands (linear velocity=2.1md(-1)) increased (1, 3, and 6h) with decreasing KMnO4 concentrations (25.0, 23.0, and 22.9 g L(-1)). Permanganate release from gelated SRP-Gs continued for up to 3d and was characterized as asymptotic release with an initial peak release (∼1.2 g min(-1)) followed by more attenuated release over 70h. Dilution of SRP-G by dispersion in porous media affects gelation and release kinetics. Increasing the silica concentration in the SRP-G may facilitate gelation and extend the duration of MnO4(-) release from emplaced SRP-G in porous media.

Evaluation of the kinetic oxidation of aqueous volatile organic compounds by permanganate

The use of permanganate solutions for in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is a well-established groundwater remediation technology, particularly for targeting chlorinated ethenes. The kinetics of oxidation reactions is an important ISCO remediation design aspect that affects the efficiency and oxidant persistence. The overall rate of the ISCO reaction between oxidant and contaminant is typically described using a second-order kinetic model while the second-order rate constant is determined experimentally by means of a pseudo first order approach. However, earlier studies of chlorinated hydrocarbons have yielded a wide range of values for the second-order rate constants. Also, there is limited insight in the kinetics of permanganate reactions with fuel-derived groundwater contaminants such as toluene and ethanol. In this study, batch experiments were carried out to investigate and compare the oxidation kinetics of aqueous trichloroethylene (TCE), ethanol, and toluene in an aqueous potassium permanganate solution. The overall second-order rate constants were determined directly by fitting a second-order model to the data, instead of typically using the pseudo-first-order approach. The second-order reaction rate constants (M(-1) s(-1)) for TCE, toluene, and ethanol were 8.0×10(-1), 2.5×10(-4), and 6.5×10(-4), respectively. Results showed that the inappropriate use of the pseudo-first-order approach in several previous studies produced biased estimates of the second-order rate constants. In our study, this error was expressed as a function of the extent (P/N) in which the reactant concentrations deviated from the stoichiometric ratio of each oxidation reaction. The error associated with the inappropriate use of the pseudo-first-order approach is negatively correlated with the P/N ratio and reached up to 25% of the estimated second-order rate constant in some previous studies of TCE oxidation. Based on our results, a similar relation is valid for the other volatile organic compounds studied.

Trichloroethylene oxidation performance in sodium percarbonate (SPC)/Fe2+ system

In this study, in-situ chemical oxidation technique employing Fe(II) catalytic sodium percarbonate (SPC) to stimulate the oxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE) in contaminated groundwater remediation was investigated. The effects of various factors including the SPC/TCE/Fe2+ molar ratio, the initial solution pH and the widely found constituents in groundwater matrix such as Cl(-), HCO3(-), SO4(2-) and NO3(-) anions and natural organic matters were evaluated. The experimental results showed that TCE could be completely oxidized in 5 min at 20 degrees C with a SPC/TCE/Fe2+ molar ratio of 5:1:10, indicating the significant effectiveness of the SPC/Fe2+ system for TCE removal. The initial solution pH value (from 3 to 11) has less influence on TCE oxidation rate. In contrast, Cl(-) and HCO3(-) anions had a negative effect on TCE removal in which HCO3(-) possesses a stronger influence than Cl(-), whereas the effects of both SO4(2-) and NO3(-) anions appeared to be negligible. With the 1.0-10 mg/L concentrations of humic acid in solution, slightly inhibitive effect was observed, suggesting that dissolved organic matters consumed less SPC and had a negligible effect on the oxidation of TCE in SPC/Fe2+ system. From the intermediate products' analyses and the released Cl(-) contents from TCE parent contaminant in solution, all the decomposed TCE had completely dechlorinated and led to carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon. In conclusion, Fe(II) catalytic SPC oxidation is a highly promising technique for TCE-contaminated groundwater remediation, but some complex constituents such as HCO3(-), in in-situ groundwater matrix should be carefully considered for its practical application.

Permanganate gel (PG) for groundwater remediation: compatibility, gelation, and release characteristics

Permanganate (MnO4(-)) is a strong oxidant that is widely used for treating chlorinated ethylenes in groundwater. This study aims to develop hyper-saline MnO4(-) solution (MnO4(-) gel; PG) that can be injected into aquifers via wells, slowly gelates over time, and slowly release MnO4(-) to flowing water. In this study, compatibility and miscibility of gels, such as chitosan, aluminosilicate, silicate, and colloidal silica gels, with MnO4(-) were tested. Of these gels, chitosan was reactive with MnO4(-). Aluminosilicates were compatible but not readily miscible with MnO4(-). Silicates and colloidal silica were both compatible and miscible with MnO4(-), and gelated with addition of KMnO4 granules. Colloidal silica has low initial viscosity (<15cP), exhibited delayed gelation characteristics with the lag times ranging from 0 to 200min. Release of MnO4(-) from the colloidal silica-based PG gel occurred in a delayed fashion, with maximum duration of 24h. These results suggested that colloidal silica can be used to create PG or delayed-gelling forms containing other oxidants which can be used for groundwater remediation.

Mathematical simulation of chlorinated ethene concentration rebound after in situ chemical oxidation

Permanganates have been used for in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) projects since the 1990s. Unfortunately, there has been very little research performed on the phenomenon of concentration rebound after ISCO. Most research on ISCO has focused on demonstrating effectiveness, estimating kinetics, or quantifying the effects of reaction products. Only one study has demonstrated that a correlation between concentration rebound and hydrogeological parameters exists. Our study uses a numerical solution to an advection-dispersion-reaction equation to quantify a correlation between the rate of concentration rebound and molecular diffusivity in pure water. It accomplishes this by simulating a variety of sites contaminated with chlorinated ethenes that also had an ISCO with permanganate. Each simulation included advection, two-dimensional dispersion, oxidation, concentration rebound, natural oxidant demand, and retardation. Five sites were suitable for simulation and eight cells were delineated within the five sites. These cells allowed for a variety of soils, contaminants, injection methods (i.e. frequency, depth, mass of oxidant, duration, etc…), time scales, spatial scales, and hydrogeological variables to be examined. A robust correlation (R(2) = 0.92) was identified with a regression analysis between the molecular diffusion coefficient in pure water and the rate of concentration rebound.

Degradation of progestagens by oxidation with potassium permanganate in wastewater effluents

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the oxidation of selected progestagenic steroid hormones by potassium permanganate at pH 6.0 and 8.0 in ultrapure water and wastewater effluents, using bench-scale assays. Second order rate constants for the reaction of potassium permanganate with progestagens (levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, norethindrone and progesterone) was determined as a function of pH, presence of natural organic matter and temperature. This work also illustrates the advantages of using a novel analytical method, the laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD-APCI) interface coupled to tandem mass spectrometry apparatus, allowing for the quick determination of oxidation rate constants and increasing sample throughput.

RESULTS

The second-order rate constants for progestagens with permanganate determined in bench-scale experiments ranged from 23 to 368 M(-1) sec(-1) in both wastewater and ultrapure waters with pH values of 6.0 and 8.0. Two pairs of progestagens exhibited similar reaction rate constants, i.e. progesterone and medroxyprogesterone (23 to 80 M(-1) sec(-1) in ultrapure water and 26 to 149 M(-1) sec(-1) in wastewaters, at pH 6.0 and 8.0) and levonorgestrel and norethindrone (179 to 224 M(-1) sec(-1) in ultrapure water and 180 to 368 M(-1) sec(-1) in wastewaters, at pH 6.0 and 8.0). The presence of dissolved natural organic matter and the pH conditions improved the oxidation rate constants for progestagens with potassium permanganate only at alkaline pH. Reaction rates measured in Milli-Q water could therefore be used to provide conservative estimates for the oxidation rates of the four selected progestagens in wastewaters when exposed to potassium permanganate. The progestagen removal efficiencies was lower for progesterone and medroxyprogesterone (48 to 87 %) than for levonorgestrel and norethindrone (78 to 97%) in Milli-Q and wastewaters at pH 6.0-8.2 using potassium permanganate dosages of 1 to 5 mg L(-1) after contact times of 10 to 60 min.

CONCLUSION

This work presents the first results on the permanganate-promoted oxidation of progestagens, as a function of pH, temperature as well as NOM. Progestagen concentrations used to determine rate constants were analyzed using an ultrafast laser diode thermal desorption interface coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of water sample for progestagens.

Impact of injection system design on ISCO performance with permanganate--mathematical modeling results

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) using permanganate (MnO(4)(-)) can be a very effective technique for remediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents. However, many ISCO projects are less effective than desired because of poor delivery of the chemical reagents to the treatment zone. In this work, the numerical model RT3D was modified and applied to evaluate the effect of aquifer characteristics and injection system design on contact and treatment efficiency. MnO(4)(-) consumption was simulated assuming the natural oxidant demand (NOD) is composed of a fraction that reacts instantaneously and a fraction that slowly reacts following a 2nd order relationship where NOD consumption rate increases with increasing MnO(4)(-) concentration. MnO(4)(-) consumption by the contaminant was simulated as an instantaneous reaction. Simulation results indicate that the mass of permanganate and volume of water injected has the greatest impact on aquifer contact efficiency and contaminant treatment efficiency. Several small injection events are not expected to increase contact efficiency compared to a single large injection event, and can increase the amount of un-reacted MnO(4)(-) released down-gradient. High groundwater flow velocities can increase the fraction of aquifer contacted. Initial contaminant concentration and contaminant retardation factor have only a minor impact on volume contact efficiency. Aquifer heterogeneity can have both positive and negative impacts on remediation system performance, depending on the injection system design.

Degradation of trichloroethylene by Fenton reaction in pyrite suspension

Degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) by Fenton reaction in pyrite suspension was investigated in a closed batch system under various experimental conditions. TCE was oxidatively degraded by OH in the pyrite Fenton system and its degradation kinetics was significantly enhanced by the catalysis of pyrite to form OH by decomposing H(2)O(2). In contrast to an ordinary classic Fenton reaction showing a second-order kinetics, the oxidative degradation of TCE by the pyrite Fenton reaction was properly fitted by a pseudo-first-order rate law. Degradation kinetics of TCE in the pyrite Fenton reaction was significantly influenced by concentrations of pyrite and H(2)O(2) and initial suspension pH. Kinetic rate constant of TCE increased proportionally (0.0030 ± 0.0001-0.1910 ± 0.0078 min(-1)) as the pyrite concentration increased 0.21-12.82 g/L. TCE removal was more than 97%, once H(2)O(2) addition exceeded 125 mM at initial pH 3. The kinetic rate constant also increased (0.0160 ± 0.005-0.0516 ± 0.0029 min(-1)) as H(2)O(2) concentration increased 21-251 mM, however its increase showed a saturation pattern. The kinetic rate constant decreased (0.0516 ± 0.0029-0.0079 ± 0.0021 min(-1)) as initial suspension pH increased 3-11. We did not observe any significant effect of TCE concentration on the degradation kinetics of TCE in the pyrite Fenton reaction as TCE concentration increased.

Potassium permanganate oxidation of phenanthrene and pyrene in contaminated soils

Potassium permanganate, widely used in water treatment, has shown its applicability to reduce PAH contamination in groundwater and soils. The first stage to design a treatment at the site scale is the feasibility study at the bench scale, generally performed by means of batch experiments. The aim of the present contribution was to investigate the influence of two factors on PAH degradation in spiked soils, following the method of factorial designs. These factors were the weight ratio KMnO(4)/PAH and the reaction time. Three factorial designs were performed and batch experiments were run to study the degradation of phenanthrene and pyrene on soils spiked at different concentrations, between 700 and 2100 mg kg(-1). We showed that treatment with potassium permanganate significantly reduced PAH concentration, but pyrene was more recalcitrant than phenanthrene. Both variables had negative main effects and a positive two-factor interaction effect: increasing the weight ratio or the reaction time enhanced PAH degradation but the reduction produced by the two factors was lower than the sum of the individual contributions. The comparison of these results with results that we published previously under comparable conditions showed that Fenton's reagent was more efficient than potassium permanganate.

Compatibility of polymers and chemical oxidants for enhanced groundwater remediation

Polymer floods provide a promising method to more effectively deliver conventional groundwater treatment agents to organic contaminants distributed within heterogeneous aquifer systems. Combinations of nontoxic polymers (xanthan and hydrolyzed polyacrylamide) and common chemical oxidants (potassium permanganate and sodium persulfate) were investigated to determine the suitability of these mixtures for polymer-enhanced in situ chemical oxidation applications. Oxidant demand and solution viscosity were utilized as initial measures of chemical compatibility. After 72 h of reaction with both test oxidants, solution viscosities in mixtures containing hydrolyzed polyacrylamide were decreased by more than 90% (final viscosities approximately 2 cP), similar to the 95% viscosity loss (final viscosities approximately 1 cP, near that of water) observed in xanthan/persulfate experiments. In contrast, xanthan solutions exposed to potassium permanganate preserved 60-95% of initial viscosity after 72 h. Permanganate depletion in xanthan-containing experiments ranged from 2% to 24% over the same test period. Although oxidant consumption in xanthan/permanganate solutions appeared to be correlated with increasing xanthan concentrations, solutions of up to 2000 mg/L xanthan did not inhibit permanganate from oxidizing a dissolved-phase test contaminant (tetrachloroethene, PCE) in xanthan solution. These advantageous characteristics (high viscosity retention, moderate oxidant demand, and lack of competitive effects on PCE oxidation rate) render xanthan/permanganate the most compatible polymer/oxidant combination of those tested for remediation by polymer-enhanced chemical oxidation.

Intermediate-scale 2D experimental investigation of in situ chemical oxidation using potassium permanganate for remediation of complex DNAPL source zones

In situ chemical oxidation is a technology that has been applied to speed up remediation of a contaminant source zone by inducing increased mass transfer from DNAPL sources into the aqueous phase for subsequent destruction. The DNAPL source zone can consist of one or more individual sources that may be present as an interconnected pool of high saturation, as a region of disconnected ganglia at residual saturation, or as combinations of these two morphologies. Potassium permanganate (KMnO(4)) is a commonly employed oxidant that has been shown to rapidly destroy DNAPL compounds like PCE and TCE following second-order kinetics in an aqueous system. During the oxidation of a target DNAPL compound, or naturally occurring reduced species in the subsurface, manganese oxide (MnO(2)) solids are produced. Research has shown that these manganese oxide solids may result in permeability reductions in the porous media thus reducing the ability for oxidant to be transported to individual DNAPL sources. It can also occur at the DNAPL-water interface, decreasing contact of the oxidant with the DNAPL. Additionally, MnO(2) formation at the DNAPL-water interface, and/or flow-bypassing as a result of permeability reductions around the source, may alter the mass transfer from the DNAPL into the aqueous phase, potentially diminishing the magnitude of any DNAPL mass depletion rate increase induced by oxidation. An experiment was performed in a two-dimensional (2D) sand-filled tank that included several discrete DNAPL source zones. Spatial and temporal monitoring of aqueous PCE, chloride, and permanganate concentrations was used to relate changes in mass depletion of, and mass flux, from DNAPL residual and pool source zones to chemical oxidation performance and MnO(2) formation. During the experiment, permeability changes were monitored throughout the 2D tank and these were related to MnO(2) deposition as measured through post-oxidation soil coring. Under the conditions of this experiment, MnO(2) formation was found to reduce permeability in and around DNAPL source zones resulting in changes to the overall flow pattern, with the effects depending on source zone configuration. A pool with little or no residual around it, in a relatively homogeneous flow field, appeared to benefit from resulting MnO(2) pore-blocking that substantially reduced mass transfer from the pool even though there was relatively little PCE mass removed from the pool. In contrast, a pool with residual around it (in a more typical heterogeneous flow field) appeared to undergo increased mass transfer as MnO(2) reduced permeability, altering the water flow and increasing the mixing at the DNAPL-water interface. Further, the magnitude of increased PCE mass depletion during oxidation appeared to depend on the PCE source configuration (pool versus ganglia) and decreased as MnO(2) was formed and deposited at the DNAPL-water interface. Overall, the oxidation of PCE mass appeared to be rate-limited by the mass transfer from the DNAPL to aqueous phase.

Concentration rebound following in situ chemical oxidation in fractured clay

A two-dimensional, transient-flow, and transport numerical model was developed to simulate in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene by potassium permanganate in fractured clay. This computer model incorporates dense, nonaqueous phase liquid dissolution, reactive aquifer material, multispecies matrix diffusion, and kinetic formulations for the oxidation reactions. A sensitivity analysis for two types of parameters, hydrogeological and engineering, including matrix porosity, matrix organic carbon, fracture aperture, potassium permanganate dosage, and hydraulic gradient, was conducted. Remediation metrics investigated were the relative rebound concentrations arising from back diffusion and percent mass destroyed. No well-defined correlation was found between the magnitude of rebound concentrations during postremedy monitoring and the amount of contaminant mass destroyed during the application. Results indicate that all investigated parameters affect ISCO remediation in some form. Results indicate that when advective transport through the fracture is dominant relative to diffusive transport into the clay matrix (large System Peclet Number), permanganate is more likely to be flushed out of the system and treatment is not optimal. If the System Peclet Number is too small, indicating that diffusion into the matrix is dominant relative to advection through the fracture, permanganate does not traverse the entire fracture, leading to postremediation concentration rebound. Optimal application of ISCO requires balancing advective transport through the fracture with diffusive transport into the clay matrix.

Oxidation of chlorinated ethenes by heat-activated persulfate: kinetics and products

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) and in situ thermal remediation (ISTR) are applicable to treatment of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated ethenes. ISCO with persulfate (S2O8(2-)) requires activation, and this can be achieved with the heat from ISTR, so there may be advantages to combining these technologies. To explore this possibility, we determined the kinetics and products of chlorinated ethene oxidation with heat-activated persulfate and compared them to the temperature dependence of other degradation pathways. The kinetics of chlorinated ethene disappearance were pseudo-first-order for 1-2 half-lives, and the resulting rate constants-measured from 30 to 70 degrees C--fit the Arrhenius equation, yielding apparent activation energies of 101 +/- 4 kJ mol(-1) for tetrachloroethene (PCE), 108 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1) for trichloroethene (TCE), 144 +/- 5 kJ mol(-1) for cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE), and 141 +/- 2 kJ mol(-1) for trans-1,2-dichloroethene (trans-DCE). Chlorinated byproducts were observed, but most of the parent material was completely dechlorinated. Arrhenius parameters for hydrolysis and oxidation by persulfate or permanganate were used to calculate rates of chlorinated ethene degradation by these processes over the range of temperatures relevant to ISTR and the range of oxidant concentrations and pH relevant to ISCO.

Kinetics of contaminant degradation by permanganate

To provide a more complete understanding of the kinetics of in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) with permanganate (MnO4-), we measured the kinetics of oxidation of 24 contaminants-many for which data were not previously available. The new data reported here were determined using an efficient method based on continuous measurement of the MnO4- concentration by absorbance spectrometry. Under these conditions, the kinetics were found to be first-order with respect to both contaminant and MnO4- concentrations, from which second-order rate constants (k") were readily obtained. Emerging contaminants forwhich k" was determined (at 25 degrees C and pH 7) include 1,4-dioxane (4.2 x 10(-5) M(-1) s(-1)), methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) (1.0 x 10(-4) M(-1) s(-1)), and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) (9.1 x 10(-5) M(-1) s(-1)). Contaminants such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), the pesticides aldicarb and dichlorvos, and many substituted phenols are oxidized with rate constants comparable to tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) (i.e., 0.03-1 M(-1) s(-1)) and therefore are good candidates for remediation with MnO4- in the field. There are several--sometimes competing--mechanisms by which MnO4- oxidizes contaminants, including addition to double bonds, abstraction of hydrogen or hydride, and electron transfer.

Cosolvent-enhanced chemical oxidation of perchloroethylene by potassium permanganate

A laboratory study was conducted to examine cosolvent-enhanced in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) of perchloroethylene (PCE) using potassium permanganate (KMnO4). The conceptual basis for this new technique is to enhance permanganate oxidation of dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) with the addition of a cosolvent, thereby increasing DNAPL solubility while avoiding mobilization. Among 17 cosolvent candidates screened, tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) and acetone were the most stable in the presence of KMnO4, both of which increased PCE aqueous solubility significantly, and therefore are suitable to be used as cosolvent in this study. Batch experiments indicated that the second-order rate constant for PCE oxidation by potassium permanganate was 0.043+/-0.002 M(-1) s(-1) in the purely aqueous (no cosolvent) solution. In the presence of 20% cosolvent (volume fraction=fc=0.2), the rate constant decreased to 0.036+/-0.003 M(-1) s(-1) with TBA and to 0.031+/-0.002 M(-1) s(-1) with acetone. However, in the presence of free-phase PCE, chloride ion concentration from PCE oxidation in acetone/water solutions (fc=0.2) was about twice that in aqueous solutions, indicating that the increase in PCE solubility more than compensated for the decrease in reaction rate constant, such that the oxidation efficiency of PCE was increased with cosolvent. A complete chlorine mass balance was observed in the aqueous system, whereas approximately 70% was obtained in TBA/water or acetone/water (fc=0.2). In soil columns containing residual DNAPL and subjected to isocratic flushing with step-wise increases in f(c) cosolvent, TBA at fc=0.2 resulted in PCE mobilization, whereas acetone at fc<or=0.5 did not. Therefore, although both TBA and acetone exhibit similar solubility enhancements, acetone may be a better solvent choice for use in in-situ remediation of DNAPL source zones.

Degradation of volatile organic compounds with thermally activated persulfate oxidation

This study investigated the extent and treatability of the degradation of 59 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) listed in the EPA SW-846 Method 8260B with thermally activated persulfate oxidation. Data on the degradation of the 59 VOCs (in mixture) reacted with sodium persulfate in concentrations of 1 g l(-1) and 5 g l(-1) and at temperatures of 20 degrees C, 30 degrees C, and 40 degrees C were obtained. The results indicate that persulfate oxidation mechanisms are effective in degrading many VOCs including chlorinated ethenes (CEs), BTEXs and trichloroethanes that are frequently detected in the subsurface at contaminated sites. Most of the targeted VOCs were rapidly degraded under the experimental conditions while some showed persistence to the persulfate oxidation. Compounds with "CC" bonds or with benzene rings bonded to reactive functional groups were readily degraded. Saturated hydrocarbons and halogenated alkanes were much more stable and difficult to degrade. For those highly persulfate-degradable VOCs, degradation was well fitted with a pseudo first-order decay model. Activation energies of reactions of CEs and BTEXs with persulfate were determined. The degradation rates increased with increasing reaction temperature and oxidant concentration. Nevertheless, to achieve complete degradation of persulfate-degradable compounds, the systems required sufficient amounts of persulfate to sustain the degradation reaction.

Kinetics of heat-assisted persulfate oxidation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)

The kinetics of heat-assisted persulfate oxidation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in aqueous solutions at various pH, temperature, oxidant concentration and ionic strength levels was studied. The MTBE degradation was found to follow a pseudo-first-order decay model. The pseudo-first-order rate constants of MTBE degradation by persulfate (31.5 mM) at pH 7.0 and ionic strength 0.11 M are approximately 0.13 x 10(-4), 0.48 x 10(-4), 2.4 x 10(-4) and 5.8 x 10(-4) S(-1) at 20, 30, 40 and 50 degrees C, respectively. Under the above reaction conditions, the reaction has an activation energy of 24.5 +/- 1.6 kcal/ mol and is influenced by temperature, oxidant concentration, pH and ionic strength. Raising the reaction temperature and persulfate concentration may significantly accelerate the MTBE degradation. However, increasing both pH (over the range of 2.5-11) and ionic strength (over the range of 0.11-0.53 M) will decrease the reaction rate. Reaction intermediates including tert-butyl formate, tert-butyl alcohol, acetone and methyl acetate were observed. These intermediate compounds were also degraded by persulfate under the experimental conditions. Additionally, MTBE degradation by persulfate in a groundwater was much slower than in phosphate-buffer solutions, most likely due to the presence of bicarbonate ions (radical scavengers) in the groundwater.