PCE oxidation by sodium persulfate in the presence of solids

Batch reactor experiments were performed to determine the effects of solids on the oxidation of tetracholoroethylene (PCE) by sodium persulfate in aqueous solution. Based on the rates of PCE degradation and chloride formation, PCE oxidation by heat-activated sodium persulfate at 50 °C in the presence of solids ranged from no detectable oxidation of PCE to the levels observed in water-only reactors. Repeated doses of sodium persulfate, undertaken to overcome the inherent solids oxidant demand, improved the rate and extent of PCE oxidation in reactors containing reference solids; however, no improvement was observed in reactors containing field soils. Additionally, no improvements in PCE oxidation were observed after pretreating Great Lakes and Appling soils with ca. 15 g/kg of sodium persulfate or 30% hydrogen peroxide to remove oxidizable fractions, or acetic acid to remove the carbonate fraction. Based on these results, in situ treatment of Great Lakes and Appling soils with heat-activated sodium persulfate is not anticipated to result in substantial PCE oxidation, while in situ treatment of Fort Lewis soils is anticipated to result in PCE oxidation. This work demonstrates the need to perform soil-specific contaminant treatability tests rather than soil oxidant demand tests when determining oxidant dosage requirements.