Chemical oxidation has long been used to destroy organic contaminants in water and wastewater. Now, WRI has adapted and optimized chemical oxidation techniques for the mitigation of petroleum contaminants, such as MTBE, in groundwater and soil. With in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), chemical oxidants are introduced in place to reduce the mass, mobility, and/or toxicity of the contaminant(s).
Over the past 10 years, ISCO has developed into a proven environmental remedial technology. ISCO treats target organic contaminants in the soil and groundwater in less time and often for less cost than conventional technologies, such as pump-and-treat. In-situ chemical oxidation is especially effective for targeting the source of contamination in soils and groundwater.
Chlorinated solvents are the most common target at ISCO sites, as they are particularly difficult to remediate because of their physical and chemical properties. The difficulty is compounded by site-specific transport limitations caused by heterogeneity and low-permeability media.
From the contaminants of concern (COC), to soil type and natural oxidant demand, there are hundreds of variables that must be considered for the proper design and implementation of ISCO. The successful completion of an in-situ chemical oxidation project requires a thorough understanding of site-specific conditions and the nuances of the selected technology.