Abstract
The application of reactive slurries or suspensions (usually of reactive zero valent iron particles) is being considered for treatment of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source zones. Effective treatment of NAPL source zones with reactive particles requires delivery of particles within the vicinity of the NAPL. To date, iron-mediated remediation technologies rely on the use of aqueous-based particle suspensions. When utilizing these aqueous-based suspensions of reactive iron particles, contaminant transformation is dependent on dissolution of contaminants from the DNAPL prior to reaction. The reliance upon dissolution kinetics may introduce a rate limitation during treatment of DNAPL source zones with aqueous-based reactive slurries. Incorporation of the reactive particles into the NAPL (i.e., reduction occurring within the NAPL) may alleviate any dissolution limitation associated with aqueous-based reactive slurries. This exploratory research evaluated the feasibility of creating iron-mediated TCE reduction within a NAPL. Emphasis was placed on elucidating the role of water in the reductive dechlorination process when it occurs within a NAPL. Batch experiments were conducted in 125 mL reactors containing iron particles and NAPLs of various composition under an argon atmosphere. For these proof-of-concept experiments, NAPL mixtures were designed to ensure initial TCE concentration was constant. Results suggest that iron-mediated reactions within chlorinated ethene DNAPLs are feasible, though the viability of controlling both the iron content and chemistry of DNAPL located within the subsurface remains unknown.