Evaluation and optimization of in situ chemical oxidation for groundwater remediation

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Groundwater is an immensely important and conditionally renewable natural resource that is used as a supply for domestic and agricultural consumption and sustains a physical and chemical balance with the surface water system. Contamination caused by a wide spectrum of hazardous organic compounds poses an imminent health risk to ecosystems and humans due, in part, to their toxicity and persistence in the subsurface environment. Land contaminated by former industrial or other uses may sit idle for years, posing a barrier to productive redevelopment. Over the last three decades there has been substantial progress to identify, investigate and remediate sites where an unacceptable level of contamination exists. Despite this effort, the clean-up of known sites, yet to be discovered legacy sites and sites where recent spills and accidental releases have occurred will be a major challenge. For the foreseeable future, a significant level of funds will be spent on the remediation of brownfields in Canada to protect human and ecosystem health. In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) has emerged as a technology with the potential for cost effective remediation of contaminated sites. This research effort will evaluate opportunities to enhance or optimize the successful application of ISCO to treat organic compounds present at contaminated sites. The research will emphasize field demonstration and critical evaluation, and will be supported by bench-scale experimentation and numerical modelling. Three field sites will be used in this research effort. The proposed effort will contribute essential research, generate technological innovation, and train highly qualified personnel. The findings from this research will lead to improved treatment effectiveness and efficiency, application of ISCO to a broader range of sites, and an improvement in scientific and engineering understanding. Direct benefits to the Canadian economy will occur by fostering the development and improved understanding of a technology that can accelerate the redevelopment of brownfield sites in Canada, and equipping Canadian based consultants with the technical knowledge to exploit opportunities worldwide.