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Mechanisms for naphthalene removal during electrolytic aeration
Ramesh K Goel1, Joseph R V Flora, John Ferry
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
Water Research
|January 18, 2003
Summary
Electrolytic aeration degraded 58-66% of naphthalene in contaminated aquifers. Ferrous iron addition enhanced naphthalene removal, while chlorine effectively degraded it at pH 4, forming chlorinated by-products.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Remediation Science
Background:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) like naphthalene contaminate groundwater.
- Electrolytic aeration is a potential remediation technology for contaminated aquifers.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate chemical and physical processes during electrolytic aeration of naphthalene-contaminated aquifers.
- Assess the impact of electrolytic by-products on naphthalene degradation.
Main Methods:
- Batch tests were conducted using naphthalene as a model contaminant.
- Electrolytic aeration was applied under varying pH conditions.
- Analysis of degradation products and by-products was performed.
Main Results:
- Electrolytic degradation achieved 58-66% naphthalene removal.
- Ferrous iron addition resulted in 67-99% naphthalene disappearance.
- Chlorine effectively degraded naphthalene at pH 4 but not pH 7, forming chlorinated naphthalenes.
Conclusions:
- Electrolytic oxidation and by-product chemical oxidation are significant abiotic processes in aquifer remediation.
- Consideration of by-product formation, such as chlorinated compounds, is crucial for PAH remediation strategies.
- Electrolytic aeration shows promise for PAH-contaminated site remediation, with careful control of conditions needed.