Influence of peat on Fenton oxidation

Innovative method of utilising hydrogen peroxide for source water management of cyanobacteria

The treatment and control of cyanobacterial blooms using copper-based algaecides in water reservoirs have historically been used; however, due to the adverse impact of copper on the environment, water authorities have been researching and studying new and innovative ways to control cyanobacterial blooms. Hydrogen peroxide has been investigated as an environmentally friendly alternative, and this research aims to determine the impact of water quality on its effectiveness based on the decay characteristics in different water samples. Natural water samples from South Australian reservoirs and river were used to evaluate hydrogen peroxide decomposition and provide a better strategy for water operators in using it as an algaecide. Our experiments show the dependency of hydrogen peroxide decomposition not only on water quality but also on the initial hydrogen peroxide dose. A higher initial hydrogen peroxide dose can trigger the increase of pH, leading to increased consumption of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the hydrogen peroxide decomposition is significantly accelerated with the rise of copper concentration in water samples. Moreover, it is found that UV light can also affect the decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide decay is more significant under UV light for the samples with lower hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Our study also shows the impact of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on hydrogen peroxide decomposition is not substantial. The study also presents a modelling method to optimise hydrogen peroxide application based on water quality characteristics. Our findings can provide knowledge for the water industry to produce a suitable model which can be used to optimise the application of hydrogen peroxide for the control of cyanobacteria.

Heterogeneous Fenton catalysts: A review of recent advances

Heterogeneous Fenton catalysts are emerging as excellent materials for applications related to water purification. In this review, recent trends in the synthesis and application of heterogeneous Fenton catalysts for the abatement of organic pollutants and disinfection of microorganisms are discussed. It is noted that as the complexity of cell wall increases, the resistance level towards various disinfectants increases and it requires either harsh conditions or longer exposure time for the complete disinfection. In case of viruses, enveloped viruses (e.g. SARS-CoV-2) are found to be more susceptible to disinfectants than the non-enveloped viruses. The introduction of plasmonic materials with the Fenton catalysts broadens the visible light absorption efficiency of the hybrid material, and incorporation of semiconductor material improves the rate of regeneration of Fe(II) from Fe(III). A special emphasis is given to the use of Fenton catalysts for antibacterial applications. Composite materials of magnetite and ferrites remain a champion in this area because of their easy separation and reuse, owing to their magnetic properties. Iron minerals supported on clay materials, perovskites, carbon materials, zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) dramatically increase the catalytic degradation rate of contaminants by providing high surface area, good mechanical stability, and improved electron transfer. Moreover, insights to the zero-valent iron and its capacity to remove a wide range of organic pollutants, heavy metals and bacterial contamination are also discussed. Real world applications and the role of natural organic matter are summarised. Parameter optimisation (e.g. light source, dosage of catalyst, concentration of H2O2 etc.), sustainable models for the reusability or recyclability of the catalyst and the theoretical understanding and mechanistic aspects of the photo-Fenton process are also explained. Additionally, this review summarises the opportunities and future directions of research in the heterogeneous Fenton catalysis.

Plutonium Redox Transformation in the Presence of Iron, Organic Matter, and Hydroxyl Radicals: Kinetics and Mechanistic Insights

Plutonium (Pu) redox and complexation processes in the presence of natural organic matter and associated iron can impact the fate and transport of Pu in the environment. We studied the fate of Pu(IV) in the presence of humic acid (HA) and Fe(II) upon reaction with H₂O₂ that may be generated by photochemical and other reactions. A portion of Pu(IV) was oxidized to Pu(V/VI), which is primarily ascribed to the generation of reactive intermediates from the oxidation of Fe(II) and Fe(II)-HA complexes by H₂O₂. The kinetics of Pu(IV) oxidation is pH-dependent and can be described by a model that incorporates Pu redox kinetics with published HA-modified Fenton reaction kinetics. At pH 3.5, the presence of HA slowed Pu(IV) oxidation, while at pH 6, HA accelerated Pu(IV) oxidation in the first several hours followed by a reverse process where the oxidized Pu(V/VI) was reduced back to Pu(IV). Analysis of Pu-associated particle size suggests that Pu oxidation state is a major driver in its complexation with HA and formation of colloids and heteroaggregates. Our results revealed the H₂O₂-driven oxidation of Pu(IV)-HA-Fe(II) colloids with implications to the transient mobilization of Pu(V/VI) in organic-rich redox transition zones.

Humic acids extracted from compost as amendments for Fenton treatment of diesel-contaminated soil

In this study, we investigate the performance of a Fenton-like process carried out adding as amendments humic acids extracted from compost obtained from organic wastes. Namely, Fenton-like lab-scale tests with different dosages of the extracted humic acids and traditional stabilizing agent (KH₂PO₄) were performed on a diesel-contaminated soil collected in a former gasoline station. The performed tests showed a beneficial effect of the extracted humic acids on the hydrogen peroxide stability. Namely, the H₂O₂ lifetime in the tests carried out without the addition of any amendments proved to be quite limited, resulting equal to around 1 h. The adoption of the extracted humic acids alone entailed a limited increase of the hydrogen peroxide stability that anyhow was detected in solution for 24 h using 10 g/L of extracted HA. When the humic acids (10 g/L) were used in combination with KH₂PO₄ (8.2 g/L), the hydrogen peroxide lifetime increased up to around 150 h. A beneficial effect of the humic acids extracted from compost for a Fenton-like process was also observed in terms of diesel removal. Namely, without any amendment, a contaminant removal of around 55% was observed. Using KH₂PO₄ or HA alone, the contaminant removal raised up to around 75% while using the traditional stabilizer together with the humic acids extracted from compost, it was possible to remove up to 90% of the initial diesel content of the soil.

Sulfate Radical Scavenging by Mineral Surfaces in Persulfate-Driven Oxidation Systems: Reaction Rate Constants and Implications

Activated persulfate (PS) is a common method used to generate sulfate radicals (SO₄^•-), a powerful oxidant capable of degrading a broad array of environmental contaminants. The reaction of SO₄^•- with nontarget species (i.e., scavenging) contributes significantly to treatment inefficiency. Radical scavenging in this manner has been quantified for nontarget chemical species in the aqueous phase but has never been quantified for solid phase media. Kinetic analysis and laboratory methods were developed to quantify the SO₄^•- scavenging rate constant (k_≡S) for alumina, a naturally occurring mineral in soil and aquifer materials. SO₄^•- were generated in UV and thermally activated persulfate (UV-APS, T-APS) batch systems, and the loss of rhodamine B (RhB) served as an indicator of SO₄^•- activity. k_≡S for alumina was 2.42 × 10⁴ and 2.03 × 10⁴ m^-2 s^-1 for UV-APS and T-APS oxidative treatment systems, respectively. At [alumina] >5 g L^-1, the reaction of SO₄^•- with solid phase media increased over the aqueous phase reactions with RhB and aqueous scavengers. SO₄^•- scavenging by solid surfaces was orders of magnitude greater than the reaction with the target compound and scavengers in the aqueous phase, underscoring the significant role of solid surfaces in scavenging SO₄^•-.

Hydroxyl radical scavenging by solid mineral surfaces in oxidative treatment systems: Rate constants and implications

Advanced oxidation treatment processes used in various applications to treat contaminated soil, water, and groundwater involve powerful radical intermediates, including hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Inefficiency in •OH-driven treatment systems involves scavenging reactions where •OH react with non-target species in the aqueous and solid phases. Here, •OH were generated in iron (Fe)- and UV-activated hydrogen peroxide (Fe-AHP, UV-AHP) systems where the loss of rhodamine B served as a quantitative metric for •OH activity. Kinetic analysis methods were developed to estimate the specific •OH surface scavenging rate constant (k_≡S). In the Fe-AHP system, k_≡S for silica (2.85 × 10⁶ 1/m² × s) and alumina (3.92 × 10⁶ 1/m² × s) were similar. In the UV-AHP system, estimates of k_≡S for silica (4.50 × 10⁶ 1/m² × s) and alumina (7.45 × 10⁶ 1/m² × s) were higher. k_≡S for montmorillonite (MMT) in the UV-AHP system was ≤4.22 × 10⁵ 1/m² × s. Overall, k_≡S,silica ∼ k_{≡S, alumina} > k_≡S,MMT indicating k_≡S is mineral specific. Radical scavenging was dominated by surface scavenging at 10-50 g/L silica, alumina, or MMT, in both Fe-AHP and UV-AHP systems. The experimentally-derived surface •OH scavenging rate constants were extended to in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) treatment conditions to contrast •OH reaction rates with contaminant and aqueous phase reactants found in aquifer systems. •OH reaction was dominated by solid surfaces comprised of silica, alumina, and montmorillonite minerals relative to •OH reaction with trichloroethylene, the target compound, and H₂O₂, a well-documented radical scavenger. These results indicate that solid mineral surfaces play a key role in limiting the degradation rate of contaminants found in soil and groundwater, and the overall treatment efficiency in ISCO systems. The aggressive •OH scavenging measured was partially attributed to the relative abundance of scavenging sites on mineral surfaces.

A critical review of the application of chelating agents to enable Fenton and Fenton-like reactions at high pH values

To overcome the drawback of low pH requirement of the classical Fenton reaction, researchers have applied chelating agents to form complexes with Fe and enable Fenton reaction at high pHs, which is reviewed in this article. The chelating agents reviewed include humic substances, polycarboxylates, aminopolycarboxylic acids, and polyoxometalates. Ligands affect the reactivity of Fe-complexes by changing their redox potentials, promoting their reaction with H₂O₂, and competing with target contaminants for the oxidative species. Fe(III)-complexes are reduced to Fe(II)-complexes by O₂^- not H₂O₂, as indicated by their redox potentials. The stability constants of Fe-complexes increase with increasing pK_a values of the corresponding ligands and also with increasing charge density of the metal ions. A higher stability constant of Fe(III)-complex indicates higher reaction rate of corresponding Fe(II)-complex with H₂O₂ and lower reduction rate of Fe(III)-complex to Fe(II)-complex. OH, O₂^-, and ferryl species were reported to be the reactive species on the contaminant removal in the chelate-modified Fenton process. The generation of these species depends on the chelating agents and reaction conditions. The process is very efficient in degrading contaminants, indicating a potential treatment approach for the pollution remediation at natural pH.

Generation of hydroxyl radicals by Fe-polyphenol-activated CaO2 as a potential treatment for soil-borne diseases

An Fe-polyphenol catalyst was recently developed using anhydrous iron (III) chloride and coffee grounds as raw materials. The present study aims to test the application of this Fe-polyphenol catalyst with two hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sources in soil as a new method for controlling the soil-borne disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum and to test the hypothesis that hydroxyl radicals are involved in the catalytic process. Tomato cv. Momotaro was used as the test species. The results showed that powdered CaO2 (16% W/W) is a more effective H2O2 source for controlling bacterial wilt disease than liquid H2O2 (35% W/W) when applied with an Fe-polyphenol catalyst. An electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping method using a 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) assay and Fe-caffeic acid and Fe-chlorogenic acid complexes as models showed that these organometallic complexes react with the H2O2 released by CaO2, producing hydroxyl radicals in a manner that is consistent with the proposed catalytic process. The application of Fe-polyphenol with powdered CaO2 to soil could be a new environmentally friendly method for controlling soil-borne diseases.

Enhanced adsorption of arsenic through the oxidative treatment of reduced aquifer solids

Arsenic (As) contamination in drinking water is an epidemic in many areas of the world, especially Eastern Asian countries. Developing affordable and efficient procedures to remove arsenic from drinking water is critical to protect human health. In this study, the oxidation of aquifer solids through the use of sodium permanganate (NaMnO₄), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and exposure to air, enhanced the adsorption of arsenic to the aquifer material resulting in treatment of the water. NaMnO₄ was more effective than H₂O₂. NaMnO₄ was tested at different loading rates (0.5, 1.5, 2.4, 3.4, and 4.9 g NaMnO₄/kg aquifer material), and after 30 days contact time, arsenic removal ([As⁺³]_INITIAL = 610 μg/L) was 77%, 88%, 93%, 95%, 97%, respectively, relative to un-oxidized aquifer material. Arsenic removal increased with increasing contact time (30, 60, 90 days) suggesting removal was not reversible under the conditions of these experiments. Oxidative treatment by exposing the aquifer solids to air for 68 days resulted in >99% removal of Arsenic ([As⁺³]_INITIAL = 550 μg/L). Less arsenic removal (38.2%) was measured in the un-oxidized aquifer material. In-situ oxidation of aquifer materials using NaMnO₄, or ex-situ oxidation of aquifer materials through exposure to air could be effective in the removal of arsenic in ground water and a potential treatment method to protect human health.

Effect of in situ Fe(ii)/Fe(iii)-doping on the visible light-Fenton-like catalytic activity of Bi/BiOBr hierarchical microspheres

Scheme of the visible light-Fenton-like catalytic reaction mechanism.

Feasibility of treating aged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-contaminated soils using ethyl lactate-based Fenton treatment via parametric and kinetic studies

This study focuses on the feasibility of treating aged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-contaminated soils using ethyl lactate (EL)-based Fenton treatment via a combination of parametric and kinetic studies. An optimised operating condition was observed at 66.7 M H2O2 with H2O2/Fe(2+) of 40:1 for low soil organic carbon (SOC) content and mildly acidic soil (pH 6.2), and 10:1 for high SOC and very acidic soil (pH 4.4) with no soil pH adjustment. The desorption kinetic was only mildly shifted from single equilibrium to dual equilibrium of the first-order kinetic model upon ageing. Pretreatment with EL fc = 0.60 greatly reduced the mass transfer coefficient especially for the slow desorbed fraction (kslow) of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs, largely contributed by the concentration gradient created by EL-enhanced solubility. As the major desorption obstacle was almost fully overcome by the pretreatment, the pseudo-first-order kinetic reaction rate constant of PAHs degradation of aged soils was statistically discernible from that of freshly contaminated soils but slightly reduced in high SOC and high acidity soil. Stabilisation of H2O2 by EL addition in combination with reduced Fe(2+) catalyst were able to slow the decomposition rate of H2O2 even at higher soil pH.

Modified Fenton oxidation of diesel fuel in arctic soils rich in organic matter and iron

Modified Fenton (MF) chemistry was tested in the laboratory to treat three diesel fuel-contaminated soils from the Canadian arctic rich in soil organic matter (SOM) and Fe oxides. Reactors were dosed with hydrogen peroxide (HP), and treatment was compared in reactors with SOM as the only chelate vs. reactors to which ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) was added. Concentrations of diesel fuel and HP were measured over time, and the oxidation of both diesel fuel and SOM were quantified in each soil. A distinct selectivity for oxidation of diesel fuel over SOM was observed. Reactors with EDTA showed significantly less diesel fuel oxidation and lower oxidant efficiency (diesel fuel oxidized/HP consumed) than reactors with SOM as the only chelate. The results from these studies demonstrate that MF chemistry can be an effective remedial tool for contaminated arctic soils, and challenge the traditional conceptual model that SOM reduces the efficiency of MF treatment through excessive scavenging of oxidant.

Trichloroethylene oxidation performance in sodium percarbonate (SPC)/Fe2+ system

In this study, in-situ chemical oxidation technique employing Fe(II) catalytic sodium percarbonate (SPC) to stimulate the oxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE) in contaminated groundwater remediation was investigated. The effects of various factors including the SPC/TCE/Fe2+ molar ratio, the initial solution pH and the widely found constituents in groundwater matrix such as Cl(-), HCO3(-), SO4(2-) and NO3(-) anions and natural organic matters were evaluated. The experimental results showed that TCE could be completely oxidized in 5 min at 20 degrees C with a SPC/TCE/Fe2+ molar ratio of 5:1:10, indicating the significant effectiveness of the SPC/Fe2+ system for TCE removal. The initial solution pH value (from 3 to 11) has less influence on TCE oxidation rate. In contrast, Cl(-) and HCO3(-) anions had a negative effect on TCE removal in which HCO3(-) possesses a stronger influence than Cl(-), whereas the effects of both SO4(2-) and NO3(-) anions appeared to be negligible. With the 1.0-10 mg/L concentrations of humic acid in solution, slightly inhibitive effect was observed, suggesting that dissolved organic matters consumed less SPC and had a negligible effect on the oxidation of TCE in SPC/Fe2+ system. From the intermediate products' analyses and the released Cl(-) contents from TCE parent contaminant in solution, all the decomposed TCE had completely dechlorinated and led to carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon. In conclusion, Fe(II) catalytic SPC oxidation is a highly promising technique for TCE-contaminated groundwater remediation, but some complex constituents such as HCO3(-), in in-situ groundwater matrix should be carefully considered for its practical application.

Kinetics and efficiency of H2O2 activation by iron-containing minerals and aquifer materials

To gain insight into factors that control H(2)O(2) persistence and ·OH yield in H(2)O(2)-based in situ chemical oxidation systems, the decomposition of H(2)O(2) and transformation of phenol were investigated in the presence of iron-containing minerals and aquifer materials. Under conditions expected during remediation of soil and groundwater, the stoichiometric efficiency, defined as the amount of phenol transformed per mole of H(2)O(2) decomposed, varied from 0.005 to 0.28%. Among the iron-containing minerals, iron oxides were 2-10 times less efficient in transforming phenol than iron-containing clays and synthetic iron-containing catalysts. In both iron-containing mineral and aquifer materials systems, the stoichiometric efficiency was inversely correlated with the rate of H(2)O(2) decomposition. In aquifer materials systems, the stoichiometric efficiency was also inversely correlated with the Mn content, consistent with the fact that the decomposition of H(2)O(2) on manganese oxides does not produce ·OH. Removal of iron and manganese oxide coatings from the surface of aquifer materials by extraction with citrate-bicarbonate-dithionite slowed the rate of H(2)O(2) decomposition on aquifer materials and increased the stoichiometric efficiency. In addition, the presence of 2 mM of dissolved SiO(2) slowed the rate of H(2)O(2) decomposition on aquifer materials by over 80% without affecting the stoichiometric efficiency.

Fenton-like initiation of a toluene transformation mechanism

In Fenton-driven oxidation treatment systems, reaction intermediates derived from parent compounds can play a significant role in the overall treatment process. Fenton-like reactions in the presence of toluene or benzene, involved a transformation mechanism that was highly efficient relative to the conventional Fenton-driven mechanism. A delay in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reaction occurred until the complete or near-complete transformation of toluene or benzene and involved the simultaneous reaction of dissolved oxygen. This highly efficient transformation mechanism is initiated by Fenton-like reactions, and therefore dependent on conventional Fenton-like parameters. Results indicated that several potential parameters and mechanisms did not play a significant role in the transformation mechanism including electron shuttles, Fe chelates, high valent oxo-iron complexes, anionic interferences in H2O2 reaction, and H2O2 formation. The Fenton-like initiation, formation, and propagation of a reaction intermediate species capable of transforming toluene, while simultaneously inhibiting H2O2 reaction is the most viable mechanism.

Effect of humic substances on the Fenton treatment of wastewater at acidic and neutral pH

This paper describes results of treatability studies of the effect of humic substances (humate, HS, at the concentration 500-5000 mg l-1) on the Fenton (Fe2+/H2O2) treatment of industrial wastewater at pH 3.5 and 7.0. Without humate, the removal of all contaminants was significantly higher at pH 3.5 than at pH 7. At pH 7.0, the removal of all compounds in the presence of HS (3000 mg l-1) was comparable to that at pH 3.5 without HS. At pH 3.5, humate had no effect on the removal of arsenic, thiocyanate and cyanide, but the removal of all organic compounds (phenol, 2,4-dimethylphenol, benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m- & p-xylene and dichloromethane) was significantly inhibited. Mechanisms of the processes are discussed. It is suggested that, in the presence of HS, acidification of the treated wastewater may not only be unnecessary but it can even hinder the degradation of organic pollutants.

Influence of sorption to dissolved humic substances on transformation reactions of hydrophobic organic compounds in water. I. Chlorination of PAHs

The effect of sorption to dissolved humic acids (HAs) on the chlorination of PAHs in aqueous solution was studied. The addition of HA accelerated the chlorination of fluoranthene and naphthalene in hypochlorite solutions at pH 5, the stronger effect being observed for fluoranthene that is sorbed to a higher extent than naphthalene. Sorption coefficients (K(DOC)) of the analytes were determined by solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The observed rate constant for fluoranthene chlorination is, for example, larger by a factor of 5 in the presence of 10 mg L(-1) of an aquatic HA as compared to HA-free solution (k' = 0.02 h(-1) at 60 mg L(-1) active chlorine, pH 5, without HA). While Cl2 is the dominant reactive species in pure aqueous solution for both PAHs, the reaction of fluoranthene seems to involve an additional pathway of chlorination by HOCl in the presence of HA. It was found that not only did HA not protect PAHs from the electrophilic attack of the chlorinating species, but the sorption of PAHs on the hydrophobic domains of the HA favored instead the extent of the chlorination reaction.

Enhanced stability of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of subsurface solids

The stabilization of hydrogen peroxide was investigated as a basis for enhancing its downgradient transport and contact with contaminants during catalyzed H(2)O(2) propagations (CHP) in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). Stabilization of hydrogen peroxide was investigated in slurries containing four characterized subsurface solids using phytate, citrate, and malonate as stabilizing agents after screening ten potential stabilizers. The extent of hydrogen peroxide stabilization and the most effective stabilizer were solid-specific; however, phytate was usually the most effective stabilizer, increasing the hydrogen peroxide half-life to as much as 50 times. The degree of stabilization was nearly as effective at 10 mM concentrations as at 250 mM or 1 M concentrations. The effect of stabilization on relative rates of hydroxyl radical activity varied between the subsurface solids, but citrate and malonate generally had a greater positive effect than phytate. The effect of phytate, citrate, and malonate on the relative rates of superoxide generation was minimal to somewhat negative, depending on the solid. The results of this research demonstrate that the stabilizers phytate, citrate, and malonate can significantly increase the half-life of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of subsurface solids during CHP reactions while maintaining a significant portion of the reactive oxygen species activity. Use of these stabilizers in the field will likely improve the delivery of hydrogen peroxide and downgradient treatment during CHP ISCO.

Fenton-driven chemical regeneration of MTBE-spent GAC

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)-spent granular activated carbon (GAC) was chemically regenerated utilizing the Fenton mechanism. Two successive GAC regeneration cycles were performed involving iterative adsorption and oxidation processes: MTBE was adsorbed to the GAC, oxidized, re-adsorbed, oxidized, and finally re-adsorbed. Oxidant solutions comprised of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (1.7-2.0%) and FeSO4 x 7H2O (3 g/L) (pH 2.5), were recirculated through the GAC column (30% bed expansion). The regeneration efficiency after two full cycles of treatment was calculated to be 91%. The cost of H2O2 was 0.59 dollars/kg GAC (0.27 dollars/lb) per regeneration cycle. There was no loss of sorptive capacity. Small reductions in carbon surface area and pore volume were measured. The lack of carbon deterioration under aggressive oxidative conditions was attributed to the oxidation of the target contaminants relative to the oxidation of carbon surfaces. The reaction byproducts from MTBE oxidation, tertiary butanol and acetone, were also degraded and did not accumulate significantly on the GAC. Excessive accumulation of Fe on the GAC and consequent interference with MTBE sorption and carbon regeneration was controlled by monitoring and adjusting Fe in the oxidative solution.

Kinetic effect of humic acid on alachlor degradation by anodic Fenton treatment

Contamination of water often results from the heavy use of agricultural chemicals, and the disposal of aqueous pesticide waste is a concern. Anodic Fenton treatment (AFT) has been shown to be a successful remediation method for pesticides in solution, but the effect of soil on the degradation kinetics of pesticides using this method has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of humic acid, as a soil surrogate, on the degradation kinetics of alachlor [2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl-N-(methoxymethyl) acetamide], a heavily used herbicide that has been studied in pure aqueous solution by AFT. The AFT consists of a controlled constant delivery of Fenton reagents, using an electrochemical half-cell to deliver ferrous iron. Alachlor was quickly degraded by AFT, and the kinetics were found to obey the previously developed AFT model well. Degradation of alachlor by AFT in humic acid slurry showed that when the amount of humic acid was increased, alachlor degradation was significantly slowed down and the degradation kinetics were shifted from the AFT model to a first-order model. Further experimentation indicated that humic acid not only competes with alachlor for hydroxyl radicals, reducing the degradation rate of the target compound, but also buffers the slurry at near neutral pH, blocking regeneration of ferrous ion from ferric ion and subsequently shifting the kinetics to first order. Degradation of several other pesticides in humic acid slurry also followed first-order kinetics. These results imply that higher concentrations of Fenton reagents will be required for soil remediation.

Rates of hydroxyl radical generation and organic compound oxidation in mineral-catalyzed Fenton-like systems

The iron oxide-catalyzed production of hydroxyl radical (*OH) from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been used to oxidize organic contaminants in soils and groundwater. The goals of this study are to determine which factors control the generation rate of *OH (VOH) and to show that if VOH and the rate constants of the reactions of *OH with the system's constituents are known, the oxidation rate of a dissolved organic compound can be predicted. Using 14C-labeled formic acid as a probe, we measured VOH in pH 4 slurries of H2O2 and either synthesized ferrihydrite, goethite, or hematite or a natural iron oxide-coated quartzitic aquifer sand. In all of our experiments, VOH was proportional to the product of the concentrations of surface area of the iron oxide and H2O2, although different solids produced *OH at different rates. We used these results to develop a model of the decomposition rate of formic acid as a function of the initial formic acid and hydrogen peroxide concentrations and of the type and quantity of iron oxide. Our model successfully predicted the VOH and organic compound oxidation rates observed in our aquifer sand experiment and in a number of other studies but overpredicted VOH and oxidation rates in other cases, possibly indicating that unknown reactants are either interfering with *OH production or consuming *OH in these systems.