Electrolytic Manipulation of Persulfate Reactivity by Iron Electrodes for Trichloroethylene Degradation in Groundwater

Abstract

Activated persulfate oxidation is an effective in situ chemical oxidation process for groundwater remediation. However, reactivity of persulfate is difficult to manipulate or control in the subsurface causing activation before reaching the contaminated zone and leading to a loss of chemicals. Furthermore, mobilization of heavy metals by the process is a potential risk. An effective approach using iron electrodes is thus developed to manipulate the reactivity of persulfate in situ for trichloroethylene (TCE) degradation in groundwater and to limit heavy metals mobilization. TCE degradation is quantitatively accelerated or inhibited by adjusting the current applied to the iron electrode, following k1 = 0.00053·Iv + 0.059 (-122 A/m(3) ≤ Iv ≤ 244 A/m(3)) where k1 and Iv are the pseudo first-order rate constant (min(-1)) and volume normalized current (A/m(3)), respectively. Persulfate is mainly decomposed by Fe(2+) produced from the electrochemical and chemical corrosion of iron followed by the regeneration via Fe(3+) reduction on the cathode. SO4(•-) and ·OH cocontribute to TCE degradation, but ·OH contribution is more significant. Groundwater pH and oxidation-reduction potential can be restored to natural levels by the continuation of electrolysis after the disappearance of contaminants and persulfate, thus decreasing adverse impacts such as the mobility of heavy metals in the subsurface.