Combined Technologies

With over 20 years of experience addressing contaminated sites, we have found that not only is coupling of several technologies typically required to reach site closure, and in some cases coupling of what are perceived to be antagonistic technologies (e.g., ISCO and ISCR) provide effective remedial solutions. We have featured several case studies that outline our success utilizing combined technologies to reach site closure or site-specific treatment goals. Many of these projects include additional initial remedial efforts, such as excavation, but contaminant concentrations at the time of our involvement were still considered “source” or within NAPL levels. The case studies include combinations of ISCO with novel combinations of oxidants, ISCO and ISCR, and ISCO and anaerobic bioremediation. We continue to recommend and develop combined remedies to ensure efficient and cost-effective remediation treatment programs.

Novel and Sustainable “Combined Oxidant” In-Situ Remediation for NJ Brownfield Redevelopment

• Site Description: A former chemical plant was demolished and the property has laid dormant for two decades in an economically-depressed area in central New Jersey. The primary area of concern was over 3 acres in size and heavily impacted with a range of contaminants, including DNAPL.
• Contaminants: Soil and groundwater in part of the site were impacted with VOCs (primarily chlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride and its breakdown products, including DNAPL) and pesticides.
• Remedial Challenge: The suite of contaminants present included compounds that can only be oxidized (e.g., chlorobenzene) and compounds that can only be reduced (e.g., carbon tetrachloride). Groundwater was shallow throughout much of the site and the DNAPL existed above and within an organic layer.
• Remedial Approach: We applied sodium permanganate in order to precipitate manganese dioxide, which is then followed by injection of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide reacts with the manganese dioxide and naturally-occurring transition metals to produce superoxide (reductant) and hydroxyl (oxidant) radicals. This project led to Geo-Cleanse receiving U.S. Patent No. 8,556,537 for Manganese-Meditated Redox Processes for Environmental Contaminant Remediation.