Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) requirement for the oxidation of crude oil in contaminated soils by a modified Fenton's reagent

Abstract

The oxidation of soil organic matter (SOM) and total petroleum hydrocarbon were investigated in two soils at eight different hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentrations to determine the optimal H₂O₂ dosage for the efficient remediation of soils contaminated by crude oil with minimal SOM removal. In our study, H₂O₂ concentrations up to 1100 mM increased the SOM destruction up to 10%–15% in the two soils while no improvement of the crude oil removal efficiencies was observed. The results indicate that the destruction of SOM significantly limits the oxidation of crude oil because SOM might consume H₂O₂ more effectively than crude oil at H₂O₂ concentrations above 1100 mM. In addition, H₂O₂ concentrations higher than 1100 mM were not expected for both soils because of the extremely rapid H₂O₂ decomposition, and low H₂O₂ utilization, of both soils.

Keywords:

• H₂O₂ requirement
• H₂O₂ decomposition
• oil-contaminated soils
• soil organic matter
• in situ chemical oxidation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) [number 51378413, 51208416].