Frequently Asked Questions...

The OxyTek solution will remediate:

• Hydrocarbons
• Chlorinated solvents (eg. TCE, PCE, DCE)
• Munitions (eg. TNT, RDX)
• Pesticides (eg. Chlorophenoxy, atrazine, pendimethalin, lindane)
• Petroleum residues (eg. BTEX, PAH, TPH, MTBE, diesel fuel)
• Wood preservatives (eg. PCP, creosote)
• Miscellaneous compounds such as PCB’s and other phenolics

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective oxidizing agent.  However, to achieve the desired contaminant reductions in a reasonable time, a transition-metals catalyst is required.  Iron is the most commonly used metal and when mixed with hydrogen peroxide, the catalyst is known as Fenton’s Reagent.  The chemistry of Fenton’s Reagent (1) is well documented for producing hydroxyl radicals by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous iron (Fe⁺²).  The hydroxyl radicals (OH·) serve as very powerful, effective, and nonspecific oxidizing agents, second only to fluorine in oxidizing power.

           

            H₂O₂ + Fe⁺² ® Fe⁺³ +OH- +OH·                           (1)

           

The Modified Fenton’s Chemistry is also well defined (2).

           

            H₂O₂ + Fe⁺² ® Fe⁺³ + OH- + OH·                         (2)

 

            2CaO₂ + 2H⁺ ® Ca²⁺ (aq) + 2 H₂O₂                                 

 

            H₂O₂ + OH- ® H₂O + HOO-                                 

 

            2 H₂O₂ ® 2H₂O + O₂                                           

 

The iron can be applied either as iron oxides within the soil by chelating agents (OXYTEK) or separately as a solubilized iron salt.  When organic contaminants become desorbed from the soil, or otherwise enter the aqueous phase, oxidation occurs within the interstitial ground water.  In a manner similar to photolysis using ultraviolet light, highly reactive, short lived hydroxyl radicals are generated which can degrade even recalcitrant organics.

 

When iron is the catalyst, during the optimum reaction sequence, ferrous iron (Fe⁺²) is converted to ferric ion (Fe⁺³).  Under properly controlled and buffered conditions of modified Fenton’s (OXYTEK), ferric iron can be regenerated back to ferrous iron by a subsequent reaction with another molecule of hydrogen peroxide (3).

           

            H₂O₂ + Fe⁺³ « Fe⁺² +  H⁺ + H₂O·             (3)

 

Many reactions occur during the oxidation of a contaminant but as shown by reaction (4), a contaminant (RHX), hydrogen peroxide, and ferric iron (as a catalyst) are consumed to produce carbon dioxide and water.  RHX represents a halogenated organic compound and X represents a halide.   

 

Modified Fenton’s has reaction (4) plus reaction (5).

 

RHX^Fe+2 + H₂O₂ « H₂O + CO₂ + H⁺ + X- (4)

 

HOO- + contaminate ® Oxidized contaminate + OH-          (5)

 

The end products of this in-situ/ex-situ process are carbon dioxide, water, simple acids and alcohols and chloride ions, all of which are relatively harmless.

Ex-situ applications have tattle-tell signs which clearly indicate chemical oxidation (small pin holes appear in the treated soil) while in-situ applications can be monitored by down-hole geochemical probe.  Treated soils will be analyzed every ten days.

Yes, this technology has a mobile Certificate of Authorization from the Ontario MOE.

No, OxyTek^TM does not affect pH.  OxyTek^TM is buffered to work at any pH and once the chemical oxidation is complete the pH of the water or soil is unchanged. 

The advantages are:

• OxyTek ^TM maintains ideal conditions which allow the H₂O₂ to completely oxidize certain chlorinated hydrocarbons in situ, including those commonly found at chlorinated solvent and PCB sites without the production of toxic daughter products.
• H₂O₂ can be used to treat contaminate sources within both the saturated and unsaturated zones.
• Rapid reaction times and high destruction efficiencies can be achieved with H₂O₂ leading to significant concentration reduction at source areas and reduced remediation costs over the life of the project.
• The design, construction, and operation of modified chemical delivery systems is relatively straightforward.
• Since H₂O₂ degrades rapidly in the environment, excess oxidant in the subsurface does not represent an environmental impact.
• The contaminates are treated in-situ and are converted to innocuous and/or natural occurring compounds like water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, simple acids and alcohols and halides.
• OxyTek ^TM will not cause extreme off gassing and high reaction temperatures because it allows for timed release of the iron chelated catalyst thereby controlling the temperature of reaction and not allowing the build up of water pressure in the subsurface.
• OxyTek ^TM is formulated so that its oxidation reaction occurs at neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.5 instead of the extreme acidic pH required for Fenton’s reaction, which allows for safe handling and no substrate limitations.
• By acting/reacting upon the contaminant in place, the reagent will not cause vertical movement of the contaminant, which is often a concern with other remediation technologies.
• By increasing dissolved oxygen (DO) levels throughout the treatment area, this process aids in bioremediation or aerobic microbial consumption of contaminants and by products such as simple organic acids and alcohols.

No, recent research conducted at the University of Laval and other Universities clearly demonstrates that modified chemical oxidation does not have a negative effect on the natural bacterial soil population. These peer reviewed papers are available for viewing at the Technical Papers link of this website.

Yes, if the grid is catholically protected the chemical oxidant will have no affect.  Additionally, the chemical oxidant degradation is a short term event with no lasting affect.  Even if the grid is not catholically protected the soil can be excavated and handled ex-situ on site.

SOLUTION 1: OxyTek-ADT heavy metal treatment technology is not tied to any one treatment product, methodology or means of application and therefore is not restricted to one or two heavy metals or specific site conditions. OxyTek-ADT technology can be applied in a variety of ways under most site conditions addressing one, or a combination of heavy metal contaminates. Organic or inorganic constituents in soil and other media, including petroleum do not effect OxyTek-ADT treatment. It also works in a wide range of pH conditions and is permanent.

SOLUTION 2: Additives or reagents applied using OxyTek-ADT technology adds marginal volumes, (1%- 5%), to the final waste volume as opposed to standard means (30%-50%). This reduces on site set up, space requirements and equipment cost, not to mention the significant reduction in off site transportation and disposal fees

SOLUTION 3: OxyTek-ADT technology is safe, simple and regulatory compliant while converting toxic heavy metals into a safer, naturally occurring state. OxyTek^TM-ADT has successfully performed treatment for TCLP arsenic and chrome at one of the most regulatory restrictive sites in the Northwest US. OxyTek^TM-ADT technology has been demonstrated at a number of EPA sites and has been accepted in the US Navy’s BBA  program as a viable technology option for military site remediation.

SOLUTION 4: OxyTek-ADT technology provides substantial cost reduction opportunities saving between 30 and 60 percent over conventional stabilization costs. Extensive laboratory testing is conducted on every waste stream prior to application in the field to provide reliable results the first time around.

SOLUTION 5: OxyTek-ADT treatment technology can meet or exceed strict EPA /Environmental Canada and disposal restrictions in the field. Oxy Teknologies Inc. can interface with state, provincial and federal regulatory agencies to provide a complete, compliance oriented service package.