Assessment of Oxidant-Polymer Compatibility for Enhanced In Situ Chemical Oxidation
Abstract
Contamination of groundwater is a significant problem that can significantly reduce the usability of groundwater resources. Many groundwater contaminants are amenable to degradation by in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), however, contaminants have the potential to migrate into low permeability zones where remediation becomes difficult. Polymer solutions containing xanthan gum and guar gum can aid in remediation processes due to their fluid properties. Their higher viscosity relative to the resident groundwater allows for increased penetration into low permeability zones, potentially improving delivery of oxidants. In this study, we measure the kinetic oxidation rates of various polymers in conjunction with particle stabilizers to assess oxidant-polymer compatibility. We characterize the shear-dependent rheological properties of polymers as a function of time, additives, and oxidant used with the goal of identifying solutions that maximize retention of desirable fluid properties. We also monitor the persistence of oxidant in a given solution and the effect of polymers on contaminant oxidation. We observe significant differences in compatibility between polymers and note the importance of using particle stabilizers. Examining these techniques can potentially enhance ISCO methods in the lab and field environments, improving the remediation process of groundwater.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AGUFM.H31J2048C
- Keywords:
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- 1829 Groundwater hydrology;
- HYDROLOGYDE: 1831 Groundwater quality;
- HYDROLOGYDE: 1832 Groundwater transport;
- HYDROLOGYDE: 1847 Modeling;
- HYDROLOGY