Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment of Septic Systems and Its Negative Effects on Shallow Ground Water

Soil-solution samplers and shallow ground water monitoring wells were utilized to monitor nitrate movement to ground water following H2O2 application to a clogged soil absorption system. Nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in soil water and shallow ground water ranged from 29 to 67 mg/L and 9 to 22 mg/L, respectively, prior to H2O2 treatment. Mean nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in soil water and ground water increased and ranged from 67 to 115 mg/L and 23 to 37 mg/L, respectively, one week after H2O2 application. Elevated concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen above background persisted for several weeks following H2O2 treatment. The H2O2 treatment was unsuccessful in restoring the infiltrative capacity of a well-structured soil. Application of H2O2 to the soil absorption system poses a threat of nitrate contamination of ground water and its usefulness should be fully evaluated before rehabilitation is attempted.