Gasoline, diesel, benzene and other petroleum hydrocarbons that contaminate water wells are usually found at former fuel and service-station sites. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as trichloroethylene, are other VOC-contaminants that are found at old industrial sites and even clothing dry-cleaners. Over time, these VOC’s migrate into aquifers.

 

 VOC’s can be chemically oxidized with hydrogen peroxide to form carbon dioxide and water. Iron has been found to catalyze the reactions and fortunately, most wells have iron in the water.

Fenton’s Reagent

Hydrogen peroxide when in contact with a metal catalyst such as iron (II), which is commonly known as Fenton’s reagent, forms the more powerful oxidizer, the hydroxyl radical. The metal catalyst can be usually provided by iron oxide within the soil or fill, or added separately as an iron salt, such as iron sulfate. Fenton’s reagent has been well documented for over 100 years and has been in use in water treatment plants for well over 50 years. The chemistry of Fenton’s reagent to destroy petroleum hydrocarbons and other volatile organic compounds is well documented (Watts, et al, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1994).

 

Advanced Water Treatment can control the long-term VOC contamination of an aquifer by periodically injecting 35% hydrogen peroxide into the well. Our Down-well System works perfectly for this. In combination with activated carbon filtration, we can provide clear, odourless, drinkable water.

 

Advanced Water Treatment currently has one site in Prescott, Ontario. We have been injecting hydrogen peroxide into this residential water well since 2004. At the same time, we have also eliminated the iron fouling problem.

 

 

 

 

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)