Green seedlings growing in rich soil with sunlight illuminating the scene, representing the end result of environmental remediation.

Unlocking The Power Of In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO): A Proven Solution For Environmental Remediation

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In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) is a widely used environmental remediation technique that involves introducing chemical oxidants directly into contaminated soil or groundwater to degrade pollutants in place. This method is particularly effective for treating a variety of organic contaminants, including chlorinated solvents and hydrocarbons.

How ISCO Works

ISCO operates by injecting strong oxidizing agents into the subsurface, where they react with contaminants, breaking them down into less harmful compounds. Common oxidants used in ISCO include permanganate, persulfate, and hydrogen peroxide. The choice of oxidant depends on factors such as the type of contaminant, site conditions, and remediation goals.

Contaminants Addressed by ISCO

ISCO is effective against a range of contaminants, including:

  • Chlorinated Ethenes: Compounds like perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), dichloroethylene (DCE), and vinyl chloride (VC) are common targets for ISCO due to their prevalence in industrial pollution.
  • Phenolic Compounds: Substances such as pentachlorophenol (PCP), p-cresol, and 2,3-dichlorophenol can be effectively treated using ISCO methods.
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Compounds like naphthalene, which are found in fossil fuels and can be carcinogenic, are also amenable to ISCO treatment.
  • Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and other aromatic compounds, excluding benzene, can be degraded through ISCO processes.
  • Explosives: Compounds such as RDX and HMX, commonly found in military sites, can be treated with ISCO, though compounds like TNT may require alternative approaches.
  • Pesticides: Certain organochlorine pesticides can also be addressed using ISCO techniques.

Carus Permanganate-Based Products: RemOx® S and RemOx® L ISCO Reagents

Carus LLC offers specialized permanganate-based oxidants for ISCO applications:

  • RemOx® S ISCO Reagent: This remediation-grade potassium permanganate is a versatile oxidant that has been serving the remediation industry since the early 2000s. It is particularly effective for treating chlorinated solvents and does not require activation or pH adjustment, simplifying the remediation process.
  • RemOx® L ISCO Reagent: This 40% sodium permanganate solution is designed for similar applications, offering a liquid alternative that can be easier to handle and inject. 

Both products are manufactured in the United States and come with certificates of analysis to ensure product purity and trace metals documentation. Carus provides flexible packaging options, including pails, drums, totes, supersacks, and bulk shipments to meet the diverse needs of remediation sites.

Effectiveness and Considerations

ISCO is most effective under conditions where the oxidant can be evenly distributed throughout the contaminated zone and where the oxidant can better reach the contaminants. Factors such as soil permeability, contaminant concentration, and the presence of natural oxidant demand (NOD) can influence the success of ISCO treatments.

Typical project timelines for ISCO can vary based on site conditions and the extent of contamination. Some projects may see significant contaminant reduction within weeks, while others may require multiple injection events over several months.

Potential Limitations

While ISCO is a powerful remediation tool, it has certain limitations:

  • Site Heterogeneity: Variations in soil composition and permeability can lead to uneven distribution of the oxidant, potentially leaving untreated zones or requiring multiple injection events.
  • High Natural Oxidant Demand: Soils with high organic content or other oxidizable materials can consume the oxidant, reducing the amount available to react with the target contaminants. To help mitigate this limitation, Carus offers Permanganate Natural Oxidant Demand (PNOD) analysis to help identify background demand to calculate accurate amount of permanganate required for the site.
  • Safety and Handling: The use of strong oxidants requires careful handling and safety precautions to protect workers and the environment. It’s important to note, Carus has environmental, health, safety, and security resources available to help ensure safe site conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, safety and handling webinars, safety data sheets, and consulting with permanganate experts at Carus.

With proper site design, the above-mentioned challenges can be mitigated.  ISCO remains a valuable technique for in situ remediation, offering the ability to treat contaminants directly in the subsurface without the need for excavation or extensive above-ground treatment systems.

For more detailed information on ISCO applications and Carus’s permanganate-based products, please visit Carus LLC’s remediation solutions page or contact us today at salesmkt@carusllc.com or (815) 223-1500.

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