A Central Composite Rotatable Analysis for the Catalyzed Hydrogen Peroxide Remediation of Diesel-Contaminated Soils

J Air Waste Manag Assoc. 1996 Nov;46(11):1067-1074. doi: 10.1080/10473289.1996.10467542.

Abstract

A central composite rotatable design was used to investigate the interactions between hydrogen peroxide concentration, slurry volume, initial contaminant concentration, and soil organic carbon content in the catalyzed hydrogen peroxide remediation of diesel-contaminated soil. Two separate experimental matrices were investigated: (1) high slurry volumes and low peroxide concentrations, and (2) low slurry volumes with high peroxide concentrations. The time required for the high volume/low concentration system to proceed to completion was approximately three weeks; the low volume/high concentration reactions were complete within three days. The results showed that the soil organic carbon content was an insignificant variable in the catalyzed peroxide treatment of diesel-contaminated soils. However, significant interactions were found for the remaining three variables. The data were analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation and treatment stpichiometry. Although both systems could achieve equal levels of treatment, the stoichiometry of the high volume/low concentration system was significantly more efficient; therefore, the high volume/low concentration was determined to be the most economical system for the remediation of diesel-contaminated soils.