REDUCTIVE DECLORINATION/DENITRIFICATION
Reductive dechlorination and denitrification are technologies that can be utilized when treating soils impacted with either chlorinated or nitrated organic compounds such as PCP or TNT. The concept is similar for both classes of compounds. Both classes of compounds are highly oxidized due to chlorine and nitrate substitutes, and they remain recalcitrant in nature. Highly oxidized compounds typically resist oxidative destruction. Establishing a reducing environment can facilitate the destruction of these contaminants.

Reductive dechlorination/denitrification can be effectively accomplished by mixing the impacted soil with strong reducing agents. One reducing agent utilized for this application is zero valent iron. The soil must then be modified to assure reducing conditions are maintained during treatment. The only way desired reactions can occur is if the chemical contaminant and the reducing agent come into direct contact with each other. One way to accomplish reducing conditions in soil is to increase the water content of the soil in the presence of strong reducing agents.

The H&H Microenfractionator® is capable of the level of mixing homogeneity required for direct chemical reactions of either reductive dechlorination or reductive denitrification. The Microenfractionator® is also capable of injecting water directly into the mixing chamber during Microenfractionation® to assure uniform moisture levels throughout the soil matrix. This addition of water during Microenfractionation® raises the moisture level to the point that reducing conditions may be maintained.

 

H&H Eco Systems has also developed a form of Advanced Reductive Bio-Remediation for the treatment of Chlorinated compounds such as DDT and PCBs. H&H Eco Systems has performed field scale studies at the Savannah River Site utilizing this new technology for the destruction of DDT and PCBs as well as other chlorinated organic compounds.

 
The types of organic pollutants typically targeted for reductive dechlorination/denitrification are chlorinated hydrocarbons, chlorinated pesticides, herbicides, TNT and RDX.