In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO)

ISCO can be a cost effective remedial option - when applied correctly. Often, the treatability testing step is skipped in an effort to save project costs, usually resulting in under-dosing and rebound after the ISCO full-scale application. To help identify potential failure mechanisms, design parameters, and treatment efficiencies, treatability studies are crucial for a successful full scale application.  There are several different oxidant chemistries to choose from and different activators/stabilizing approaches that can be used depending upon the:

  • Site characteristics
  • Compounds of concern
  • Budgetary restraints
  • Site goals

isco testing tubes


Lourero's Experience Includes:

  • Evaluating chemical oxidant stability, at varying concentrations and activation schemes
    • unactivated and activated sodium persulfate
    • unactivated and activated potassium persulfate (slow-release)
    • potassium and sodium permanganate
    • ozone
    • hydrogen peroxide, with and without the need for catalysts or stabilizers.
  • Calculating total oxidant demand with varying concentrations and activators to determine the site-specific oxidant demand and therefore loading.
  • Determining the base buffering for alkaline activation of persulfate.
  • Full treatability evaluations of the desing parameters to confirm client objectives will be met.


Lab to Field Scalability:

Field applicability is strongly embedded in Loureiro's design of our treatability studies. The goal is for the final results to be directly scalable to the field design and application. Loureiro is able to achieve this scalability by:

  • the use of low pore volume batch tests
  • using batch test results to refine design parameters in a follow-up column treatability study
  • testing concentrations and activations feasible in the field
  • considering other site limitations provided during the design phase (e.g., radius of influence, access limitations, hydraulic or geologic constraints)

Loureiro has been selected to conduct specific treatability studies for product comparisons and evaluate the effects of in situ chemical oxidation on metals mobilization for the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP).  For list of our short courses, peer reviewed publications, and conference proceedings, click here.

Want to know a bit more about how in situ chemical oxidation works? Click here.

Email Loureiro at [email protected] for case studies associated with our ISCO remedial technology experience.