19. In situ oxidation

In situ oxidation involves injecting an oxidant into the soil (saturated or unsaturated zone) to destroy pollutants present in the medium. This oxidation may result in total destruction of the pollutant, or in its transformation into a less toxic and/or more easily biodegradable compound. Different types of oxidants are available on the market, adapted to the type of pollution and soil to be treated. This technique is currently on the market.

• Principle

  A redox reaction is the transfer of electrons from chemical compound A to chemical compound B. A is said to have been oxidized and B reduced. In this reaction, A is the reducing agent (since B has been reduced by it) and B is the oxidizing agent (since A has been oxidized by it).

  In situ oxidation is used to treat pollution by organic compounds...