Release efficiencies of potassium permanganate controlled-release biodegradable polymer (CRBP) pellets embedded in polyvinyl acetate (CRBP-PVAc) and polyethylene oxide (CRBP- PEO) for groundwater treatment

Mehdi Lamssali; Stephanie Luster-Teasley; Dongyang Deng; Nafisa Sirelkhatim; Yen Doan; Mosarrat Samiha Kabir; Qingan Zeng

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20858

Release efficiencies of potassium permanganate controlled-release biodegradable polymer (CRBP) pellets embedded in polyvinyl acetate (CRBP-PVAc) and polyethylene oxide (CRBP- PEO) for groundwater treatment

Heliyon. 2023 Oct 10;9(10):e20858. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20858. eCollection 2023 Oct.

Authors

Mehdi Lamssali¹, Stephanie Luster-Teasley², Dongyang Deng¹, Nafisa Sirelkhatim³, Yen Doan⁴, Mosarrat Samiha Kabir⁵, Qingan Zeng⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, 27411, Greensboro, NC, United States.
² Provost and VC for Academic Affairs, North Carolina A&T State University, 27411, Greensboro, NC, United States.
³ Dean's Office, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, 27401, Greensboro, NC, United States.
⁴ Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 27411, Greensboro, NC, United States.
⁵ Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, 27401, Greensboro, NC, United States.
⁶ Department of Computer Systems Technology, North Carolina A&T State University, 27411, Greensboro, NC, United States.

Abstract

In-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is a commonly used method for the remediation of environmental contaminants in groundwater systems. However, traditional ISCO methods are associated with several limitations, including safety and handling concerns, rebound of groundwater contaminants, and difficulty in reaching all areas of contamination. To overcome these limitations, novel Controlled-Release Biodegradable Polymer (CRBP) pellets containing the oxidant KMnO₄ were designed and tested. The CRBP pellets were encapsulated in Polyvinyl Acetate (CRBP-PVAc) and Polyethylene Oxide (CRBP-PEO) at different weight percentages, baking temperatures, and time. Their release efficiency was tested in water, soil, and water and soil mixture media. Results showed that CRBP-PVAc pellets with 60 % KMnO₄ and baked at 120 °C for 2 min had the highest release percentage and rate across different conditions tested. Natural organic matter was also found to be an important factor to consider for in-field applications due to its potential reducing effect with $Mn O_{4}^{-}$ . Overall, the use of CRBP pellets offers an innovative and sustainable solution to remediate contaminated groundwater systems, with the potential to overcome traditional ISCO limitations. These findings suggest that CRBP pellets could provide sustained and controlled release of the oxidant, reducing the need for multiple injections and minimizing safety and handling concerns. This study represents an important step towards developing a new and effective approach for ISCO remediation.

Keywords: Controlled-release; Encapsulation; Groundwater treatment; In-situ chemical oxidation; Polyethylene oxide; Polyvinyl acetate; Potassium permanganate.