Permanganate gel (PG) for groundwater remediation: compatibility, gelation, and release characteristics

Chemosphere. 2014 Feb:97:140-5. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.11.008. Epub 2013 Dec 11.

Abstract

Permanganate (MnO4(-)) is a strong oxidant that is widely used for treating chlorinated ethylenes in groundwater. This study aims to develop hyper-saline MnO4(-) solution (MnO4(-) gel; PG) that can be injected into aquifers via wells, slowly gelates over time, and slowly release MnO4(-) to flowing water. In this study, compatibility and miscibility of gels, such as chitosan, aluminosilicate, silicate, and colloidal silica gels, with MnO4(-) were tested. Of these gels, chitosan was reactive with MnO4(-). Aluminosilicates were compatible but not readily miscible with MnO4(-). Silicates and colloidal silica were both compatible and miscible with MnO4(-), and gelated with addition of KMnO4 granules. Colloidal silica has low initial viscosity (<15cP), exhibited delayed gelation characteristics with the lag times ranging from 0 to 200min. Release of MnO4(-) from the colloidal silica-based PG gel occurred in a delayed fashion, with maximum duration of 24h. These results suggested that colloidal silica can be used to create PG or delayed-gelling forms containing other oxidants which can be used for groundwater remediation.

Keywords: Chlorinate solvents; Colloidal silica; Groundwater; KMnO(4); Permanganate gel; Remediation.

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation / methods*
  • Gels / chemistry*
  • Groundwater / chemistry*
  • Manganese Compounds / chemistry*
  • Oxidants / chemistry
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Viscosity
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / chemistry*

Substances

  • Gels
  • Manganese Compounds
  • Oxidants
  • Oxides
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • permanganic acid
  • Silicon Dioxide