Use of ultrasonic energy for regeneration of reactive iron used in situ remediation

Researchers from the University of Florida studied the application of ultrasonic energy to rejuvinate an iron surface for the purpose of enhancing/restoring the rate of trichloroethylene (TCE) degradation. Extensive batch studies were conducted to examine the impact of ultrasound on iron with various initial surface conditions such as acid washed or unwashed/as received. Rate constants were determined both before and after ultrasound application. Results indicate that a sonication period as brief as 25 minutes has a significant positive impact on the first order rate constant for TCE degradation to nonchlorinated species. While acid washed iron exhibited a small increase in the rate constant, unwashed/as received iron demonstrated a greater than 33% increase suggesting that ultrasound may be a candidate technique for restoring iron activity