Possibilities of chemical decontamination procedures for degradation of toxic organic compounds in groundwater

This diploma work represents a part of the project "Reactive Chemical Barrier for Decontamination of Highly Polluted Groundwaters" (RECHEBA) that is focused on the complex research and practical realization of in-situ reactive barriers. Search and choise of suitable localities as well as applying of the novel photochemical method, developed originally for disinfection and cleaning of bath water, to toxic underground waters for the environmental remediation. Based on hydrogeological conditions and chemical contaminations, four suitable localities have been proposed for application of the permeable reactive barriers. As the most appropriate place, an industrial area in the North Moravia near Ostrava was chosen located on terraces of the river Odra. From the hydrogeological point of view, it represents a highly permeable collector. This area in mainly contaminated by aromatic hydrocarbons and other organic compounds as well as inorganic waste substances, mostly sulfate and ammonium ions. Applicability of the novel photochemical method for remediation of contaminated groundwaters was tested. It is based on the direct photolysis of hydrogen peroxide upon intensive ultraviolet irradiation yielding hydroxyl radicals. They subsequently attack present organic molecules, including microbial structures, inducing thus..