Batch tests were carried out to evaluate the thermal treatment of low volatile organic compounds in low-permeability soil. The chemical oxidation by sodium persulfate catalyzed by heat and Fe (II) was evaluated. Enhanced persulfate oxidation of n-decane (C-10), n-dodecane (C-12), n-tetradecane (C-14), n-hexadecane (C-16), and phenanthrene was observed with thermal catalyst, indicating increased sulfate radical production. Slight enhancement of the pollutants oxidation was observed when initial sodium persulfate concentration increased from 5 to 50 g/L. However, the removal efficiency greatly decreased as soil/water ratio increased. It indicates that mass transfer of the pollutants as well as the contact between the pollutants and sulfate radical were inhibited in the presence of solids. In addition, more pollutants can be adsorbed on soil particles and soil oxidant demand increased when soil/water ratio becomes higher. The oxidation of the pollutants was significantly improved when catalyzed by Fe(II). The sodium persulfate consumption increased at the same time because the residual Fe(II) acts as the sulfate radical scavenger.

Keywords: Low volatile organic compounds;Sulfate radical;In-situ oxidation;Catalyst;