Rreactivity of persulfate (PS) for oxidation of TCE under various conditions such as heat,
$Fe^{2+}$, and UV was investigated. It was found that degradation rate of TCE increased with increasing temperature from 15 to
$35^{\circ}C$. At pH 7.0, the rate constants (k) at 15, 25, 30, and
$35^{\circ}C$ were 0.07, 0.30, 0.74, and
$1.30h^{-1}$, respectively. For activation by
$Fe^{2+}$, removal efficiency of TCE increased with increasing
$Fe^{2+}$ concentration from 1.9 mM to 11 mM. The maximum removal efficiency of TCE was approximately 85% when pH of the solution dropped from 7.0 to 2.5. Degradation of TCE by UV-activated PS was the most effective, showing that the degradation rate of TCE increased with inreasing PS dosage; the rate constants (k) at 0.5, 2.5, and 10 mM were 34.2, 40.5, and
$55.9h^{-1}$, respectively. Our results suggest that PS activation by UV/PS process could be the most effective in activation processes tested for TCE degradation. For oxidation process by PS, however, pH should be observed and adjusted to neutral conditions (i.e., 5.8-8.5) if necessary.
Keywords: TCE;persulfate (PS);Activator (heat, $Fe^{2+}$, UV);Sulfate radical ($SO_4$);Rate constnat (k);