Carbon substrates for enhanced reductive dechlorination can be divided into two main categories related to their longevity in the subsurface: slowly soluble and readily soluble substrates.   more...

Carbon substrates for enhanced reductive dechlorination can be duvided into two main categories related to their longevity in the subsurface: slowly soluble and readily soluble substrates. In reality these categories can be better defined by the dissolution rate of the substrate with readily soluble substrates being materials that are miscible or semi-miscible in groundwater and slowly soluble substrates being generally recognized as dissolving over a period of multiple months. The dissolution rate is an important characteristic as it gives a clue to how much substrate is required per period of time.

Since the addition of a substrate is intended to establish and maintain conditions supportive of robust anaerobic metabolism for a period of time sufficient to completely degrade the contaminants, it is important to understand how much substrate will be available for metabolism over any given period of time. In general, because they dissolve more slowly, less soluble substrates require higher dosing to maintain the same amount of available dissolved carbon within a system per unit time. If the goals of the project require maintaining anaerobic conditions for an extended period of time, the design should allow for multiple injections and/or the use of a slowly soluble substrate. If the project goals require maintaining anaerobic conditions for only a short period of time (on the order of months rather than a year to two), the design can include a highly soluble substrate. less...

The physical properties of a substrate will also impact subsurface distribution. Post-injection distribution is impacted by advective flow and to some extent chemical diffusion.  more...

The physical properties of a substrate will also impact subsurface distribution. Post-injection distribution is impacted by advective flow and to some extent chemical diffusion. Highly substrates like WILCLEAR®, WILCLEAR Plus®, and SoluLac™ can mimic water in their movement in the subsurface and are ideal for recirculation systems with limited injection points. They can also quickly diffuse in tight formations or formations with minimal groundwater flow.

WILCLEAR® sodium lactate and potassium lactate are both highly soluble substrates. Sodium lactate was one of the first substrates to be used in the field to enhance reductive dechlorination. Both are easy to use and store and are excellent substrates for recirculation systems. less...

Slowly soluble substrates like LactOil® soy microemulsion and ChitoRem® chitin complex can maintain anaerobic conditions in most aquifers for over two years.  more...

Slowly soluble substrates like LactOil® soy microemulsion and ChitoRem® chitin complex can maintain anaerobic conditions in most aquifers for over two years.

LactOil® is unique in that the microemulsion allows the diluted material to have physical properties similar to highly soluble substrates while still retaining the slow dissolution properties of a vegetable oil. This combination provides the best characteristics of both highly soluble substrates (superior dispersion characteristics) and vegetable oils (longevity).

ChitoRem® chitin complex is a solid matrix that contains protein, chitin, and calcium carbonate. The protein provides an immediately available carbon source, the chitin provides a slow release carbon source and trace nitrogen for improved microbial growth, and the calcium carbonate provides a buffering agent. This material is ideal as an excavation or as a high-pressure fracturing substrate. ChitoRem® is also being developed as a bioreactor substrate for acid mine drainage (mine influenced water).

JRW provides information regarding our products as a service to our clients. JRW is not a consultant and does not provide professional services. Every site is unique and care must be excercised by the practitioner to fully understand their own circumstances. less...