Interfacial Reduction-Oxidation Mechanisms Governing Fate and Transport of Contaminants in the Vadose Zone

The mobility of many contaminants is redox sensitive and thus related to the reduction oxidation characteristics of the environment. Immobilization of certain contaminants (e.g., chromium, uranium, and technetium) can be achieved by reducing the contaminant. One remediation approach to achieving this is the application of diluted hydrogen sulfide gas mixtures, which may have particular value in vadose zone applications. Previous work has shown this approach to be viable for Cr(VI) remediation of soil waste sites. The primary objective of the current research is to assess the potential of in situ gaseous treatment to the immobilization of U(VI) and Tc(VII). This work also addresses basic science aspects of understanding the redox-related aspects of the mobility of these contaminants in the natural environment, thus providing a mechanistic-based understanding needed to successfully achieve remediation