Encapsulation of Potassium Permanganate Oxidant in Biodegradable Polymers to Develop a Novel Form of Controlled-Release Remediation

Abstract

This research seeks to develop controlled release biodegradable polymers that release chemical oxidants at controlled or sustained rates to extend the longevity of treatments for water and soil. The present work explores the ability to encapsulate chemical oxidants in biodegradable polymers for environmental remediation. Several polymer/oxidant formulations were tested by combining hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers to create pellets with various release rates for potassium permanganate. Potassium permanganate is a crystalline chemical oxidant that is currently dissolved in water for use in drinking water treatment and in the remediation of chlorinated solvents. Prototype pellet structures ranging in 0.3–0.5 mm size were produced. The pellets were capable of slowly releasing potassium permanganate over a 44–47 day period of testing. This technology provides the potential for new methods for chemical remediation using biodegradable polymers including creation of subsurface permeable reactive barriers, wells packed with oxidation pellets, or reactors filled with pellets for pump and treat systems. This paper will summarize the development of this technology, release rate studies, and preliminary remediation studies for trichloroethylene using the controlled release prototypes.