Oxygen release kinetics from solid phase oxygen in Arctic Alaska

Abstract

Child's Pad is a gravel construction surface that was contaminated with petroleum during oil-field service operations in Deadhorse, Alaska. As part of a remedial action plan, a buffer strip of uncontaminated sandy gravel was placed along sections of the pad boundary. A magnesium peroxide formulation manufactured by Regenesis, and sold as Oxygen Release Compound (ORC®), was placed in the buffer strips. The ORC was intended to supply oxygen to aerobic microorganisms capable of degrading petroleum. Studies were conducted in the laboratory to determine initial oxygen release kinetics from ORC in contact with barrier soil. Studies quantified the biotic and abiotic catalytic mechanisms for converting hydrogen peroxide (a possible MgO 2 intermediate) and ORC to oxygen and water, the effects of temperature on oxygen release from ORC, and the effect of field exposure on ORC viability. Barrier soil exhibited sufficient catalytic activity to convert hydrogen peroxide to oxygen faster than the expected biological demand. The oxygen evolution rate (OER) from ORC was lower at 7°C than 21°C by more than two times. The ORC recovered from Child's Pad after less than 1 year retained nearly all of the original available oxygen, although physical bridging was evident.