title: Remediation of alpha-methylnaphthalene-contaminated sediments using peroxy acid.
abstract: Laboratory experiments have been conducted to elucidate the degradation of alpha-methylnaphthalene in lake sediments using an advanced oxidation process (AOP) employing peroxy-acids as oxidizing agents. Abiotic degradation of alpha-methylnaphthalene was observed in sediment samples exposed to a 1:1:1 v/v/v mixture of water/organic acid/hydrogen peroxide solution. Sediment samples were collected from Lake Macatawa (Holland, MI) and ranged in total organic carbon content from 2.1% (sandy sediment sample III) to 12.8% (silty-clay sediment sample I) and surface area, which ranged from 3.2m(2)/g (sandy sediment sample III) to 22.0m(2)/g (silty-clay sediment sample I). Analytical measurements performed by gas chromatography revealed varied rates of degradation, depending on the type of acid and the characteristics of the sediment sample. Within 24h, alpha-methylnaphthalene was reduced to 70% and 100% of its original concentration when propionic acid and acetic acid were used as the organic acids, respectively. The formation of products was explored using a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectrometer and indicated mainly the formation of lower molecular weight compounds, such as alkyl chains. This AOP method of PAH degradation in sediment/liquid slurry was fast acting and products were most likely biodegradable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 319 MRC, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Levitt
authors.forename: Adeola L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: N'Guessan
authors.forename: Kerry L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Rapp
authors.forename: Marianne C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Nyman
mesh_terms: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D000077215:Clay; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*; D014881:Water Supply
chemical_list: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D009281:Naphthalenes; D000077215:Clay