AbstractThe efficacy of DDT-contaminated soil treatment with hydrogen peroxide and persulfate utilizing different activation aids and the chemicals combination with biosurfactant was evaluated. The addition of a supplementary activator was able to improve the degradation of total DDT with both the hydrogen peroxide and persulfate oxidation processes indicating a lack of available activator. Ferrous iron added gradually was effectively utilized in the oxidation system with gradual addition of hydrogen peroxide, while chelated metal iron addition promoted the oxidation with more stable persulfate. The treatment with solid carriers of hydrogen peroxide, either calcium peroxide or magnesium peroxide, can be an effective alternative to the liquid one resulting in a higher degradation level of the contaminant. Strong alkalization with elevated dosages of NaOH sustained the persulfate oxidation of DDT. The addition of biosurfactant, rhamnolipid-alginate complex obtained by biosynthesis of strain Pseudomonas sp. PS-17, and EDTA improved the degradation of DDT by both persulfate and hydrogen peroxide oxidation processes indicating that the combined application of chemical oxidants and biosurfactant at natural soil pH has prospects as an effective option for contaminated soil remediation.
