Remediation of contaminates including low bioavailability hydrocarbons

摘要

The invention provides a method of treatment of a contaminated material contaminated with an organic compound. The method includes the steps of treating the contaminate with a chemical oxidation step. The chemical oxidation step includes treating the contaminate with a transition metal in soluble form in combination with a chelator of the transition metal, to form a transition metal:chelator complex; and an oxidizing agent that provides a reactive free radical in the presence of the transition metal complex. The pH is maintained in a neutral range by a buffering compound. In particular embodiments, the method of treatment may further include pre-treating the contaminate with a biodegradation step prior to or after the chemical oxidation step. The biodegradation step includes a step of contacting the contaminate with a microbial consortium under conditions suitable for the consortium to mediate solubilization or biodegradion of the organic compound. The invention also provides kits and a general method for producing reactive free radicals in an aqueous medium by providing a transition metal:chelator complex; and an oxidizing agent that provides a reactive free radical in the presence of the transition metal complex; the pH being maintained in a neutral range by a buffering compound.