Fenton’s Reagent
Modified Fenton’s Reagent is a solution of hydrogen peroxide and an iron catalyst that is used to oxidize contaminants in soil and groundwater. Fenton’s reagent can be used to destroy organic compounds such as trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and MTBE.
The use of this reaction in the decontamination of dringing water is in common use at water treatment plants throughout the world. The basic concept was developed in the 1890s by Henry John Horstman Fenton. For some time, it has also been modified for use in the IN-Situ treatment of contaminated groundwater.
Ferrous Iron(II) is oxidized by hydrogen peroxide to ferric iron(III), a hydroxyl radical and a hydroxyl anion. Iron(III) is then reduced back to iron(II), a peroxide radical and a proton by the same hydrogen peroxide (disproportionation reaction).
(1) Fe2+ + H2O2 → Fe3+ + OH· + OH−
(2) Fe3+ + H2O2 → Fe2+ + OOH· + H+
In the net reaction the presence of iron is truly catalytic and two molecules of hydrogen peroxide are converted into two hydroxyl radicals and water. The generated radicals then engage in secondary reactions. Iron(II) sulfate is a typical iron compound in Fenton’s reagent.
Remington Technologies has conducted further research into catalyst solutions for Fenton’s reagent. Our proprietary catalyst solutions can offer greater flexibility in terms of reaction duration and intensity. This can be an asset when trying to deliver injectate to tight formations where high backpressure is encountered.
We also offer bench scale testing of native materials to determine the most effective oxidizer/catalyst solution for a specific site.

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