9414594 Pignatello This is an award to provide support for research on an advanced oxidation process for destruction of organic contaminants of water and soil. The process involves use of iron in the ferric state, near-ultraviolet light radiation and hydrogen peroxide. The objectives of this research are to study key features of the inorganic and photochemical mechanisms that affect oxidation of the target organic compounds and the applications of this innovative environmental technology. The investigator plans on determining whether a hypervalent iron-oxo complex is formed photochemically that supplements the action of the hydroxyl radical in oxidation of organic compounds and expects to clarify the role of ferric iron in this reaction. The applications phase of this research will address the effect of light intensity and temperature on the reaction rate, the kinetics and pathways of degradation of organic substances subjected to the process, the influence of common anions on the reaction rate and the feasibility of a two stage system combining this advanced oxidation process with a biological process for treatment of water and soil contaminated with organic wood preservatives. Results of this project are expected to provide the basis for considering its use in treatment of soil and water that has been contaminated with organic substances of commercial, industrial and agricultural significance. ***
