Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or PCE, is one of the most difficult to treat chlorinated solvents when present in groundwater. Unfortunately this elusive and recalcitrant compound is also the most commonly used dry cleaning solvent. As a result, releases of PCE at dry cleaning sites are somewhat common. Re genesis Bioremediation Products, of San Clemente, California, has developed Hydrogen Release Compound (HRC), which has been successfully used to promote bioremediation of PCE in groundwater. This product is directly injected into contaminated groundwater to speed up the natural attenuation of PCE through an anaerobic, natural process known as reductive dechlorination. A key benefit of HRC is its ability to slowly release hydrogen over extended periods of time. Reductive dechlorination relies on a steady source and readily available supply of electron donors as part of the degradation process. Hydrogen is one of the best electron donors available, and thus, the application of HRC significantly enhances the rate of PCE degradation. For dry cleaners, this technology can substantially reduce major design, capital, and operating costs, allowing the implementation of a low-impact application and remediation solution. This article discusses the use of the HRC to remediate PCE contamination and presents the results of two specific HRCtreated dry cleaner sites.
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