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==Pyrogenic Carbonaceous Matter (PCM) Enhanced Alkaline Hydrolysis==  
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==Thermal In Situ Sustainable Remediation to Enhance Biotic and Abiotic Reactions and Accelerate Remediation Timeframes==  
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High concentrations of [[Munitions Constituents | munitions constituents (MC)]] residues, including legacy and [[Wikipedia: Insensitive munition#Insensitive high explosives | insensitive high explosives (IHE)]], are commonly found in soil at Department of Defense (DoD) testing and training ranges, posing a significant risk to personnel and the environment. Many IHE are highly water soluble and can easily migrate from soil to groundwater and surface waters at DoD ranges. Therefore, there is a pressing need to maximize the sorption of legacy explosives and IHE, minimize their transport from DoD sites, and promote their decay whenever possible. The following article reports on a combined experimental and computational strategy to design and optimize pyrogenic carbonaceous matter (PCM, e.g., biochar and activated carbon) in ways that facilitate the retention and/or hydrolysis of legacy explosives and IHE that are of concern at DoD sites.
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Thermal In Situ Sustainable Remediation (TISR<sup>®</sup>; US Pat. Nos. 10,384,246 and 10,688,545) is a cost-effective and adaptable low temperature thermal remediation technology that accelerates contaminant treatment. It achieves this by enhancing biotic and abiotic contaminant degradation rates through a modest increase in subsurface temperature. TISR<sup>®</sup> is suitable for a wide range of hydrogeologic settings. It also offers reduced operational costs, a lower carbon footprint, and possibly shorter remedial timeframes than more conventional methods.
 
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'''Related Article(s):'''
 
'''Related Article(s):'''
  
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*[[Munitions Constituents]]
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*[[Thermal Remediation]]
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*[[Munitions Constituents - Alkaline Degradation]]
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*[[Thermal Remediation - Electrical Resistance Heating | Electrical Resistance Heating]]
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*[[Thermal Conduction Heating (TCH)]]
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*[[Thermal Remediation - Combined Remedies | Combined Remedies]]
  
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'''Contributors:''' Dr. Wenqing Xu
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'''Contributors:''' Jonah Munholland, Julia Vidonish, and Craig Divine
  
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'''Key Resource(s):'''
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'''Key Resources:'''
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*Thermal In Situ Sustainable Remediation to Enhance Biotic and Abiotic Reactions and Accelerate Remediation Timeframes, Final Report. ESTCP Project ER20-5028<ref>Divine, C., Munholland, J., Zardouzian, E., Justicia-Leon, S., Aspinall, J.V., Randhawa, D., Falta, R., Freedman, D., Becker, M., 2025. Thermal In Situ Sustainable Remediation to Enhance Biotic and Abiotic Reactions and Accelerate Remediation Timeframes, Final Report. Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Project ER20-5028. [https://serdp-estcp.mil/projects/details/bab4bc87-b4bc-42df-ad0e-11ea0adf27dc/er20-5028-project-overview Project Website]&nbsp; [[Media: ER20-5028 FR DevineEtAl2025.pdf | Final Report.pdf]]</ref>.
  
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*Experimental and Computational Study of Pyrogenic Carbonaceous Matter Facilitated Hydrolysis of 2, 4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN)<ref name="SeenthiaEtAl2024">Seenthia, N.I., Bylaska, E.J., Pignatello, J.J., Tratnyek, P.G., Beal, S.A., Xu, W., 2024. Experimental and Computational Study of Pyrogenic Carbonaceous Matter Facilitated Hydrolysis of 2, 4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN). Environmental Science and Technology, 58(21), pp. 9404–9415. [https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.4c01069 doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01069]&nbsp; [[Media: SeenthiaEtAl2024.pdf | Open Access pdf]]</ref>
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*Advances in Low-Temperature Thermal Remediation. Munholland ''et al.'', 2024<ref name="MunhollandEtAl2024">Munholland, J, Rosso, D., Randhawa, D., Devine, C., Pennington, A., 2024. Advances in Low-Temperature Thermal Remediation. In: García-Rincón, J., Gatsios, E., Lenhard, R.J., Atekwana, E.A., Naidu, R. (eds), Advances in the Characterisation and Remediation of Sites Contaminated with Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Chapter 18 pp. 623-653. Environmental Contamination Remediation and Management series, Springer Nature. [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34447-3_18 doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-34447-3_18]&nbsp; [[Media: MunhollandEtAl2024.pdf | Open Access Chapter]]</ref>.
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*A Design Tool for Solar Thermal Remediation Using Borehole Heat Exchangers. Ornelles, Falta, and Divine, 2023<ref name="Ornelles">Ornelles, A.D., Falta, R.W., Divine, C.E., 2023. A Design Tool for Solar Thermal Remediation Using Borehole Heat Exchangers. Ground Water, 61(2), pp. 245-254. [https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.13265 doi: 10.1111/gwat.13265]&nbsp; [https://ngwa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gwat.13265 Free download from NGWA]</ref>.
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*Low-Temperature Thermal Remediation: Gaining Traction as a Green Remedial Alternative. Horst, ''et al.'', 2018<ref name="HorstEtAl2018">Horst, J., Flanders, C., Klemmer, M., Randhawa, D.S., Rosso, D., 2018. Low-Temperature Thermal Remediation: Gaining Traction as a Green Remedial Alternative. Groundwater Monitoring and Remediation, 38(3), pp. 18-27. [https://doi.org/10.1111/gwmr.12295 doi: 10.1111/gwmr.12295]</ref>.
  
 
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
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Historically, pyrogenic carbonaceous matter (PCM) has been used to remove contaminants from the aqueous phase by adsorption and/or complexation, but it was not believed to facilitate their degradation. A recent [https://serdp-estcp.mil/ Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP)] project ([https://serdp-estcp.mil/projects/details/047de8e1-0202-40ba-8bf6-cbd89bcc5b46 ER19-1239]) developed evidence that PCM not only adsorbs but also catalyzes the hydrolysis of some munition constituents, thus potentially reducing the need for regeneration or replacement of the adsorbent material and thereby reducing costs associated with management of these contaminants. This project found that PCM can facilitate MC degradation on carbon surfaces and thus free up adsorption sites, allowing PCM to remove a significantly greater mass of some MCs than would be possible by adsorption alone. Any MCs such as [[Wikipedia: Nitrotriazolone | 3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO)]] that are not susceptible to alkaline hydrolysis can be safely sequestered within the carbon amendment, decreasing their bioavailability to the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the tested technology boosts alkaline hydrolysis at near-neutral pH conditions rather than high pH conditions required by current methods (i.e., lime treatment). Bench studies using soils collected from Department of Defense ranges demonstrated enhanced adsorption affinity (over three orders of magnitude) for highly mobile IHEs such as NTO because the PCM amendments maintained their reactivity over consecutive additions of IHE formulations. The findings suggest that PCM has the potential to be developed and deployed as a reactive amendment for environmental remediation of MCs. Future efforts are needed to demonstrate these materials at full scale in the field.
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[[File: MunhollandFig1.png | thumb | 500 px | Figure 1: Components and layout of a TISR<sup>®</sup> system]]
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Using a combined experimental and computational modeling approach, the structural features of MCs and PCM that are critical for PCM-facilitated hydrolysis were identified. Employing a polymer synthesis approach, the contribution of various functional groups and pore structures in promoting MC hydrolysis were delineated. The findings of this investigation have broad implications for reactive adsorbent design and remediation. For instance, the formation of [[Wikipedia: Sigma complex | σ complexes]] between -NH2 surface functional groups and nitroaromatics suggests that PCM rich in -NH2 functional groups could be easily poisoned due to the irreversible binding of [[Wikipedia: TNT | TNT]] or [[Wikipedia: 2,4-Dinitroanisole | DNAN]]. By contrast, [[Wikipedia: Quaternary ammonium cation | quaternary ammonium (QA)]] functional groups could accumulate TNT, DNAN and [[Wikipedia: Hydroxide | hydroxide (OH-)]] in the same spatial region, potentially enabling hydrolysis of the MCs. Therefore, efforts can be focused on populating specific functional groups on carbon amendments for groundwater and soil remediation. For example, increasing the abundance of QA groups while decreasing the presence of -NH2 and -OH can reduce the need for PCM regeneration. This is because contaminants will be destroyed on PCM surfaces rather than filling up adsorption sites. Besides functional groups, the pore structures of adsorbents could also be adjusted to favor hydrolysis and specific pathways (see Figure 3).
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TISR<sup>®</sup> utilizes [[Wikipedia: Downhole heat exchanger | borehole heat exchangers (BHEs)]] to heat target treatment areas in the subsurface. This is achieved through a combination of solar collectors, which harness solar radiation as heat, and the utilization of other heat sources such as waste heat or hybrid heating with heat pumps. That heat is then transferred to the subsurface via a closed loop circulation system connected to the BHEs (Figure 1). By incorporating these additional heat sources, TISR<sup>®</sup> ensures a more robust and constant heat supply, enabling customization of the system to address specific site challenges and facilitate efficient heat transfer.
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A novel adsorption mechanism known as charge-assisted hydrogen bond (CAHB) formation was proposed to account for the exceptionally high affinity of PCM for for MCs that do not undergo hydrolysis, such as NTO. The findings contradicted the conventional wisdom that polar organic anions (e.g., NTO) have little affinity for or are even repelled by hydrophobic carbonaceous sorbents. The results call attention to the need for new models or modification of existing models for the sorption of ionizable compounds in order to consider CAHB formation with sorbents. The findings also have potentially important implications for the use of carbons in environmental remediation more generally, particularly for strategies that enhance the retention of anionic contaminants that are otherwise highly mobile, such as nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, or some [[Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)]].  
 
  
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==Reaction Mechanisms and Treatment Efficacy==
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The heating of the subsurface through TISR<sup>®</sup> accelerates various processes such as biodegradation, abiotic reactions, and contaminant desorption and dissolution. The technology is also suitable for diverse hydrogeologic environments, including sites with low permeability zones, due to the relatively uniform thermal conductivity of geologic materials, which is unaffected by grain size<ref name="MunhollandEtAl2024"/>. This versatility allows TISR<sup>®</sup> to integrate with conventional remediation technologies, enhancing their performance.
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[[File:PinkardFig2.png|thumb|400px|Figure 2. Representative classes of PFAS structures among 148 PFASs demonstrated complete degradation during HALT<ref name="HaoEtAl2021"/>]]
 
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[[File:PinkardFig3.png|thumb|400px|Figure 3. The degradation of representative classes of PFAS during HALT of 1-to-1000 diluted AFFF under conditions of 1 M NaOH, 350 °C, and a reaction time of 60 minutes<ref name="HaoEtAl2021"/>.]]
 
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Laboratory scale batch experiments have shown that the full suite of PFAS detected in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) through targeted [[Wikipedia: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry | LC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS]] suspect screening analysis are degraded and defluorinated by HALT<ref name="HaoEtAl2021"/>. Figure 2 presents representative classes of PFAS structures among 148 PFAS demonstrating complete degradation during HALT. Figure 3 illustrates the degradation during HALT of representative classes of PFAS detected in an AFFF. The extent of destruction for all PFAS is highly temperature dependent, but results show that some subclasses of PFAS degrade in the absence of alkali amendments (e.g., PFCAs)<ref name="AustinEtAl2024"/>, whereas other subclasses require strong alkali in addition to near-critical reaction temperatures (e.g., PFSAs)<ref name="Strathmann2023"/><ref name="HaoEtAl2021"/><ref name="WuEtAl2019"/>.  This is attributed to different mechanisms that initiate the destruction of the individual PFAS subclasses. Degradation of PFCAs is initiated by thermally driven [[Wikipedia: Decarboxylation | decarboxylation reactions]]<ref name="AustinEtAl2024"/>, whereas PFSA degradation, in the temperature range of HALT reactors, is proposed to be initiated via attack by the strong nucleophile [[Wikipedia: Hydroxide | OH<sup>-</sup>]].<ref name="HaoEtAl2021"/> 
 
  
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A mechanistic understanding of the HALT process for PFAS destruction needs further evaluation to optimize the process and reduce the consumption of chemicals and energy. While the studies of neat compounds are relatively straightforward, one of the major challenges is to address the effect of co-contaminants and apply the process to real-world operating scenarios. Recent laboratory studies with batch reactors conducted at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) have extended the application of HALT for the destruction of PFAS in a variety of contaminated matrices, including groundwater and soils<ref name="HaoEtAl2022"/> and foam fractionation-derived liquid concentrate<ref name="HaoEtAl2023"/>. Apparent rates for the transformation of individual PFAS have been found to be largely insensitive to the type of media<ref name="HaoEtAl2023"/>, but there is a need to account for any reactions with the media that consume OH· (e.g., OH· reactions with silica-containing soil minerals)<ref name="HaoEtAl2022"/> Notably, while alkali is not required to degrade PFCAs, it is still necessary to convert the organically bound fluorine to inorganic F<sup>-</sup>. Austin ''et. al.''<ref name="AustinEtAl2024"/> showed that TFA, a C<sub>1</sub> PFCA, degrades at similar rates in the absence and presence of NaOH, but mineralization to F<sup>-</sup> and CO<sub>3</sub><sup>2-</sup> only occurs when NaOH is added; otherwise [[Wikipedia:Fluoroform | fluoroform (CHF<sub>3</sub>)]] is the terminal product when no NaOH is added to the reaction solution.
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One of the key advantages of TISR<sup>®</sup> is its ability to accelerate treatment processes while minimizing energy consumption. By harnessing renewable and sustainable energy sources such as solar radiation and effectively utilizing waste heat or hybrid heating with heat pumps, TISR<sup>®</sup> delivers an efficient, cost-effective remediation solution. Compatibility with multiple conventional remediation technologies makes it an effective option for addressing a variety of contamination challenges.
  
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HALT can also be applied to destroy other fluorinated compounds, for example, [[Wikipedia:Hydrofluorocarbon | hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)]] refrigerants. HFC refrigerants are known to decompose into PFAS such as TFA in the atmosphere and thereby subsequently appear in concerning concentrations in rainwater. By themselves, HFCs are resistant to thermal degradation; however, in the presence of alkali (e.g., NaOH), alkaline hydrolysis can occur at T < 150˚C<ref name="AustinEtAl2024"/>.
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==Scientific Principles==
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[[File: MunhollandFig2.png | thumb | 500 px | Figure 2: Effect of temperature on hydrolysis rates for VOCs]]
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During the TISR<sup>®</sup> heating process, thermal conduction and advection play a crucial role in boosting physical, biological, and chemical processes within the treatment zones, leading to enhanced attenuation, degradation, and removal of contaminants from the subsurface<ref>Dettmer, K., 2002. A Discussion of the Effects of Thermal Remediation Treatments on Microbial Degradation Processes. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Technology Innovation Office, Washington, DC. [[Media: dettmer2002.pdf | free report]]&nbsp; [https://www.clu-in.org/download/techdrct/dettmer.pdf free download from clu-in.org]</ref><ref name="HorstEtAl2018"/>. TISR<sup>®</sup> systems are typically designed to enhance the biological activity and performance of other active technologies, such as [[Wikipedia: Air sparging | air sparge]]/[[Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) | soil vapor extraction]] (AS/SVE) or [[Chemical Oxidation (In Situ - ISCO) | chemical oxidation]], by increasing the subsurface temperature by approximately 10°C to 20°C. The target groundwater temperature is often set to reach up to about 35°C, which is the optimal temperature for promoting the activity of mesophilic microbial communities responsible for biodegradation of certain contaminants. In cases where the objective is to maximize abiotic hydrolysis mechanisms, such as for some chlorinated alkanes, TISR<sup>®</sup> systems can be designed to reach a final groundwater temperature of up to 60°C.
  
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==State of the Art==
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The effectiveness of TISR<sup>®</sup> in enhancing treatment performance has been demonstrated through several mechanisms, which are discussed below:
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[[File:PinkardFig4.png | thumb |400px| Figure 4: HALT field demonstration at Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) in August 2023]]
 
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Recently, several field demonstrations of pilot-scale HALT systems were performed by commercial HALT provider Aquagga, Inc. These have focused on treating PFAS-rich liquids, including industrial wastewater at a 3M Company facility (April 2024)<ref name="PinkardEtAl2024b">Pinkard, B.R., Smith, S.M., Bryan, C., 2024. PFAS Degradation and Defluorination of High TDS Wastewater via Continuous Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT). In: (Proceedings of the) 85th Annual International Water Conference (IWC 2024), Volume 1, pp. 359-374. Engineers Society of Western Pennsylvania. ISBN: 979-8-3313-1299-2</ref>, foam fractionate from a fire training pit in Fairbanks, AK (August 2023), foam fractionate from groundwater at Beale Air Force Base, CA (May 2024), and AFFF (May 2024). For all field demonstrations, a containerized HALT system was mobilized to the site and operated for up to several weeks. The systems were typically operated at a throughput between 5 and 10 gallons per hour (gph). Since 2019, HALT has progressed from small-scale batch reactors to successful field demonstration of pilot-scale systems. This technology maturation attests to strong technical and regulatory tailwinds. Effort is still needed to demonstrate the technology at full scale and in complex treatment scenarios. Long-term operation of the systems will allow for further optimization of the systems and provide data on the applicability of HALT for the treatment of industrial and environmental PFAS-contaminated waste streams.
 
  
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Pilot-scale HALT systems are typically continuous flow tubular reactor systems, consisting of a single high-temperature, high-pressure fluid path. In commercial HALT systems offered by Aquagga, Inc., chemical dosing for pH adjustment is achieved via an automated chemical dosing and mixing system. The high pH feedstock is then introduced to the high-pressure reactor via a high-pressure metering pump. Pressure is controlled via a back-pressure device downstream of the high-temperature reactor zone. The pressurized reactants are brought to reaction temperatures via a recuperative heat exchanger followed by electric resistive heaters. The reactor vessel contains the reactants at the necessary temperature and pressure and for a sufficient residence time to facilitate the destruction reactions. The product stream is then cooled through a recuperative heat exchanger, before being throttled to ambient pressure through the back-pressure device. Pressure transducers, flow meters, and thermocouples are used to monitor the reactor operations at various points in the system. All reactor components are typically housed within a shipping container, for ease of system transport and to provide secondary chemical containment.
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*Primary dechlorinating bacteria, such as [[Wikipedia: Dehalococcoides | Dehalococcoides]] and [[Wikipedia: Dehalogenimonas | Dehalogenimonas]], are known to be [[Wikipedia: Mesophile | mesophilic]]. Therefore, increasing the temperature can significantly enhance microbial activity and biodegradation by multiple orders of magnitude<ref>Macbeth, T., Truex, M., Powell, T., Michalsen, M., 2012. Combining Low-Energy Electrical Resistance Heating with Biotic and Abiotic Reactions for Treatment of Chlorinated Solvent DNAPL Source Areas. [https://serdp-estcp.mil/ Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP)] [https://serdp-estcp.mil/projects/details/877a3b41-6bed-4f4a-b43a-87fbcd9b7f0b/er-200719-project-overview Project ER-200719 webpage]&nbsp; [[Media: Macbeth2012_ER-200719-FR.pdf | free download]]&nbsp; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EbwKbs8scE Project Summary Presentation]</ref>.
  
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==Practical Applications==
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*Reduced iron minerals, particularly iron sulfides, can participate in the abiotic degradation of chlorinated ethenes and other contaminants. The rates of these reactions generally depend on temperature, following the [[Wikipedia: Arrhenius equation | Arrhenius equation]].
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[[File:PinkardFig5.png | thumb |400px| Figure 5: An on-site HALT pilot demonstration at a 3M Company wastewater treatment facility]]
 
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The ideal use case for HALT is treating PFAS-rich liquid matrices. PFAS concentrations are high enough for HALT to be directly applicable primarily in the cases of AFFF treatment or industrial process water treatment. In the majority of use cases, it is more practical to apply a separation and concentration technology prior to HALT, to reduce the volume of liquid requiring HALT treatment while increasing PFAS concentrations in that liquid. These concentration technologies may include regenerable sorbents, membranes, or foam fractionation, all of which produce a liquid byproduct amenable for HALT.
 
  
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===Destruction of PFAS in Ion Exchange Regeneration Brine===
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*[[Wikipedia: Hydrolysis | Hydrolysis]] rates for certain compounds exhibit high temperature dependence. For example, a 10°C increase can lead to a 50% reduction in the half-life of [[Wikipedia: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA)]]<ref>Suthersan, S., Horst, J., Klemmer, M., Malone, D., 2012. Temperature-Activated Auto-Decomposition Reactions: An Under-Utilized In Situ Remediation Solution. Groundwater Monitoring and Remediation, 32(3), pp. 34-40. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6592.2012.01407.x doi: 10.1111/j.1745-6592.2012.01407.x]</ref>. Figure 2 presents the calculated temperature-dependent hydrolysis rates for 13 common [[Wikipedia: Volatile organic compound | volatile organic compounds (VOCs)]] at a pH of 7.
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One of the most promising applications of HALT is for treating PFAS-rich ion exchange (IX) regeneration brines, either in site remediation applications (e.g., groundwater treatment<ref name="Pinkard2024">Pinkard, B.R., 2024. Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment for a Closed-Loop, On-Site PFAS Treatment Solution. Project Number ER23-8400, Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP).&nbsp; [https://serdp-estcp.mil/projects/details/a4c6918a-fe3b-43d2-95cb-fa3dfa3a50a2 Project Website]</ref>) or industrial wastewater treatment applications<ref name="PinkardEtAl2024a"/>. IX capture and regeneration involve sorbing PFAS to an IX resin, followed by chemical desorption of PFAS from the resin, typically with a solvent and/or salt wash solution. The IX regeneration technology is commercially mature and available from several vendors.  
 
  
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A treatment train of IX followed by HALT shows promise for several reasons. One reason is that the HALT process is highly compatible with the liquid matrix produced through the IX regeneration. Typically, IX regeneration brine (a.k.a. “still bottoms”) contains high levels of dissolved solids such as sodium chloride, which can cause practical processing challenges with other liquid treatment technologies. However, high levels of TDS do not appear to cause processing challenges with HALT<ref name="PinkardEtAl2024a"/>. Another reason is that IX regeneration brines often contain ultra short- and short-chain PFAS, which are amenable to destructive treatment with HALT.
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*[[Wikipedia: Henry's law | Henry's Law]] constant, [[Wikipedia: Vapor pressure | vapor pressure]], solubility, and viscosity values are also temperature dependent. For instance, the Henry's Law constant values for many VOCs, including [[Wikipedia: Tetrachloroethylene | tetrachloroethene (PCE)]], have been observed to double between 8 and 24°C<ref>Chen, F., Freedman, D.L., Falta, R.W., Murdoch, L.C., 2012. Henry's law constants of chlorinated solvents at elevated temperatures. Chemosphere, 86(2), pp.156-165. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.10.004 doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.10.004]</ref>.
  
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In 2022, commercial HALT provider Aquagga performed a bench study in partnership with the 3M Company, demonstrating PFAS destruction performance for HALT processing of a synthetic IX regeneration brine<ref name="PinkardEtAl2024a"/>. Seven treatment conditions were tested, and fluorine mass balance closure was demonstrated for most conditions using a range of analytical techniques. In 2024, Aquagga performed an on-site demonstration in partnership with the 3M Company treating IX regeneration brine produced from active wastewater treatment activities<ref name="PinkardEtAl2024b"/>.
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*Rates of other processes that often limit the pace of remediation, such as dissolution, desorption, and [[Matrix Diffusion | back diffusion]], are positively correlated with temperature. This results in an enhanced bioavailability of contaminant mass that may otherwise be inaccessible.
  
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===Foam Fractionate Treatment===
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These various mechanisms collectively contribute to the improved performance of other active treatments when temperature is moderately increased by utilization of TISR®.
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Foam fractionation is a technology that concentrates PFAS in liquids by taking advantage of the hydrophobic/interface-partitioning behavior exhibited by many types of PFAS. Foam fractionation is seeing broad adoption for challenging liquid matrices such as landfill leachate and groundwater. Long-chain PFAS are known to partition to interfaces much more readily than short-chain PFAS, and foam fractionation is correspondingly much more effective at removing long-chain PFAS from liquids. When coupled with HALT, foam fractionation can remove and destroy a high fraction of PFAS from challenging liquid matrices<ref name="HaoEtAl2023"/>.
 
  
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===Destruction of PFAS in AFFF===
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==Implementation and Practical Considerations==
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Legacy AFFF contains high levels of PFAS (typically 0.1 to 6 wt%) in a liquid matrix. Several studies at lab and pilot scales have demonstrated that HALT can destroy PFAS in AFFF with minimal dilution<ref name="HaoEtAl2021"/>. While the treatment is effective, the wide variety of AFFF formulations make this a challenging application.
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[[File: MunhollandFig3.png | thumb | 500 px | Figure 3: Transformation of 1,1-DCE and VC following installation of a TISR<sup>®</sup> system]]
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TISR<sup>®</sup> has proven successful in reducing contaminant concentrations across diverse hydrogeologic settings, including those with low and complex hydraulic conductivity conditions. Figure 3 shows a sharp initial decrease in [[Wikipedia: 1,1-Dichloroethylene | 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE)]] concentrations due to enhanced biodegradation, and then a temporary small increase followed by subsequent decreases in 1,1-DCE concentrations to below detection limits, possibly the result of temperature-enhanced desorption or dissolution of 1,1-DCE from the aquifer. There is also a temporary increase and then decrease in the concentrations of [[Wikipedia: Vinyl chloride | vinyl chloride (VC)]] (a biodegradation product) to very low levels.  
  
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==Advantages and Drawbacks==
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The TISR<sup>®</sup> system construction utilizes off-the-shelf modular components, promoting cost-efficiency, reusability, and a reduced carbon footprint. Waste heat can supplement or replace the solar setup, and remote monitoring through dashboard apps reduces operation and maintenance costs. TISR® projects typically achieve an average capital cost payback within 1 to 3 years due to accelerated rates of remediation.
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===Advantages of HALT include:===
 
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*Ability to achieve >99% destruction of all PFAS chain lengths and subtypes
 
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*Ability to fully mineralize or defluorinate PFAS to dissolved inorganic fluoride as an end product
 
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*Commercial systems are compact and simple to operate
 
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*Commercial systems do not have an air emission point
 
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*Ability to treat wastes with high TDS
 
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*Ability to treat wastes with high TOC
 
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*Low overall energy usage (<0.9 kWh/gal-treated)
 
  
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===Drawbacks or challenges associated with HALT include:===
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When implementing TISR<sup>®</sup>, [[Wikipedia: Solar irradiance | solar insolation]] and groundwater velocity must be considered for optimal equipment sizing and cycling. Depending on remedial goals and site history and conditions, the TISR<sup>®</sup> system and target temperatures may be designed to enhance specific remedial mechanisms (e.g. hydrolysis over bioremediation). Recently Ornelles ''et al.''<ref name="Ornelles"/> developed an easy to use Excel-based model that can be used to optimize TISR<sup>®</sup> design and predict subsurface temperature changes over time. Frequent monitoring of the temperature and microbial community composition relative to targets is useful for evaluating treatment effectiveness and optimizing system performance. The system and target temperatures can be customized to enhance specific remedial mechanisms based on site conditions and goals.
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*Not well-suited for directly processing solid materials or slurries
 
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*Treated effluent brine contains high TDS and must be managed accordingly
 
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*Hard minerals (e.g., Ca<sup>2+</sup>) may precipitate and require periodic cleaning
 
  
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===Safety considerations related to HALT include:===
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==Summary==
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*The use of strong bases and conjugate acids require safe chemical handling practices external to the HALT system and appropriate operator precautions
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TISR<sup>®</sup> is a cost-effective and adaptable technology that can be customized to address specific site challenges. It can be used as a standalone solution or be integrated with existing remediation strategies to enhance their effectiveness. TISR<sup>®</sup> is particularly effective in challenging hydrogeological conditions and can be optimized to suit specific treatment mechanisms. By shortening the active remediation timeframe, TISR<sup>®</sup> reduces lifecycle costs and minimizes the carbon footprint associated with the remediation process.
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*High-pressure, high-temperature, and high-pH operating conditions are harsh and corrosive on processing equipment, and appropriate material selection, metallurgy, and corrosion control methods must be applied to ensure reactor vessel reliability
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<br clear="right"/>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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==See Also==
 
==See Also==
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*[https://www.aquagga.com/ourtech Aquagga (company) website]
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[https://vimeo.com/1019489395 TISR<sup>®</sup> Explanation Video]
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*[https://strathmanngroup.com/research/ Strathmann Research Group]
 
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*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UANEiMIDcZM&t=2696s SERDP Webinar Series: PFAS Fate, Transport and Treatment]
 
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*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRVJ2S9F9qU&t=3261s SERDP Webinar Series: Developing and Demonstrating Technologies for Destruction of PFAS in Concentrated Liquid Waste Streams]
 

Latest revision as of 19:44, 13 October 2026

Thermal In Situ Sustainable Remediation to Enhance Biotic and Abiotic Reactions and Accelerate Remediation Timeframes

Thermal In Situ Sustainable Remediation (TISR®; US Pat. Nos. 10,384,246 and 10,688,545) is a cost-effective and adaptable low temperature thermal remediation technology that accelerates contaminant treatment. It achieves this by enhancing biotic and abiotic contaminant degradation rates through a modest increase in subsurface temperature. TISR® is suitable for a wide range of hydrogeologic settings. It also offers reduced operational costs, a lower carbon footprint, and possibly shorter remedial timeframes than more conventional methods.

Related Article(s):

Contributors: Jonah Munholland, Julia Vidonish, and Craig Divine

Key Resources:

  • Thermal In Situ Sustainable Remediation to Enhance Biotic and Abiotic Reactions and Accelerate Remediation Timeframes, Final Report. ESTCP Project ER20-5028[1].
  • Advances in Low-Temperature Thermal Remediation. Munholland et al., 2024[2].
  • A Design Tool for Solar Thermal Remediation Using Borehole Heat Exchangers. Ornelles, Falta, and Divine, 2023[3].
  • Low-Temperature Thermal Remediation: Gaining Traction as a Green Remedial Alternative. Horst, et al., 2018[4].

Introduction

File:MunhollandFig1.png
Figure 1: Components and layout of a TISR® system

TISR® utilizes borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) to heat target treatment areas in the subsurface. This is achieved through a combination of solar collectors, which harness solar radiation as heat, and the utilization of other heat sources such as waste heat or hybrid heating with heat pumps. That heat is then transferred to the subsurface via a closed loop circulation system connected to the BHEs (Figure 1). By incorporating these additional heat sources, TISR® ensures a more robust and constant heat supply, enabling customization of the system to address specific site challenges and facilitate efficient heat transfer.

The heating of the subsurface through TISR® accelerates various processes such as biodegradation, abiotic reactions, and contaminant desorption and dissolution. The technology is also suitable for diverse hydrogeologic environments, including sites with low permeability zones, due to the relatively uniform thermal conductivity of geologic materials, which is unaffected by grain size[2]. This versatility allows TISR® to integrate with conventional remediation technologies, enhancing their performance.

One of the key advantages of TISR® is its ability to accelerate treatment processes while minimizing energy consumption. By harnessing renewable and sustainable energy sources such as solar radiation and effectively utilizing waste heat or hybrid heating with heat pumps, TISR® delivers an efficient, cost-effective remediation solution. Compatibility with multiple conventional remediation technologies makes it an effective option for addressing a variety of contamination challenges.

Scientific Principles

File:MunhollandFig2.png
Figure 2: Effect of temperature on hydrolysis rates for VOCs

During the TISR® heating process, thermal conduction and advection play a crucial role in boosting physical, biological, and chemical processes within the treatment zones, leading to enhanced attenuation, degradation, and removal of contaminants from the subsurface[5][4]. TISR® systems are typically designed to enhance the biological activity and performance of other active technologies, such as air sparge/ soil vapor extraction (AS/SVE) or chemical oxidation, by increasing the subsurface temperature by approximately 10°C to 20°C. The target groundwater temperature is often set to reach up to about 35°C, which is the optimal temperature for promoting the activity of mesophilic microbial communities responsible for biodegradation of certain contaminants. In cases where the objective is to maximize abiotic hydrolysis mechanisms, such as for some chlorinated alkanes, TISR® systems can be designed to reach a final groundwater temperature of up to 60°C.

The effectiveness of TISR® in enhancing treatment performance has been demonstrated through several mechanisms, which are discussed below:

  • Primary dechlorinating bacteria, such as Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas, are known to be mesophilic. Therefore, increasing the temperature can significantly enhance microbial activity and biodegradation by multiple orders of magnitude[6].
  • Reduced iron minerals, particularly iron sulfides, can participate in the abiotic degradation of chlorinated ethenes and other contaminants. The rates of these reactions generally depend on temperature, following the Arrhenius equation.
  • Rates of other processes that often limit the pace of remediation, such as dissolution, desorption, and back diffusion, are positively correlated with temperature. This results in an enhanced bioavailability of contaminant mass that may otherwise be inaccessible.

These various mechanisms collectively contribute to the improved performance of other active treatments when temperature is moderately increased by utilization of TISR®.

Implementation and Practical Considerations

File:MunhollandFig3.png
Figure 3: Transformation of 1,1-DCE and VC following installation of a TISR® system

TISR® has proven successful in reducing contaminant concentrations across diverse hydrogeologic settings, including those with low and complex hydraulic conductivity conditions. Figure 3 shows a sharp initial decrease in 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE) concentrations due to enhanced biodegradation, and then a temporary small increase followed by subsequent decreases in 1,1-DCE concentrations to below detection limits, possibly the result of temperature-enhanced desorption or dissolution of 1,1-DCE from the aquifer. There is also a temporary increase and then decrease in the concentrations of vinyl chloride (VC) (a biodegradation product) to very low levels.

The TISR® system construction utilizes off-the-shelf modular components, promoting cost-efficiency, reusability, and a reduced carbon footprint. Waste heat can supplement or replace the solar setup, and remote monitoring through dashboard apps reduces operation and maintenance costs. TISR® projects typically achieve an average capital cost payback within 1 to 3 years due to accelerated rates of remediation.

When implementing TISR®, solar insolation and groundwater velocity must be considered for optimal equipment sizing and cycling. Depending on remedial goals and site history and conditions, the TISR® system and target temperatures may be designed to enhance specific remedial mechanisms (e.g. hydrolysis over bioremediation). Recently Ornelles et al.[3] developed an easy to use Excel-based model that can be used to optimize TISR® design and predict subsurface temperature changes over time. Frequent monitoring of the temperature and microbial community composition relative to targets is useful for evaluating treatment effectiveness and optimizing system performance. The system and target temperatures can be customized to enhance specific remedial mechanisms based on site conditions and goals.

Summary

TISR® is a cost-effective and adaptable technology that can be customized to address specific site challenges. It can be used as a standalone solution or be integrated with existing remediation strategies to enhance their effectiveness. TISR® is particularly effective in challenging hydrogeological conditions and can be optimized to suit specific treatment mechanisms. By shortening the active remediation timeframe, TISR® reduces lifecycle costs and minimizes the carbon footprint associated with the remediation process.

References

  1. ^ Divine, C., Munholland, J., Zardouzian, E., Justicia-Leon, S., Aspinall, J.V., Randhawa, D., Falta, R., Freedman, D., Becker, M., 2025. Thermal In Situ Sustainable Remediation to Enhance Biotic and Abiotic Reactions and Accelerate Remediation Timeframes, Final Report. Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Project ER20-5028. Project Website  Final Report.pdf
  2. ^ 2.0 2.1 Munholland, J, Rosso, D., Randhawa, D., Devine, C., Pennington, A., 2024. Advances in Low-Temperature Thermal Remediation. In: García-Rincón, J., Gatsios, E., Lenhard, R.J., Atekwana, E.A., Naidu, R. (eds), Advances in the Characterisation and Remediation of Sites Contaminated with Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Chapter 18 pp. 623-653. Environmental Contamination Remediation and Management series, Springer Nature. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-34447-3_18  Open Access Chapter
  3. ^ 3.0 3.1 Ornelles, A.D., Falta, R.W., Divine, C.E., 2023. A Design Tool for Solar Thermal Remediation Using Borehole Heat Exchangers. Ground Water, 61(2), pp. 245-254. doi: 10.1111/gwat.13265  Free download from NGWA
  4. ^ 4.0 4.1 Horst, J., Flanders, C., Klemmer, M., Randhawa, D.S., Rosso, D., 2018. Low-Temperature Thermal Remediation: Gaining Traction as a Green Remedial Alternative. Groundwater Monitoring and Remediation, 38(3), pp. 18-27. doi: 10.1111/gwmr.12295
  5. ^ Dettmer, K., 2002. A Discussion of the Effects of Thermal Remediation Treatments on Microbial Degradation Processes. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Technology Innovation Office, Washington, DC. free report  free download from clu-in.org
  6. ^ Macbeth, T., Truex, M., Powell, T., Michalsen, M., 2012. Combining Low-Energy Electrical Resistance Heating with Biotic and Abiotic Reactions for Treatment of Chlorinated Solvent DNAPL Source Areas. Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) Project ER-200719 webpage  free download  Project Summary Presentation
  7. ^ Suthersan, S., Horst, J., Klemmer, M., Malone, D., 2012. Temperature-Activated Auto-Decomposition Reactions: An Under-Utilized In Situ Remediation Solution. Groundwater Monitoring and Remediation, 32(3), pp. 34-40. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-6592.2012.01407.x
  8. ^ Chen, F., Freedman, D.L., Falta, R.W., Murdoch, L.C., 2012. Henry's law constants of chlorinated solvents at elevated temperatures. Chemosphere, 86(2), pp.156-165. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.10.004

See Also

TISR® Explanation Video

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