abstract |
A method of treatment of a contaminated material contaminated with an organic compound is provided. The method includes 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; an oxidizing agent that provides a reactive free radical in the presence of the transition metal complex; and a buffering compound; the pH being maintained in a neutral range. The method of treatment may further include treating the contaminate with biodegradation step prior to or after the chemical oxidation step. |