Compositions and methods for oxidizing and sequestering carbon and stabilizing metals

Abstract

Compositions and methods for oxidizing organic contaminants while sequestering inhibitory forms of carbon. An oxidant capable of producing free radicals oxidizes organic contaminants. A metal oxide, metal hydroxide, or metal peroxide generates a soluble hydroxide concentration of about 1×10 −4 M or greater to convert carbonic acid, bicarbonate ion, methane, elemental carbon, and other organic forms of carbon to carbonate ion. A metal having a carbonate with a lower solubility product constant than its hydroxide precipitates the carbonate ion as a metal carbonate, thereby eliminating soluble carbonate as a radical scavenger. Compositions and methods that additionally minimize metal solubilization and sequester solubilized metals are also disclosed.

1 . A method of oxidizing an organic compound in a substrate, the method comprising treating the substrate at a hydroxide concentration of about 1 x 10 −4  M or greater with:
 an oxidant capable of producing free radicals in an amount sufficient to oxidize carbon in the substrate; and   a first metal, wherein the first metal is a metal wherein a carbonate thereof has a lower solubility product constant than a hydroxide thereof, wherein the first metal is added to the substrate in an amount sufficient to precipitate carbonate from the substrate.   
     
     
         2 - 14 . (canceled)