Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment of Septic Systems and Its Negative Effects on Shallow Ground Water |
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| Authors: | Thomas J Bicki |
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| Institution: | Thomas J. Bicki is an assistant professor in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Illinois (N407 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801). He earned a Ph.D. in 1981 from Iowa State University. Bicki's responsibilities include directing a variety of natural resources research and extension programs in Illinois, which are related to geology, soils, water resources, on-site sewage disposal, agricultural practices, and ground water contamination. He is a member of the American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, International Society of Soil Science, and the Illinois Professional Soil Classifiers. |
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| Abstract: | Soil-solution samplers and shallow ground water monitoring wells were utilized to monitor nitrate movement to ground water following H2O2 application to a clogged soil absorption system. Nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in soil water and shallow ground water ranged from 29 to 67 mg/L and 9 to 22 mg/L, respectively, prior to H2O2 treatment. Mean nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in soil water and ground water increased and ranged from 67 to 115 mg/L and 23 to 37 mg/L, respectively, one week after H2O2 application. Elevated concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen above background persisted for several weeks following H2O2 treatment. The H2O2 treatment was unsuccessful in restoring the infiltrative capacity of a well-structured soil. Application of H2O2 to the soil absorption system poses a threat of nitrate contamination of ground water and its usefulness should be fully evaluated before rehabilitation is attempted. |
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