Transformation of chlorinated organic compounds by iron and manganese powders in buffered water and in landfill leachate

Tetrachloroethylene was transformed by iron powder (4.1g/L) in oxygen-free, HEPES-buffered (pH 7) water at 50°C with a half-life of 20 days. The only products observed were the reactive intermediate, trichloroethylene, and ethene and ethane. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene were transformed by iron at room temperature in both autoclaved buffered water and in two non-autoclaved landfill leachates. The pattern and degree of removal were similar in all cases. Dichloromethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene were also tested, but were not removed from any of the systems. If manganese rather than iron was used, the substrates transformed depended upon the aqueous phase. Some biological transformations were seen in Leachate 2, but the activity was reduced by manganese and completely suppressed by iron.