Application of Chelating Agents to Enhance Fenton Process in Soil Remediation: A Review

Persistent organic contaminants affecting soil and groundwater pose a significant threat to ecosystems human health. Fenton oxidation is an efficient treatment for removing these pollutants in the aqueous phase at acidic pH. However, in-situ application of this technology remediation (where pHs around neutrality are required) presents important limitations, such as catalyst (iron) availability oxidant (H2O2) stability. The addition chelating agents (CAs), forming complexes with Fe enabling reactions under conditions, so-called chelate-modified process (MF), tries overcome challenges identified conventional Fenton. Despite growing interest technology, there not yet critical review compiling information needed its real application. advantages drawbacks MF must be clarified, recent achievements should shared scientific community. This provides general overview CAs enhance soils polluted most common contaminants, especially deep understanding activation mechanisms influential factors. existing shortcomings research needs have been highlighted. Finally, future perspectives on use recommendations provided.