A method for remediation of contaminants in soil and groundwater is
disclosed. The method generates oxygen releasing solids in groundwater or
soil by injecting an aqueous energetic oxidant solution containing free
radicals, oxidative conditions can be created within or ahead of a
contaminant plume. Some contaminants may be remediated directly by
reaction with the free radicals. Additionally and more importantly, the
free radicals create an oxidative condition whereby native or injected
materials, especially metals, are converted to peroxides. These peroxides
provide a long-term oxygen reservoir, releasing oxygen relatively slowly
over time. The oxygen can enhance microbial metabolism to remediate
contaminants, can react with contaminant metals either to form immobile
precipitants or to mobilize other metals to permit remediation through
leaching techniques. Various injection strategies for injecting the
energetic oxidant solution are also disclosed.