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What is in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO)?

In-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is an environmental remediation technique where chemical oxidants such as persulfate, permanganate, or hydrogen peroxide are injected into contaminated soil and groundwater to destroy organic contaminants like TCE, PCE, and petroleum hydrocarbons in place — without excavation.

What contaminants can IET remediate?

IET specializes in TCE remediation, chlorinated remediation, and comprehensive environmental treatment. We remediate chlorinated solvents (TCE/trichloroethylene, PCE/perchloroethylene, DCE, vinyl chloride), petroleum hydrocarbons (BTEX, gasoline, diesel, MTBE), heavy metals (chromium, lead), NAPL, DNAPL, PAHs, creosote, and mixed contamination using ISCO, ISCR, bioremediation, EZVI, and ISGS technologies.

How long does environmental remediation take?

Remediation timelines vary by technology and site conditions. ISCO can achieve significant contaminant reduction in weeks to months. Enhanced bioremediation typically requires 2–5 years of active treatment. IET's patented ferric iron-activated persulfate provides sustained treatment lasting over 2 years to prevent contaminant rebound.

What states does IET provide environmental drilling services?

IET provides environmental and geotechnical drilling services nationwide including Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, and more. IET operates 50+ specialized rigs including CME, Geoprobe, AMS, and barge drilling equipment.

Can ISCR treat hexavalent chromium (Cr VI)?

Yes. ISCR using zero-valent iron is one of the most effective treatments for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination. Cr(VI) is chemically reduced to Cr(III), which is far less toxic and highly insoluble — precipitating out of groundwater. IET has successfully treated hexavalent chromium sites across the US, achieving regulatory compliance in multiple monitoring wells.

What is the difference between ISCR and ISCO?

ISCO (in situ chemical oxidation) uses oxidants like persulfate or permanganate to destroy organic contaminants. ISCR (in situ chemical reduction) uses reducing agents like zero-valent iron to treat metals (chromium, uranium) and also reductively dechlorinate chlorinated solvents. Many IET projects combine both: ISCO for organic contaminants and ISCR for metals, in a coordinated treatment program.

What contaminants does ISCR treat?

ISCR effectively treats: hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), uranium and other radioactive metals, lead, arsenic, chlorinated ethenes (TCE, PCE, DCE, vinyl chloride), chlorinated ethanes (1,1,1-TCA), and halogenated aromatics (PCBs). It is especially valuable at mixed contamination sites where both metals and organic compounds are present.

How long does ISCR treatment last?

ISCR provides long-term remediation over 5–10+ years. Zero-valent iron remains reactive for extended periods, providing sustained treatment without the need for frequent re-injection. The reducing conditions created also support ongoing biological degradation processes, compounding the treatment effect over time.

Does ISCR require excavation?

No. ISCR is delivered in-situ via direct push injection or permanent wells — no excavation required. This makes it ideal for operating facilities, areas with underground utilities, or sites where soil disturbance must be minimized. IET's specialized injection equipment can access tight spaces including interior building areas.

In Situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR)

Permanent Treatment for Chromium, TCE & Heavy Metals

Permanent chemical transformation of hexavalent chromium, TCE, PCE & uranium using zero-valent iron and reactive amendments — get a free site evaluation from IET's ISCR specialists

How In-Situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR) Works

Reactive Chemical Amendments

Reactive agents such as zero-valent iron (ZVI), activated carbon, and chelating compounds are injected directly into contaminated soil and groundwater. These amendments create a reducing microenvironment that facilitates contaminant transformation.

Contaminant Reduction

Metals are chemically reduced to less mobile or insoluble forms (e.g., Cr(VI) to Cr(III)), while halogenated organics undergo reductive dechlorination, breaking C-Cl bonds and transforming toxic compounds into non-hazardous products.

Long-Term Stabilization

The treatment zone maintains reducing conditions over time through natural geochemical processes and residual amendment activity, providing sustained remedial effects and long-term contaminant immobilization.

Monitoring & Verification

Regular groundwater sampling and geochemical analysis verify the effectiveness of the treatment, with contaminant concentration reductions and speciation changes confirming successful reduction and stabilization.

Key Advantages of ISCR

Permanent Transformation

Chemical reduction creates permanent changes in contaminant speciation

Mixed Contamination

Addresses both metals and halogenated organic compounds simultaneously

Minimal Disruption

In-situ treatment avoids excavation and minimizes site impact

Long-Term Action

Sustained remedial benefits over extended timeframes

Target Contaminants

Metal Contaminants

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI))
Reduced to immobile Cr(III)
Uranium
Reduction and immobilization of uranium species
Other Heavy Metals
Lead, arsenic, and other metal species

Organic Contaminants

Chlorinated Ethenes
TCE, PCE, DCE, and vinyl chloride
Chlorinated Ethanes
1,1,1-TCA and related compounds
Halogenated Aromatics
PCBs and other aromatic compounds

ISCR Applications by Contamination Type

Hexavalent Chromium Sites

Reduce Cr(VI) to immobile Cr(III)

Chlorinated Solvent Sites

Reductive dechlorination of TCE, PCE, and DCE

Uranium Contamination

Reduction and immobilization of uranium species

Mixed Metal/Organic

Simultaneous treatment of multiple contaminant classes

ISCR (In Situ Chemical Reduction): Frequently Asked Questions

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