Effects of heat-activated persulfate oxidation on soil microorganisms

The effects of heat-activated persulfate on indigenous microorganisms and microcosms augmented with Pseudomonas putida KT2440 were studied in laboratory batch reactors with aquifer material. Microscopic enumeration was used to measure the changes in cell density, and acetate consumption was used to evaluate metabolic activity after exposure to activated persulfate. The cell enumerations showed that persulfate concentrations up to 10 g/L did not affect the indigenous microorganisms but were detrimental to P. putida survival. Acetate consumption was inhibited at the highest persulfate dose (10 g/L). The results emphasize the necessity of using multiple toxicity assays and indigenous cultures in order to realistically assess the potential effects of in situ chemical oxidation on soil microorganisms. A comparison to other studies suggests that the effects of activated persulfate on soil microorganisms are less damaging than those of Fenton's reagent and hydrogen peroxide.