In Situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR)
Tersus Products Supporting ISCR
Click any product below to learn more about its role in this remediation technology.
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EDS-ZVI
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ZVI-IronGel
WHAT IS IN SITU CHEMICAL REDUCTION (ISCR)?
In Situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR) is an in situ remediation technology that destroys or transforms contaminants through chemical reduction reactions occurring directly within the subsurface. Unlike enhanced bioremediation, which relies primarily on microbial metabolism, ISCR initiates contaminant treatment through abiotic chemical reduction using reactive reducing agents—most commonly zero-valent iron (ZVI). The strongly reducing conditions generated by ZVI corrosion can subsequently stimulate anaerobic microorganisms, allowing chemical and biological treatment processes to work together.
When introduced into the subsurface, zero-valent iron donates electrons as it naturally corrodes. These electrons initiate reduction reactions that break carbon-chlorine bonds in chlorinated solvents, resulting in sequential dechlorination and the formation of less chlorinated daughter products. In addition to direct chemical reduction, the corrosion of zero-valent iron produces ferrous iron and hydrogen, creating strongly reducing conditions that can stimulate anaerobic microorganisms and enhance biological reductive dechlorination.
ISCR is particularly effective for treating chlorinated solvents such as PCE, TCE, cis-1,2-DCE, and vinyl chloride, and can also be applied to contaminants including hexavalent chromium, arsenic, and certain energetic compounds. Depending on site conditions, ISCR may be implemented as a standalone technology or integrated with enhanced bioremediation to provide both immediate chemical treatment and long-term biological degradation.
When would I choose ISCR over the others?
ISCR is often selected when rapid contaminant destruction is desired or when site conditions limit the effectiveness of biological treatment. It can also complement enhanced bioremediation by providing immediate chemical reduction while establishing favorable conditions for long-term biological degradation.
Typical Applications
- Source Areas
- Dissolved Plumes
- Low Permeability Zones
- Fractured Bedrock
- Mixed Chlorinated Solvent Sites
- PRBs (Permeable Reactive Barriers)
Why Choose ISCR?
- Rapid contaminant reduction
- Effective for highly chlorinated solvents
- Long-term reactive treatment
- Minimal aboveground infrastructure
- Can be combined with enhanced bioremediation
Explore Related Technologies
Bioaugmentation
Introducing specialized microorganisms to enhance biological remediation.
Bioaugmentation introduces specialized microbial cultures that complement native microorganisms and enhance the biodegradation of contaminants in the subsurface. When integrated with appropriate remediation amendments and favorable geochemical conditions, bioaugmentation can accelerate treatment and improve remediation outcomes.
Catalyzed Reductive Bioremediation
Advanced electron donor delivery using EDS-Advanced™
An integrated, catalyzed reductive bioremediation platform that improves amendment distribution, enhances fatty acid bioavailability, and supports reliable anaerobic treatment.
Enhanced Anaerobic Reductive Bioremediation
Stimulating organohalide-respiring microorganisms through sustained electron donor delivery.
Enhanced anaerobic reductive bioremediation promotes the biological destruction of chlorinated solvents through sustained electron donor delivery, generating hydrogen that supports sequential reductive dechlorination to harmless end products.
Heat-Enhanced Catalyzed Reductive Bioremediation
Combining low-temperature thermal treatment with enhanced anaerobic bioremediation.
Controlled heating improves amendment distribution and microbial activity while catalyzed electron donor delivery accelerates reductive dechlorination of chlorinated solvents. Read our technical brief to learn how this integrated approach can reduce remediation time.
Why Parter with Tersus?
- Over 40 Years of Remediation Expertise – Practical experience helping consultants, site owners, and regulators solve complex soil and groundwater remediation challenges.
- Innovative, Field-Proven Technologies – High-performance remediation products and treatment approaches designed for a wide range of contaminants and site conditions.
- Technical Collaboration – Practitioner-led guidance throughout technology selection, design, implementation, and performance monitoring.
- Responsive Customer Support – Knowledgeable assistance from budgeting and product selection through field implementation and project completion.
- Reliable Supply & Fast Delivery – Strategically located warehouses and dependable logistics help keep remediation projects on schedule.
- Committed to Your Project Success – We measure our success by helping clients achieve effective, practical, and cost-efficient remediation outcomes.
