Method for the destruction of organic contaminants through smoldering combustion

A method for remediating contaminated soil and groundwater, the method comprising:

• selecting a treatment material;
• creating a smolderable mixture of contaminant, treatment material and soils, wherein the smolderable mixture is part a permeable reactive barrier that intersects the groundwater containing the contaminants, the permeable reactive barrier configured to absorb and concentrate contaminant from the groundwater as it flows through the permeable reactive barrier;
• allowing the smolderable mixture to absorb and concentrate contaminant from the groundwater;
• heating a portion of the smolderable mixture;
• forcing oxidant through the smolderable mixture;
• initiating a self-sustaining smoldering combustion of the smolderable mixture to destroy or remove the contaminant;
• and
• terminating the source of heat applied to the smolderable mixture.