New Technologies for the Remediation of Halogenated Organics

Figure shows a fixed-bed three-phase reactor for the electrochemical destruction of chlorinated hydrocarbons present in SVE gases.

Background
There are difficulties associated with the destruction or final disposal of chlorinated solvents that are traditionally recovered from contaminated sites via pump and treat or soil vapor extraction methods. Pump and treat and soil vapor extraction merely transfer contaminants from one medium to another. There is a significant need for the development of new destructive treatment technologies to help clean up the nation's long list of Superfund sites.

Goal
To treat contaminated soil vapor and ground water with an emphasis on destruction of the target pollutant, rather than capture and disposal.

Objectives
1. Investigate catalyzed thermochemical destruction of gas phase VOCs.

2. Investigate electrolysis by advanced aqueous-phase and novel three-phase electrochemical reactors.

Contact
Eric A. Betterton
better@atmo.arizona.edu
(520) 621-2050