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Feasibility, system design, and economic evaluation of radiolytic degradation of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐ p ‐dioxin on soil
Author(s) -
Hilarides Roger J.,
Gray Kimberly A.,
Guzzetta Joseph,
Cortellucci Norma,
Sommer Christopher
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
water environment research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.356
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1554-7531
pISSN - 1061-4303
DOI - 10.2175/106143096x127361
Subject(s) - radiolysis , degradation (telecommunications) , incineration , environmental science , waste management , radioactive waste , gamma irradiation , chemistry , environmental chemistry , irradiation , engineering , radical , nuclear physics , telecommunications , physics , organic chemistry
This research shows that gamma irradiation is both a technically and economically feasible method to degrade chlorinated dioxins on soil. Approximately 99% degradation of dioxin on a model soil was achieved using gamma radiation at a dose of 800 kGy. In addition, this research determined the initial pathway of destruction, identified several controlling parameters, and developed a mass balance on degradation. The general applicability of this model behavior was successfully tested in a native contaminated soil where nearly 75% of the dioxin was destroyed at a dose of 450 kGy. Through a theoretical and conceptual understanding of radiolysis in soil, a sound basis for engineering design was established. Gamma radiation sources are commercially available, and this research outlines a new application of an established technology. A number of irradiator designs are proposed, and preliminary economic estimates are made to demonstrate that radiolysis can be a real alternative to incineration.