RADIOLYTIC DEGRADATION OF DIOXIN ON SOIL - OPTIMAL CONDITIONS AND ECONOMIC-CONSIDERATIONS

This paper reports results of 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) destruction on artificially contaminated soil using Cobalt-60 (Co-60) gamma radiation. A standard soil (EPA SSM-91) was artificially contaminated with 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD to 100 ppb. In the presence of 25 percent water, 2 percent surfactant (RA-40 (TM)), and high irradiation dose (800 KGy), greater than 90 percent TCDD destruction was achieved resulting in a final TCDD concentration of less than 7 ppb. This paper discusses some of the factors unique to soil contamination that will influence the effectiveness of ionizing radiation. Furthermore, various aspects, including economics, that affect the feasibility of using Co-60 for TCDD destruction are considered. Preliminary consideration of some key economic factors indicates that the costs of a Co-60 systems are competitive relative to electron beam or incineration systems.