A FIELD DEMONSTRATION OF THE UV OXIDATION TECHNOLOGY TO TREAT GROUND-WATER CONTAMINATED WITH VOCS

This paper presents the field evaluation results of the ultraviolet radiation (UV)/oxidation technology developed by Ultrox InternationalSanta Ana, California. The field evaluation was performed at the Lorentz Barrel and Drum (LB&D) site in San Jose, California, under the Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation program in February and March of1989. The UV/oxidation technology uses UV radiation, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide to oxidize organic contaminants present in water. At the LB&D site, this technology was evaluated in treating ground water contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Ultrox system achieved VOC removals greater than 90 percent. Most VOCs were removed through chemical oxidation. However, for a few VOCs, such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane and 1,1-dichloroethane, stripping also contributed toward removal The treated ground water met the applicable discharge standards for discharge into a local waterway at 95 percent confidence level. There were no harmful air emissions to the atmosphere from the Ultrox system, which is equipped with an off-gas treatment unit. © 1990 Air & Waste Management Association.