Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the oxidative degradation of toxic organic compounds. It comprises mechanical and chemical activation of solids containing toxic organic compounds and subjecting said activated solids to heat spontaneously generated in the presence of oxygen to oxidatively degrade said toxic organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the reductive dehalogenation of halogenated hydrocarbons. It comprises reacting halogenated hydrocarbons with a reducing metal and a hydrogen donating compound in the presence of an amine. Preferably, the halogenated hydrocarbons are reacted with lithium, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc or iron. Depending on the metal, the complete reductive dehalogenation takes place at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 400° C.

Abstract: 1. Process for the reductive dehalogenation of liquid or solid halogenated hydrocarbons. 2.1 Toxic liquid or solid halogenated hydrocarbons such as DDT, HCH, in particular halogenated aromatics such as TCB, PCB, PCP and PCDD/PCDF as such or as contaminants in waste oil or contaminated soil or soil like materials can, in most cases, not at all be dehalogenated or, at best, on a very lavish scale. According to the present invention said halogenated hydrocarbons can be dehalogenated without any problems. 2.2 This can be achieved according to the present invention through transforming the halogenated hydrocarbons as such and the contaminated material respectively into a finely dispersed solid formulation and heating said formulation for a short time with finely dispersed reducing metals. 2.