Abstract: Metal complexes and especially nickel EDTA is decomposed by adding an oxidizing agent to an aqueous solution containing metal complexes to define an oxidizable aqueous solution. The oxidizable aqueous solution is then exposed to a source of ultraviolet radiation in the range of from 185-300 nanometers for a period of time sufficient to destroy the complex portion of the metal complex. The remaining metal is recovered.

Abstract: A method for economically separating chemical contaminants such as volatile organic chemicals (VOC's) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), even if the contaminants are present at low concentrations, from inert materials such as soils or sludges, comprising subjecting inert materials contaminated with chemical compounds to a temperature effective to volatilize the contaminants but below incineration temperature, with continuous removal of evolved vapors, for a period of time sufficient to effect the desire degree of separation of contaminants. The evolved vapors may be subjected to catalytic oxidation to destroy the volatilized chemical compounds.

Abstract: A method for economically separating organic contaminants such as volatile organic chemicals (VOC's) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), even if the contaminants are present at low concentrations, from inert materials such as soils or sludges, comprising subjecting inert materials contaminated with organic compounds to a temperature effective to volatilize the organic contaminants but below incineration temperature, with continuous removal and condensation of evolved vapors, for a period of time sufficient to effect the desired degree of separation of contaminants.