Abstract: A method for the inactivation of Cryptosporidium oocysts, Giardia cysts and similar organisms comprising irradiating water with ultraviolet light in doses of from about 1 mJ/cm2 to about 175 mJ/cm2.

Abstract: A method for prevention of cryptosporidium oocysts and similar organisms in water by irradiating the water with ultraviolet light in a range of 200 to 300 nm in doses of about 10 mJ/cm.sup.2 to 175 mJ/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A reactor assembly is provided for destroying contaminants in fluids by the application of UV radiation to promote the destruction of the contaminants. The reactor assembly has a vertically orientated reactor chamber with a centrally located lamp emitting UV radiation and operating at temperatures in excess of 700.degree. C. A protective sheath transparent to the UV radiation encloses the lamp and isolates the lamp from reactor interior to define thereby an annular reactor space through which fluids to be treated flow. The fluids flowing through the annular reactor space and along the sheath effect a cooling of the sheath due to lamp heating. The lamp has a terminal portion at each end thereof. Each terminal portion has a temperature sensitive component. The lamp is of a sufficient length to extend the terminals beyond the end portions of the reactor which has a length equal to or greater than the arc length of the lamp.

Abstract: An improved oxidation and photooxidation process for treating water containing an oxidizable contaminant. In one embodiment, the organic compound does not have an electron donating aromatic group. A stochiometric excess amount of a calcium salt is added to precipitate carbonate and bicarbonate ions contained in the water as calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate is removed from the water and the filtered water is then subjected to an oxidation process. In another embodiment, the organic compound does have an electron donating aromatic group. Carbonate and/or bicarbonate is added so that the water has a stochiometric excess amount of carbonate and bicarbonate. The water is then subjected to an oxidation process.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid effluent or groundwater containing organic contaminants is provided. The liquid effluent or groundwater containing the organic contaminants is contacted with hydrogen peroxide and transition metal ions. The hydrogen peroxide and transition metal ions are present in effective amounts based on the concentration of the organic contaminants in the liquid effluent or groundwater. The liquid effluent or groundwater is then irradiated with UV light having a poly- chromatic output between about 200 to 400 nm to decompose the organic contaminants. The ratio of hydrogen peroxide to transition metal ions is selected so as to favor the absorption of UV light by the hydrogen peroxide in the irradiation step.

Abstract: An improved oxidation and photooxidation process for treating water containing an oxidizable contaminant. In one embodiment, the organic compound does not have an electron donating aromatic group. A stochiometric excess amount of a calcium salt is added to precipitate carbonate and bicarbonate ions contained in the water as calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate is removed from the water and the filtered water is then subjected to an oxidation process. In another embodiment, the organic compound does have an electron donating aromatic group. Carbonate and/or bicarbonate is added so that the water has a stochiometric excess amount of carbonate and bicarbonate. The water is then subjected to an oxidation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photochemical process for the manufacture of hydrogen peroxidewherein a 9,10-phenanthraquinone compound is exposed, in the presence of an effective amount of a hydrogen donor alcohol, to electromagnetic radiation to photoreduce the 9,10-phenanthraquinone compound to the correpsonding dihydro-compound,wherein the dihydro-compound obtained is oxidized to produce hydrogen peroxide and to regenerate the 9,10-phenanthraquinone compound, andcharacterized in that said 9,10-phenanthraquinone compound is selected from the group of compounds consisting of unsubstituted 9,10-phenanthraquinone and 9,10-phenanthraquinone substituted by one or more members of the class consisting of alkyl groups of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, --CF.sub.3, F and --SO.sub.3 M, M being H or an alkali metal.

Abstract: Solid or liquid phase wastes containing organic contaminants which can be photodegraded are treated. The contaminants are extracted into a perfluorinated solvent which is inert to the photodegradation step. In the case of solid wastes, such as contaminated soils, sediments or sludges, the contaminant is preferably first extracted into a hydrophilic solvent, such as acetone or methanol, and/or water, and is then extracted into the perfluorinated solvent. Photo-oxidants such as ozone are preferably used in the photodegradation step.

Abstract: The content of SO.sub.2 and/or NO.sub.x in flue gas is reduced by irradiating the flue gas in admixture with NH.sub.3 with ultraviolet at wavelengths between 170 and 220 nm.