Abstract: A process and device for combined oxidation of polluted water, e.g. industrial waste water or effluents, to make it suitable for drinking, involves injection of hydrogen peroxide (pure aqueous solution or diluted) and ozone (gaseous, or ozonized oxygen or air) simultaneously and in a flow direction co-current with the circulation of the water to be treated, at the inlet of the oxidation reactor. For example, a reactor is endowed with mechanisms to inject ozone and hydrogen peroxide at its base, at very closely-spaced points and simultaneously, in a flow direction the same as the water to be treated, with an automatic control system to regulate the levels of the oxidizing agents.

Abstract: A process for removing nitroaromatic and nitrophenolic compounds from an alkaline wastewater stream generated in a process for the nitration of aromatic compounds by the mixed acid technique, which comprises(a) adjusting the pH of the aqueous alkaline waste stream containing nitroaromatic and nitrophenolic compounds to a range from about 2 to 4.5,(b) contacting the acidic aqueous stream with sufficient hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ion under conditions to effect oxidation of the nitrophenolic compounds,(c) adjusting the acidic, oxidized aqueous waste stream having a reduced nitrophenolic content to about pH .gtoreq.4, and(d) contacting the aqueous waste stream with a carbon adsorbent.

Abstract: A method for treating photographic effluent to remove harmful pollutants and which reduces silver and iron ion concentrations in the effluent to no more than about 2 ppm is disclosed. The method includes an oxidation step to convert reducing sulfur compounds to oxidized products; a heavy metal ion precipitation step; a step of adding a developing agent absorbent and a sequestering agent absorbent; and a step of separating a produced solid phase from a liquid phase. The separated Liquid phase is environmentally acceptable.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for stabilizing glutaraldehyde in aqueous systems is disclosed. The method of the invention comprises the addition of an oxidizer to the aqueous system so as to prevent the undesired conversion of glutaraldehyde to non-biocidal products.

Abstract: The degradation of harmful substances in water by compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide, which form hydroxyl radicals under UV irradiation in continuous reactors is improved when the irradiation is carried out in a reactor with a specific reactor volume of at least 10 liters per kW of the UV radiator or radiators, and if the amount of water to be treated is 0.25 to 25 times the amount of the intrinsic volume of the reactor flows through the reactor per hour. It is particularly preferred that the water volume per hour to be treated is 0.25 to 10 times the intrinsic reactor volume.

Abstract: A novel molecular scale device is described which is bactericidal, fungicidal, viricidal and algicidal. The anti-pathogenic properties of the device are attributed to electron activity indigenous to diamagnetic semiconducting crystals of tetrasilver tetroxide (Ag.sub.4 O.sub.4) which contains two monovalent and two trivalent silver ions in each molecular crystal. When the crystals are activated with an oxidizing agent, they release electrons equivalent to 6.4.times.10.sup.-19 watts per molecule which in effect electrocute pathogens. A multitude of these devices are effective at such low concentrations as 0.3 PPM used as preservatives in a variety of formulations ranging from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. Indeed, they are intended as active ingredients for pharmaceuticals formulated to destroy such pathogens as Staphylococcus aureus, and epidermidis, the latter of which it completely destroys in a nutrient broth culture of about 1 million organisms at 0.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the purification of water, oxygen/ozone-gas mixture is introduced under high pressure in the water to be purified, and the thus obtained oxygen/ozone-gas mixture enriched water is passed to a purification stage which comprises at least one reactor. Not or insufficiently degraded contaminants are retained by a membrane filter unit and recycled to the purification stage. Thus contaminants, such as hydrocarbon compounds and the like, are recirculated until they are converted to carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: A process for decontaminating radioactive material comprises the step of contacting the material with a dissolving composition to dissolve the contaminants in the material, said composition comprising a dilute solution of about 0.05 molar ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, about 0.1 molar carbonate, about 10 grams per liter hydrogen peroxide and an effective amount of sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH of the composition to a pH from about 9 to about 11. Also included are the steps of separating the dissolving composition containing the dissolved contaminants from the contacted material and recovering dissolved contaminants from the dissolving composition that has been separated from the material. A composition for dissolving radioactive contaminants in a material, comprising a dilute solution having a basic pH and effective amounts of a chelating agent and a carbonate sufficient to dissolve radioactive contaminants is also provided.

Abstract: Fluorinated carboxylic acids which do not have the required purity for use as emulsifier in the polymerization of fluorinated monomers can, if necessary after prior de-watering, be treated with oxidants, whereupon the isolation of the pure product is carried out by crystallisation or, preferably, by distillation.

Abstract: Reduction of the nitrite content of aqueous solutions by treatment with hydrogen peroxide in the acidic pH range can be controlled by measurement of the redox potential. Contrary to the teaching of the prior art, addition of the hydrogen peroxide in the process according to the invention is terminated not at the highest redox potential, but only after lowering of the potential to a value of 650.+-.10 mV. In this way, nitrite contents below 1 mg/l can be obtained even when the solutions additionally contain fluctuating amounts of various compounds oxidizable by H.sub.2 O.sub.2.

Abstract: A synergistic combination of a water-soluble, antibacterial quaternary ammonium compound and a water-soluble oxidizing agent is found to improve effectiveness in controlling bacterial growth in swimming pool water, particularly hard water.

Abstract: An in situ method of cleaning soil and/or water contaminated with a contaminant comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of metal compounds, sulfur compounds and cyanide compounds comprises breaking up contaminated soil, admixing soil with water and a biodegradable detergent in a proportion effective to obtain an aqueous slurry where the soil, any contaminant and the detergent interact to form contaminant-detergent formations, allowing the slurry to stand under conditions effective to permit any contaminant-detergent formations to rise in the aqueous slurry, separating the contaminant-detergent formations from the aqueous slurry now comprising partially decontaminated soil and water, separating the soil from the water, repeating the cleaning and separation steps until the soil has less contaminant than a predetermined value, typically a 80-90% decrease, admixing the soil having a lower contamination level with water and an activating agent for microorganisms capable of removing the

Abstract: The invention is a process for purifying wastewater containing organic and color-causing pollutants. The three unit processes include a first stage aerobic or anaerobic biophysical treatment, a second stage oxidizer treatment, and a third stage adsorbent contact treatment. The biophysical treatment removes the majority of the pollutants while the oxidizer treatment destroys residual organics and color-causing pollutants. The adsorbent contact treatment destroys any residual oxidizer in the wastewater and/or adsorbs any residual oxidation products. The preferred adsorbent is powdered activated carbon and the preferred oxidizer is some form of chlorine, e.g. sodium hypochlorite. The process may be operated in either a continuous flow mode or a batch flow mode.

Abstract: A process for selective separation of niobium from proton irradiated molybdenum targets is provided and includes dissolving the molybdenum target in a hydrogen peroxide solution to form a first ion-containing solution, contacting the first ion-containing solution with a cationic resin whereby ions selected form the group consisting of molybdenum, biobium, technetium, selenium, vanadium, arsenic, germanium, zirconium and rubidium remain in a second ion-containing solution while ions selected from the group consisting of rubidium, zinc, beryllium, cobalt, iron, manganese, chromium, strontium, yttrium and zirconium are selectively adsorbed by the cationic resin; adjusting the pH of the second ion-containing solution to within a range of from about 5.0 to about 6.0; contacting the pH adjusting second ion-containing solution with a dextran-based material for a time to selectively separate niobium from the solution and recovering the niobium from the dextran-based material.

Abstract: A continuous process is described for the preparation of fertilizers from animal waste consisting of the following steps:a) anaerobic fermentation of waste up to BOD.sub.5 of 300-2000,b) treatment with HNO.sub.3 up to pH 1-2,c) treatment with Ca(OH) up to pH 6.5-7 and S.A.R. index<6, with the addition of small quantities of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 before or after step c).

Abstract: The oxidation of cyanide under acid conditions using oxygen as the oxidizing agent can be effected under mild reaction conditions when certain metal chelates are used as catalysts. Especially effective chelates are metal phthalocyanines, particularly where the metal is vanadium or a member of the iron group metals. The oxidation can be effected homogeneously using water soluble metal chelates, or can be performed heterogeneously, especially in a continuous fashion using a packed bed reactor, by using suitable water-insoluble metal chelates, especially when supported on appropriate carriers.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for disinfecting water by contacting the water with gaseous ozone. The device includes a series of treatment chambers that are interconnected serially by external transfer conduits, each transfer conduit including an introduction tap for introducing ozonated water into the water to be treated. The treated water flows sequentially from one chamber into the next. Hydrogen peroxide is added to the water as it enters a final chamber for final degasification of the water. Within each treatment chamber a mixing chamber is provided for additional intermixing and greater mass transfer of ozone with the water by alternately speeding up and slowing down the flow of the ozone-water mixture before the mixture is introduced downwardly into the respective chamber adjacent the lower wall thereof.

Abstract: A method for treating an aqueous waste or groundwater containing organic contaminants.

Abstract: A process for treating an aqueous waste water or groundwater containing organic contaminants degradable by hydrated electrons comprises contacting the aqueous waste water or groundwater with an agent which generates hydrated electrons on photolysis. Additionally, the aqueous waste water or groundwater is irradiated with UV light to photolyse the hydrated electron generating agent, thereby generating hydrated electrons to degrade the contaminants. In one embodiment, the aqueous waste water or groundwater is contacted with the hydrated electron generating agent and a reducing agent to recycle the hydrated electron generating agent.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detoxifying an aqueous waste solution containing cyanide. The method involves adding a source of silicon oxide to the cyanide containing aqueous waste solution in a concentration of 0.001 to 10 g silicon dioxide/liter aqueous waste solution, at an alkaline pH and a temperature of from 10.degree. to 100.degree. C. Hydrogen peroxide or another peroxygen compound is added in a sufficient quantity to convert the aqueous waste solution containing cyanide to an aqueous solution containing environmentally less toxic materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of reducing the concentration of sulfides in an aqueous system by first treating the aqueous system with hydrogen peroxide to lower the sulfide concentration to approximately 300 ppm, or less, then subsequently treating the aqueous system with chlorine dioxide to further reduce the sulfide concentration to a desirable level. The method of the invention is capable of reducing the sulfide content of the treated aqueous system to as low as tenths of a part of sulfide per million parts of sour water.

Abstract: The oxidation of complexed cyanide using oxygen as the oxidizing agent when certain metal chelates are used as catalysts may be enhanced by irradiating the complexed cyanide with ultraviolet light prior to or concurrent with the oxidation. Especially effective chelates are metal phthalocyanines, particularly where the metal is vanadium or a member of the iron group metals. The oxidation can be effected homogeneously using water soluble metal chelates, or can be performed heterogeneously, especially in a continuous fashion using a packed bed reactor, by using suitable water-insoluble metal chelates, especially when supported on appropriate carriers.

Abstract: Raw water such as polluted ground water can be recovered to clean water through the following processes. Firstly, oxidizing agent is added to raw water to disinfect bacteria, and then after suspended solid is removed from the water, ultraviolet rays are irradiated on the water so that organic chlorine compounds can be decomposed by active oxygen generated by the irradiation of ultraviolet rays. Finally, the residual oxidizing agent remaining in the treated water is reduced by activated carbon and catalytic resin. Further, the organic chlorine compound decomposition reaction is promoted at pH of 9 or below and in a temperature range of 15 to 30.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of substantially completely oxidizing material in an aqueous phase at supercritical temperatures and sub- or supercritical pressures by initiating the oxidation in the presence of small amounts of strong oxidizing agents that function to increase the initial reaction rate for the oxidation. The strong oxidizing agents suitable for use in the present invention comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of ozone (O.sub.3), hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2), salts containing persulfate (S.sub.2 O.sub.8.sup.2-), salts containing permanganate (MnO.sub.4.sup.-), nitric acid (HNO.sub.3), salts containing nitrate (NO.sub.3.sup.-), oxyacids of chlorine and their corresponding salts, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), salts containing hypochlorite (OCl.sup.-), chlorous acid (HOClO), salts containing chlorite (ClO.sub.2.sup.-), chloric acid (HOClO.sub.2), salts containing chlorate (ClO.sub.3.sup.), perchloric acid (HOClO.sub.3), and salts containing perchlorate (ClO.sub.4.sup.-).

Abstract: A method for mineralizing pesticides, notably aromatic pesticides, using ferric ion in an acid aqueous solution at room temperature is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the ferric ion is employed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide; degradation occurs in the light or in the dark, although light accelerates the degradation. The method also is functional in the absence of hydrogen peroxide, but light and oxygen is required in this method. Preferred degradation methods are conducted in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and light, and in the absence of large concentrations of organic solvents, chloride, and sulfate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the detoxification of aqueous solutions containing cyanides and/or cyano complexes in the presence of heavy metals which are Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd and Zn, more particularly Cu, by oxidative treatment of the solutions with peroxide compounds at pH values of 8 to 12. Peroxide compounds from the group consisting of alkali metal percarbonates and alkaline earth metal peroxides are used. The peroxide compounds are added to the solutions to be detoxified per se or are formed in situ therein from hydrogen peroxide and other components. Sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate and calcium peroxide are preferred.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a material which is or is suspected to contain or carry one or more actinides or compounds thereof to dissolve such actinides or compounds comprises contacting the material with an aqueous solution having a pH in the range 5.5 to 10.5 which is free of heavy metal ions and comprises ingredients which are naturally degradable to non-toxic products with or without mild physical assistance such as heat or ultra-violet radiation, said solution comprising:(a) carbonated water;(b) a conditioning agent;and (c) a complexing agent which comprises the anion of a carboxylic acid having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms.The process may be employed to separate spent nuclear fuel from its metal containment or it may be employed to decontaminate surface, e.g. concrete or soil or pipes carrying traces of actinides, or bulk materials such as soil or rubble.

Abstract: Methods for producing selenium-72, separating it from its daughter isotope arsenic-72, and generating multiple portions of a solution containing arsenic-72 from a reusable parent substance comprised of selenium-72.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the detoxication of aqueous solutions which contain cyanohydrins, in particular glycol nitrile, and/or nitriles and in addition contain decomposition catalyst for peroxide compounds, in particular manganese compounds, by perhydrolysis of the cyano compounds at temperatures of from 5.degree. to 80.degree. C. and pH values of from 8 to 12 by means of one or more peroxide compounds which are alkali metal percarbonates and perborates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals and alkaline earth metal peroxides. The peroxide compounds are added as such to the solution to be detoxified or formed in situ in the solution to be detoxified. Sodium percarbonate is preferably used.

Abstract: An improved method for detoxification of contaminated liquids or solid materials by the application of ultrasonic energy to the material in the presence of agents capable of initiating chemical reactions with toxic contaminants, which chemical reactions facilitate the removal of the toxic contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for decreasing the concentration of a lignin-containing organic carbon in an aqueous system by incorporating peracetic acid or Caro's acid therein. The process is particularly useful for decolorizing lignin-containing aqueous solutions such as effluents from a pulp mill.

Abstract: A process for selective separation of germanium-68 from proton irradiated molybdenum targets is provided and includes dissolving the molybdenum target in a hydrogen peroxide solution to form a first ion-containing solution, contacting the first ion-containing solution with a cationic resin whereby ions selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, niobium, technetium, selenium, vanadium, arsenic, germanium, zirconium and rubidium remain in a second ion-containing solution while ions selected from the group consisting of rubidium, zinc, beryllium, cobalt, iron, manganese, chromium, strontium, yttrium and zirconium are selectively adsorbed by the first resin, adjusting the pH of the second ion-containing solution to within a range of from about 0.7 to about 3.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for decreasing the concentration of a lignin-containing organic carbon in an aqueous system by a combination of ozone and hydrogen peroxide. The process is particularly useful for decolorizing lignin-containing aqueous solutions such as effluents from a pulp mill.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of treating cyanide contained in wastewater with particularly high levels of solids in the stream. The process involves either simultaneous or step-wise dosage of hydrogen peroxide in the form of an aqueous solution of a concentration between 35% to 90% by weight, preferably at least 50% by weight, and SO.sub.2 either in the form of gaseous SO.sub.2 or solution of sodium and/or potassium sulfite or metabisulfite resulting in the conversion of cyanide ions to non-toxic cyanate ions.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing organic and/or heavy metal contaminants in wastewaters, sludges, or soils containing such contaminants by contacting the wastewaters, sludges, or soils with soybean peroxidase and a peroxide.

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: Concentrations of cobalt and copper of electrolysis solution for electrowinning of zinc can be measured any time during electrowinning operation by continuously sampling the solution, diluting it, adding coloring reagent to the flow of the solution and spectrophotometrically analyzing the solution.The cobalt and copper as deleterious impurities can be removed continuously and automatically by measuring their concentrations by the above method and adding precipitation reagents for them in an amount calculated by a microcomputer on the basis of said analysis.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for removing color from a wastewater stream. The process includes directing the wastewater stream through at least one UV reactor and simultaneously injecting a hydrogen peroxide charge into the wastewater stream exactly at the UV irradiation zone of the reactor. The apparatus of the subject invention includes a UV reactor having a smooth flow channel for wastewater and a zone for exposing the wastewater to UV irradiation. The reactor further includes tubing for directing hydrogen peroxide into the reactor exactly at the UV irradiation zone, such that the hydrogen peroxide is introduced simultaneously to the wastewater stream and the UV irradiation zone.

Abstract: A method is provided which involves a catalytic treatment using oxidation to degrade aqueous effluent which contains toxic, cyclic hydrocarbons and in particular chlorous, compounds. The method utilizes a catalytic system consisting of an oxygen donor agent, water-soluble peroxide, and a water-soluble metallo (Fe,Mn)phenyl-substituted mesotetraphenylporphyrin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the content of halogenated organic compounds in the spent bleach liquor from the bleaching of lignocellulose-containing material with compounds containing halogen, wherein the spent bleach liquor, in a stage where no essential delignification or bleaching of the pulp takes place, is maintained at a pH of from 2.5 up to about 10, and wherein the residence time and the temperature are selected such that the amount of dissolved halogenated organic substances in the spent bleach liquor is reduced by at least 30%.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of waste water, which comprises wet oxidizing said waste water with a molecular oxygen-containing gas of an amount 1.0 to 1.5 times the amount thereof theoretically necessary for decomposing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of organic substances and inorganic substances present in said waste water to nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water at a temperature not exceeding 370.degree. C. under a pressure enough for said waste water to retain a liquid phase in the presence of a solid catalyst comprising of a first catalytic component formed of titanium dioxide, a second catalytic component formed of the oxide of an element of lanthanide series, and a third catalytic component containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, tungsten, copper, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium or a water-insoluble or sparingly water-soluble compound of said metal.

Abstract: Process for treating wastewater containing citric acid and triethanolamine nd heavy metals by subjecting the wastewater to treatment with hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light (UV) and in the presence of ferrous ion as catalyst, to substantially decompose the citric acid and the triethanolamine. Wastewater generated from ship bilge cleaning and containing up to 10% citric acid or up to 5% triethanolamine, or mixtures thereof, can thus be subjected to UV/H.sub.2 O.sub.2 treatment with ferrous ion in a concentration thereof of about 20 to about 100 ppm, without forming chelates of iron and other heavy metals with citric acid or with triethanolamine, to decompose up to 90% or more of the citric acid and triethanolamine.

Abstract: A process is provided for detoxifying an aqueous solution containing weak acid-dissociable cyanide metal complexes. The process comprises incorporating hydrogen peroxide and at least 1 mole of citric acid per mole of complexed metal ion and maintaining the pH of the solution between 8 and 12.

Abstract: A process for enhancement of chemical oxidation of oxidizable materials comprises storing the materials in suspended or dissolved form in a storage tank, pumping the material from the tank through an electrostatic treater, an ultrasonic ozone disperser, an ultrasonic treatment chamber, and a cooling unit. The material is then returned to the storage tank for subsequent treatments until a target oxidation is achieved. The ozone dispersed by the ultrasonic ozone disperser is first produced in an ozone generator and then enhanced magnetically before or at the point of injection into the treatment loop.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating aqueous waste or groundwater contaminated with nitro-containing organic chemicals to degrade the compound sufficiently to permit disposal of the waste or groundwater.

Abstract: The objectionable hypochlorite values, ClO.sup.- ions, contained in a solution of an alkali metal chlorate produced by the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of the corresponding chloride of the alkali metal, are effectively destroyed (consumed) without adversely affecting the valence state of the hexavalant chromium values also contained therein, by intimately contacting such chlorate solution with an effective amount of hydrogen peroxide such that the molar ratio hydrogen peroxide/hypochlorites is at least one and no greater than 3 and the molar ratio available hydrogen peroxide/hypochlorites is at least one.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation/oxidation fluid decontamination apparatus is provided which includes a container made of high tensile strength material through which the fluid to be treated flows, a high intensity, directed beam light source, a small ultraviolet transparent window through which the directed beam propagates, and an oxidant injection port. The container interior is lined with a reflective surface which distributes the light throughout the container and a non-sticking surface which prevents fouling of the container. Organic contaminates are oxidized to carbon dioxide, water and other nonharmful products during the fluid treatment carried out by this apparatus.

Abstract: The oxidation of cyanide using oxygen as the oxidizing agent can be effected under mild reaction conditions when certain metal chelates are used as catalysts. Especially effective chelates are metal phthalocyanines, particularly where the metal is vanadium or a member of the iron group metals. The oxidation can be effected homogeneously using water soluble metal chelates, or can be performed heterogeneously, especially in a continuous fashion using a packed bed reactor, by using suitable water-insoluble metal chelates, especially when supported on appropriate carriers.

Abstract: There is described a process for the simultaneous chemical and biological elimination of solid and liquid waste and apparatus for performing this process in the form of a loop reactor corresponding to FIG. 1 in conjunction with a specially designed nozzle which ensures an intimate mixing of substrate with air and the spraying-in of oxidizing agents while permitting only a short contact time between the oxidizing agents and the substrate.

Abstract: An ultraviolet driven photocatalytic post-treatment technique for the purification of waste water distillates, reverse osmosis permeates and spacecraft habitat atmospheric humidity condensates is described. Experimental results show that organic impurity carbon content of simulated reclamation waters at nominal 40 PPM level are reduced to, PPB using a recirculating batch reactor. The organic impurities common to reclaimed waste waters are completely oxidized employing minimum expendables (stoichiometric oxygen). This paper discusses test results and parameteric data obtained for design and fabrication of a bread-board system. The parametric testing includes UV light source evaluation, photolysis vs photocatalysis comparison, oxygen concentration dependence, temperature dependence, reactor mixing, disinfection features, photocatalyst loading, photocatalyst degradation studies and power consumption estimates.