Abstract: An embodiment provides A method for making a non-hazardous iron product for treating wastewater, including: adding sodium bisulfite to a solution comprising iron, creating an aqueous solution; adding an amount of sodium hydroxide to the aqueous solution to increase the pH of the aqueous solution to between 2-2.5; determining an amount of sodium bicarbonate and adding the identified amount of sodium bicarbonate to the aqueous solution, wherein the sodium bicarbonate adjusts the pH of the aqueous solution to a desired pH; and providing a buffer to the aqueous solution to generate a slurry. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system of treating high nitrogen content waste water is disclosed, where the system includes a precipitation and conditioning subsystem, an ammonia stripper subsystem, and a denitrification subsystem. The system is adapted to reduce nitrogen contamination to level below about 10 ppm and in certain embodiments below 3 ppm.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems, methods and apparatus for polishing a wastewater stream comprising a plurality of contaminants are provided. One system includes a vessel containing a plurality of natural media filtration agents selected to remove selected ones of the plurality of contaminants from the wastewater stream. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of bauxite residue and at least one other natural media filtration agent. In another embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of compost and at least one other natural media filtration agent. The vessel includes a wastewater inlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents. The vessel includes a wastewater outlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents.

Abstract: A simple, room-temperature method of producing CuO-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles was established by reacting zinc nitrate hexahydrate, copper nitrate trihydrate and cyclohexylamine (CHA) at room temperature. These nanoparticles may be used for photocatalytic degradation of cyanide in aqueous solutions. The degradation of cyanide is effective because electrons transfer from the p-type copper oxide to the n-type zinc oxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for the treatment of wastewater. A system in accordance with one particular embodiment may include an oxidation reactor configured to receive a flow of wastewater from a wastewater producing process. The oxidation reactor may be further configured to oxidize a chemical associated with the flow of wastewater with an oxidation agent. The oxidation reactor may include at least one reaction member configured to pressurize at least a portion of the oxidation reactor. The system may further include at least one resin tank configured to contain an ion exchange resin configured to target a particular metal, the at least one resin tank configured to receive an output from the oxidation reactor. Numerous other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A simple, room-temperature process of using zinc oxide nanoparticles was established by reacting zinc nitrate hexahydrate and cyclohexylamine (CHA) in either aqueous or ethanol medium. Particles of polyhedra morphology were obtained for zinc oxide, prepared in EtOH (ZnOE) and zinc oxide prepared in water (ZnOW). The results indicate that there are significant morphological differences between ZnOE and ZnOW. ZnOE showed a regular polyhedral shape, while spherical and chunky particles were observed for ZnOW. The morphology was crucial in enhancing the cyanide ion photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnOE by a factor of 1.5 in comparison to the efficiency of ZnOW at equivalent loading of 0.0166 ZnO nanoparticles wt %.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for treating contaminant-containing wastewater are provided. The systems generally include a reducing zone for reducing the oxidation-reduction potential of the water and a clean-up zone comprising zero valent iron for removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the contaminant-containing water. The systems are operable to remove one or more contaminants from the contaminant-containing water and are operable for extended durations without clogging due to the formation of iron hydroxides.

Abstract: A process for removing selenium from an aqueous stream using a supported sulfur material, and optionally the addition of an activating agent for enhanced removal of selenite, is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for removing selenium from a water stream, in particular a waste water stream, by: 1) the addition thereto of a ferric salt, followed by 2) the addition of a cupric salt and pH adjustment to a pH value in the range of from about 6.5 to about 8.0, thereby forming a copper-and-selenium-containing precipitate, and 3) removing the copper-and-selenium-containing precipitate to thereby form a treated water stream, is disclosed. The optional precipitation and removal of excess copper ions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for removing selenium from an aqueous stream using a supported sulfur material, to convert selenocyanate to selenite, followed by removal of the selenite from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: A method for processing environmental samples to remove or otherwise reduce the level of certain chemical species. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates a process for reducing the level of inorganic and/or organic chemical species in wastewater or other aqueous or semi-aqueous environments or other waste environments. The present invention further provides compositions of bacteria useful in modulating the redox potential of an environment to generate redox mediator species which facilitate the removal of particular inorganic or organic molecules from the environment or from samples therefrom. The redox potential is preferably modulated through microbial-mediated oxidation or reduction of metal cations under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, respectively. The present invention is further directed to a computer program which facilitates the controlled modulation of the redox potential of an aqueous or semi-aqueous environment or other environments.

Abstract: A metal hydroxide complex has a formula Me(OH)4*A?*nH2O or MeO2*A?*nH2O. Preferred complexes are formed in an alkaline medium, and particularly especially preferred anions include cyanide and cyanide gold complexes. Contemplated complexes are formed on a metal hydroxide (e.g., hydrated zirconium, hafnium, and titanium hydroxide), which may be disposed in a porous container. Consequently, contemplated compounds may be used in methods of reducing the concentration of an anion in an alkaline medium.

Abstract: Vegetable sources of cancer chemoprotective agents have been identified which are extraordinarily rich in glucosinolates, metabolic precursors of isothiocyanates. The vegetable sources are used to provide a dietary means of reducing the level of carcinogens in mammals.

Abstract: Bioremediatory fungi, such as Trichoderma harzianum, which have been found to catabolise cyanide, are capable of detoxifying contaminated environmental areas in association with a suitable rhizosphere.

Abstract: A method for substantially reducing cyanide and formate concentrations in gasification wastewater streams comprising first removing suspended solids from the wastewater stream, then adding sufficient hydrogen peroxide to completely oxidize contained cyanide ions and formate ions to form a feed solution, and then irradiating the resultant solution with sufficient UV light so as to substantially reduce said contained cyanide ions and formate ions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants in water under anaerobic conditions is disclosed. The method includes adding to contaminated water a composition including an aqueous mixture of at least one carbohydrate and at least one alcohol and/or bacteriastat. The apparatus includes a source of growing nitrifying bacteria effective for treating contaminants under aerobic conditions, a source of growing bacteria effective for denitrification under anaerobic conditions, and a controller for introducing the growing bacteria in a predetermined amount over a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising bauxite refinery residues that have been reacted with sufficient calcium and magnesium ions that they have a reaction pH of less than 10.5, and one or more water treating additives. The invention also provides processes for treatment of water containing dissolved inorganic substances involving stepwise treatment of the water in which the reacted bauxite refinery residues are added after the addition of a pH-raising additive. The invention also provides processes for treatment of water containing dissolved inorganic substances in which the reacted bauxite refinery residues are added stepwise, with one or more water treating additives also being added in at least one of the steps.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a process for the recovery or removal of metal species from a solution or slurry comprising the steps of: a) contacting the solution or slurry with a polymeric material, selected from the group consisting of a solid superhydrophilic polyurethane polymer containing a chelating and/or solvating agent, a water-insoluble polymeric chelating agent dispersed in a water-insoluble carrier solution, and a water-soluble polymeric chelating or co-ordinating agent to load the polymeric material with metal species wherein said polymeric material; b) separating the loaded polymeric material from the solution or slurry; and c) recovering or removing the metal from the polymeric material. There is also considered a polymeric material for use in the recovery of metal species from a solution or slurry, the polymeric material comprising a solid superhydrophilic polyurethane polymer containing a chelating or co-ordinating agent and/or a solvating agent.

Abstract: A method is taught for converting metal contaminants in the soil to less toxic forms as well as permitting their removal from groundwater. A first reactive solution comprising ferrous sulfate and an acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is injected to decomplex contaminants and precipitate them as insoluble compounds. A second reactive solution comprising hydrogen peroxide, and an acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is then injected to destroy organic liquids and enhance decomplexation. The pH of the first solution may range from 3 to 5, and the pH of the second solution range from 3 to 7, preferably 5 to 7. The process is particularly effective where chromium compounds such as hexavalent chromium are the contaminants.

Abstract: Hydroxalkylaminium polysulfides are used to provide cold stability to ammonium polysulfide solutions. Hydroxyalkylaminium sulfides or polysulfides also are used to solubilize unwanted sulfur. Preferred aminium ions are monohydroxyalkylaminium ions, preferably monoethanolaminium ions. When added to an aqueous stream comprising free cyanide ions (including HCN), the polysulfide solution reduces corrosion of metal equipment contacted by the stream by converting the free cyanide ions into thiocyanate ions.

Abstract: Methods for rendering a cyanide or cyanide-containing compound substantially insoluble in an aqueous solution or suspension of cyanide-containing materials comprising: mixing a reagent comprising a thiosulfate salt with said solution or suspension; and adding to said material a complexing agent selected from the group consisting of divalent copper salts, divalent iron salts, divalent cobalt salts, activated carbon and mixtures of the foregoing are provided.

Abstract: A cost-effective broad temperature method for removing troublesome low valent sulfur compounds from aqueous streams. The process utilizes sulfur dioxide, oxygen and at least one metal catalyst (which may be added to or already entrained in the aqueous stream) to oxidize the low valent sulfur compounds.

Abstract: An improved process for the removal of cyanide ion from aqueous dispersions (e.g., aqueous spent cadmium plating solutions or plating rinse water solutions) is provided wherein a source of Fe+2 ion is reacted with a cyanide ion-containing aqueous dispersion at low pH to form a relatively insoluble reaction product complex, whereupon the reaction product is removed by filtration or the like. In preferred practice, the pH of a waste water is adjusted to a level of up to about 2, followed by the addition of ferrous ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: A method is provided for decomposing free cyanide ion and metallic cyano complex ions in a liquid, comprising the steps of bringing the liquid into contact with ozone gas in a counterflow relation in the condition that the pH of the liquid is at least 10 with the mass flow rate of the ozone in the ozone gas up to 20 mg per minute per liter of liquid, and then bringing the liquid into contact in a counterflow relation with ozone gas having an ozone concentration of at least 150 g/m3 in the condition that the pH of the liquid is 7.0 to 9.5.

Abstract: A waste water stream containing cyanide bearing compounds and heavy metals such as copper, silver, nickel, iron and the like is directed from a source after pH adjustment to a first tank containing adsorption material in the form of granular activated carbon. The waste water is oxygenated by compressed air. The cyanide bearing compounds and heavy metal are adsorbed onto the surface of the adsorption material which is pretreated to an initial pH in the range between about 8.5 to 11. The effluent from the first tank is pH adjusted by a pH controller which adds a caustic solution to the effluent to maintain a control point pH. The pH adjusted effluent is directed toward a second tank containing pretreated adsorption materials. The water stream free of cyanide and metal contaminants is directed to an effluent tank for safe discharge. Thereafter a stripping solution preferably containing sulfuric acid is circulated through the tank to remove the adsorbed metal for the adsorption material.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for recovering hydrogen cyanide from an aqueous solution by extracting the hydrogen cyanide into an organic solvent phase. The organic solvent may comprise a neutral organophosphorous compounds, such as compounds selected from the group consisting of alkyl or aryl substituted phosphates, phosphonates and phosphine oxides. In alternative embodiments the organophosphorous compound is tri-butyl phosphate, di-butyl-butyl-phosphonate or tri-alkyl phosphine oxides. The organic solvent may be diluted in an organic diluent, such as an aliphatic or kerosene-type diluent. Alternative dilutions may be used, such as 75%, 50% or 25%. In some embodiments, the pH of the aqueous solution containing dissolved cyanide may be adjusted to between 2 and 8, or between 3 and 7, or between 4 and 6. The organic solvent may be contacted following extraction with a basic aqueous solution to strip cyanide from the organic solvent into a basic aqueous cyanide strip solution.

Abstract: A method for the removal of metal cyanides or oxoanions from aqueous streams such as waste water streams with compounds containing 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. Preferred compounds are polymers formed by free radical polymerization of N-4-vinyl benzyl-N1-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane dichloride (VBBD) such as copolymers poly (VBBD/acrylamide) and poly (VBBD/dimethyl amino ethyl acrylate benzyl chloride quaternary salt. Poly(1,4-dimethylbenzyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane dichloride) for the same purposes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for treating precious metal tailing slurries with Caro's acid, in which the Caro's acid is accompanied by reduced amounts of Caro's acid mist, is disclosed. The hot Caro's acid-containing mixture, formed by reaction of concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, is quenched with water to reduce or eliminate the Caro's acid mist. The resulting cooled and diluted mixture is introduced into a precious metal tailings slurry to reduce the amount of cyanide values in the slurry.

Abstract: A method for treating cyanide contaminated water is disclosed. This method generally involves passing the contaminated water through a bed containing elemental iron, to form a precipitate by a reaction between the iron and any of various cyanide species which exist in the water. The method can be applied either above ground or in situ in the subsurface environment.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for treating sludge as a by-product of a process of tin electroplating a steel plate by means of a plating bath containing haloid ions, together with an equipment therefor. More specifically, by immersing the sludge in water prior to filtration, the residual sludge is subjected to alkali hydrolysis in the presence or absence of the ions of an alkali earth metal within a temperature range of 100.degree. to 400.degree. C., whereby cyanide compounds and fluoride compounds contained therein under environmental regulations are prepared into environmentally non-hazardous matters. By adjusting the filtrate to pH 7.5 to 10, the precipitate with the principal component of tin hydroxide is deposited to recover the tin components contained in the sludge. Furthermore, the recovered tin is refined into the metal tin, for recycling and use as the electrode by the plating.

Abstract: Manganese(IV)-containing oxides are effective catalysts for oxidation of water-soluble cyanide over a wide pH range (0.5-12) and temperature (15.degree.-250.degree. C.). Oxygen is the preferred oxidizing agent at partial pressures between about 0.2 and 5 atmospheres (2.9-75 psi, 20-517 kPa). Electrolytically deposited MnO.sub.2 is one preferred form of the catalyst. Another preferred manganese(IV)-containing oxide is the group of cation-stabilized manganese(IV)-containing oxides illustrated by cryptomelane. Yet another preferred form of manganese(IV)-containing oxide is a group of crystalline manganese phosphate compositions having an extended network and an empirical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by an empirical formula of:(A.sup.a+).sub.v (Mn.sup.b+)(M.sup.c+).sub.x P.sub.y O.sub.

Abstract: A process for treating effluent containing cyanide by contacting the effluent with a mixture formed from a source of hydrogen peroxide and a source of magnesium ion to oxidize the cyanide. The ratio of hydrogen peroxide to cyanide is up to 10:1 and the amount of magnesium ion is present in the concentration of 0.1 to 1000 ppm per liter of aqueous waste effluent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of total cyanide from aqueous solution. The method includes the steps of placing the aqueous solution into a reaction tank, adding lime, ferrous sulfate, and acid to the solution in the reaction tank and agitating the resultant mixture for a reaction time of about one hour. The agitated mixture is transferred from the reaction tank to a clarifier tank and polyelectrolyte solution is added to induce iron-cyanide complex precipitate coagulation. The apparatus includes a reaction tank to hold the aqueous solution and a lime slurry tank, ferrous sulfate tank and acid tank in flow communication with the reaction tank. A pH control assembly controls the flow of acid from the acid tank into the reaction tank and a reaction tank agitation assembly extends into the interior of the reaction tank. The clarifier feed conduit extends between the reaction tank and a clarifier tank.

Abstract: A process of preparing multicyanate esters by: a) reacting an adduct of a tertiary amine and a phenol-formaldehyde oligomer or derivative thereof with cyanogen halide in a solvent reaction medium under conditions to form a reaction product stream containing at least one of the following compounds selected from the group consisting of tertiary amine-hydrohalide salt, solvent, and impurities, and, based upon the total weight of the reaction product stream excluding the weight of said tertiary amine-hydrohalide salt, from about 10 percent to about 40 percent of a multicyanate ester; b) recycling a portion of said reaction product stream into the mixture of step a; and c) separating and recovering said solvent and tertiary amine from said reaction product stream. The multicyanate ester products produced are useful as bonding agents in friction materials, molding materials, coatings, and adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble polymers and the use of such water-soluble polymers in a process for the displacement of the cyanide ions from the metal ions within metal-cyanide complexes. The process waste streams can include metal-cyanide containing electroplating waste streams, mining leach waste streams, mineral processing waste streams, and related metal-cyanide containing waste streams. The metal ions of interest are metals that give very strong complexes with cyanide, mostly iron, nickel, and copper. The physical separation of the water-soluble polymer-metal complex from the cyanide ions can be accomplished through the use of ultrafiltration. Once the metal-cyanide complex is disrupted, the freed cyanide ions can be recovered for reuse or destroyed using available oxidative processes rendering the cyanide nonhazardous.

Abstract: The rejuvenative catalytic oxidation of offensive substances, such as cyanides, sulfides, sulfites, thiosulfates, mercaptans, disulfides, ammonia and mixtures thereof, contained in waste water. The process involves the addition of a low concentration of a metal compound to the waste water to be treated and then passing the waste water along with a source of oxygen over an adsorbent material, thus catalytically oxidizing the offensive substances contained in the waste water. The process reduces the catalytic impact of the loss of metal from the adsorbent material due to leaching and allows the catalyst to be rejuvenated and allows recovery from process upsets in the treating system without unit shutdown and catalyst replacement. An example of the catalytic support is activated carbon and an example of the metal is copper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating extractable organic material from a composition comprising organic material intermixed with solids and water. The composition is contacted with a solvent and a dehydrating agent. The dehydrating agent removes water, improves the solvent extraction, and aids in later separation of the solids from the solvent. The process additionally provides a means for removing cyanide compounds from the composition and fixating the metals against leaching.

Abstract: A method for controlling the detoxification of aqueous solutions containing cyanides and/or cyano complexes, in particular zinc cyano complexes, with the use of a source for formaldehyde for glycolnitrile formation and a source for hydrogen peroxide for perhydrolysis of the glycolnitrile is disclosed. During the addition of the source for formaldehyde at a pH value in the range from 8.5 to 12 the pH value is kept constant by addition of an acid. The addition of the source for formaldehyde is discontinued if the pH value no longer increases.

Abstract: A method for treating waste water contaminated with cyanide ion, such as mine acid water is provided. The apparatus is readily portable and comprises a reaction vessel having an aerator motor operatively associated therewith. Water to be treated is received within said reaction vessel and is treated by having a neutralizing agent by way of chemical pumps and oxidant by way of the aerator introduced simultaneously into the system. Because of instantaneous elevation of pH resulting from the simultaneous introduction of oxidant and the neutralizing agent, the reaction time is greatly reduced and the equipment required is small, compact and easily transported. Where concentrations of manganese are present in the waste water being treated in this process, it is preferred that those manganese concentrations be reduced before the method of the present invention is initiated.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a liquid waste stream having an undesirably high COD and comprising water and a concentration of organic nitrogen compounds of at least about 300 mg/l total kjedahl nitrogen is disclosed. According to the method, the liquid waste stream is oxygenated to produce an oxygenated liquid containing water, dissolved oxygen and the organic nitrogen compounds and the oxygenated liquid is passed through a fluidized bed reactor containing a fluidized bed of particulate solids supporting microorganisms capable of biodegrading the organic nitrogen compounds, thereby to subject the organic nitrogen compounds in the oxygenated liquid to aerobic microbial degradation and to produce an effluent containing water, ammonia and carbon dioxide, and the fluidized bed reactor contents and the effluent is maintained at a pH in the range of from about 6 to about 8.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of preparing multicyanate esters by: a) reacting an adduct of a tertiary amine and a phenol-formaldehyde oligomer or derivative thereof with cyanogen halide in a solvent reaction medium under conditions to form a reaction product stream containing at least one of the following compounds selected from the group consisting of tertiary amine-hydrohalide salt, solvent, and impurities, and, based upon the total weight of the reaction product stream excluding the weight of said tertiary amine-hydrohalide salt, from about 10 percent to about 40 percent of a multicyanate ester; b) recycling a portion of said reaction product stream into the mixture of step a; and c) separating and recovering said solvent and tertiary amine from said reaction product stream.The multicyanate ester products produced according to the present invention are useful as bonding agents in friction materials, molding materials, coatings, and adhesives.

Abstract: The oxidation of inorganic cyanides and the concurrent hydrolysis of many organic cyanides can be effected in aqueous media using a diversity of metal chelates supported on metal oxide solid solutions. Metal oxide solid solutions containing magnesium and aluminum oxide or magnesium, nickel and aluminum oxide are specially favored to effect oxidation-hydrolysis even at temperatures over 100.degree. C.

Abstract: An aqueous solution which contains ammonium polysulfide is proportionally added to the sour water, which contains cyanide ions, ammonium ions, and sulfide ions. At least part of the cyanide ions contained in the sour water is converted to thiocyanate ions by the ammonium polysulfide. The solution which contains ammonium polysulfide is prepared from an aqueous solution by oxidation in an electrochemical cell. That aqueous solution may consist entirely or in part of sour water.

Abstract: A method for reducing cyanide contaminants in refinery waste waters prior to reuse or release into the environment comprising adding to the waters a cyanide reactive scavenger comprising at least one amine-aldehyde reaction product.

Abstract: A process for treating effluents, such as precious metal tailings, having a pH of at least 9 and containing cyanide is described in which Caro's acid is added to the effluent having a pH of at least 9 and commencing the reaction of the cyanide with Caro's acid at 0.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. in the absence of an added alkali; adding sufficient Caro's acid within a mole ratio of Caro's acid to cyanide of 0.3/1 to 3/1 to reduce the pH of the effluent to below 9, continuing the reaction between Caro's acid and the cyanide to reduce the amount of cyanide remaining in the effluent and to recover an environmentally compatible effluent reduced in amounts of cyanide.

Abstract: A stabilized ammonium polysulfide solution comprising an aqueous solution of ammonium polysulfide and a stabilizing amount of a water soluble, stabilizing compound that can be an azacyclic compound, a compound having the formula R--O--(C.sub.n H.sub.2n)NH.sub.2 or a compound having the formula (CH.sub.3).sub.2 NR.sub.1, the pH of the composition being from 7 to 14, the stabilized composition being useful in controlling the cyanide concentration in aqueous streams.

Abstract: The oxidation of metal-complexed cyanide under acid conditions using oxygen as the oxidizing agent can be performed effectively with certain metal chelates 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: Process for recovering cyanide values from a mill tailings stream remaining after gold and silver have been leached from an ore, by treating the tailings stream containing both ore insolubles and remaining cyanide leachant, without a preliminary filtration, to acidification with an acid to a pH of at least 4, stripping the cyanide values therefrom with a stripping gas in a stripping column such as a baffle plate column wherein the average residence time of the column is sufficiently low that the pH of the stream does not rise above about 4 and the ore insolubles do not plug the column, introducing the stripping gas and stripped cyanide values into an absorbing column containing an alkaline liquor to absorb the cyanide values, recovering the absorbed cyanide values, and removing a stripped tailings stream reduced in cyanide values.

Abstract: Waste water chemical oxygen demand is reduced from a waste water by passing the water in the presence of an oxidizing agent through an adsorbent porous solid substrate, preferably zeolite A, zeolite X, zeolite Y, ZSM-5, erionite, or chabazite which has been partially ion exchanged with a water insoluble metal compound, copper (Cu), that cataytically facilitates oxidation of the offensive substances or the components in the waste water that increase its chemical oxygen demand, such as cyanide, sulfide, thiosulfate, sulfite, mercaptan, or disulfide. The preferred oxidizing agent is air. It is desired to develop a process for waste water treatment that is effective at reducing the concentration of the offensive substances in the waste water while minimizing the deposition of undesirable residues into the treated waste water.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating wastewater from a polymerization process. The wastewater contains volatile residual monomer, for example acrylonitrile monomer. The method includes the steps of pretreating the wastewater with an amount of oxygenated waste activated sludge to reduce the levels of residual monomer in the wastewater stream in order to reduce the volatilization of the volatile residual monomer into the atmosphere during further treatment of the wastewater stream. Preferably the process involves steps of neutralization, primary clarification, cooling, aeration and secondary clarification to provide a wastewater treatment process that has a minimum of air emissions of residual volatile hydrocarbon monomer and which provides a final treated water effluent that has the desired pH level, temperature, biological oxygen demand and a suspended solids level for emission of the treated water into the environment.