FEASIBILITY, SYSTEM-DESIGN, AND ECONOMIC-EVALUATION OF RADIOLYTIC DEGRADATION OF 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN ON SOIL

This research shows that gamma irradiation is both a technically and e conomically feasible method to degrade chlorinated dioxins on soil. Ap proximately 99% degradation of dioxin on a model soil was achieved usi ng gamma radiation at a dose of 800 kGy. In addition, this research de termined the initial pathway of destruction, identified several contro lling parameters, and developed a mass balance on degradation. The gen eral applicability of this model behavior was successfully tested in a native contaminated soil where nearly 75% of the dioxin was destroyed at a dose of 450 kGy. Through a theoretical and conceptual understand ing of radiolysis in soil, a sound basis for engineering design was es tablished. Gamma radiation sources are commercially available, and thi s research outlines a new application of an established technology. A number of irradiator designs are proposed, and preliminary economic es timates are made to demonstrate that radiolysis can be a real alternat ive to incineration.