REMOVAL OF CHLORINATED ETHYLENES IN CONTAMINATED GROUND-WATER BY HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE MEDIATED OXIDATION PROCESSES

Treatability of ground water contaminated with TCE and FCE by two hydr ogen peroxide mediated oxidation processes (O-3/H2O2 and UV/H2O2) were studied in laboratory reactors. High removal efficiencies, which were achieved in relatively short treatment periods, support the use of bo th processes for purification of ground water. The organic and inorgan ic matrix in the treated waters did not prevent oxidation of the compo unds in the micromolar range. The chloride measurements indicated a hi gh level of mineralization of the original contaminants, although, dur ing the O-3/H2O2-treatment, the stripping of compounds contributed to their total removal. Chlorinated acetic acids were detected as byprodu cts in the UV/H2O2 process, but could be further oxidized with prolong ed treatment. The results confirm the potential use of UV/H2O2 for the treatment of contaminated ground water, although final feasibility sh ould be verified by demonstration in the field.