REMOVING THMS FROM DRINKING-WATER USING HIGH-ENERGY ELECTRON-BEAM IRRADIATION

High-energy electron-beam irradiation was shown to be efficient for re moving trihalomethanes (THMs) from drinking water. The process was dem onstrated on a 1.5-MeV variable-current (0-50 mA) electron-beam system at a now rate of 120 gpm and on a Co-60 gamma source. Of the four THM s, chloroform was the most difficult, i.e., energy-intensive, to remov e. The brominated THMs were much more efficently destroyed by the proc ess. Organically bound halogens were converted to halide anions, and n o organic halogen or oxyhalogen reaction by-products were observed.