Developing and testing electrochemical methods for treating metal salts, cyanides and organic compounds in waste streams

Citation
J. Dziewinski et al., Developing and testing electrochemical methods for treating metal salts, cyanides and organic compounds in waste streams, WASTE MAN, 18(4), 1998, pp. 257-263
Citations number
11
Categorie Soggetti
Environmental Engineering & Energy
Journal title
WASTE MANAGEMENT
ISSN journal
0956053X → ACNP
Volume
18
Issue
4
Year of publication
1998
Pages
257 - 263
Database
ISI
SICI code
0956-053X(1998)18:4<257:DATEMF>2.0.ZU;2-K
Abstract
Electrochemical methods to process radioactive and hazardous (mixed) wastes were studied at a bench scale. Cadmium, copper, mercury, and chromium salt s, cyanides, and simple organic compounds were used in the tests. Effective conditions were found to process these waste components by electrolysis. T he equipment used in the tests included flow-through cells, a membrane cell , and a graphite packed bed cell. The tested methods included an open cell electrolysis, use of pulsating current, and mediated electrooxidation. The experiments demonstrated the feasibility of applying electrochemical system s to treat the studied waste components. The great advantage of electrochem ical systems is that the treatment of various wastes, or streams containing selected waste components, can be accomplished in a single treatment unit. Additional advantages of electrochemical systems are their safety, ability to recycle, and the fact that they are inclined to receive a positive publ ic perception. The tested systems are presently used at Los Alamos National Laboratory to process mixed wastes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.