EVALUATION OF A FIELD-SCALE UV H2O2-OXIDATION SYSTEM FOR THE PURIFICATION OF GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATED WITH PCE/

A field-scale demonstration using UV/H2O2 was conducted in order to ev aluate its effectiveness for the treatment of groundwater contaminated with tetrachloroethylene (PCE). The system was efficient in removing PCE in low-alkalinity groundwater containing moderate levels of the co ntaminant and within feasible operating costs. Low concentrations of c hloroacetic acids were detected in the reactor effluent; however, the levels of both PCE and byproducts were clearly acceptable according to the drinking water criteria. Economic cost analysis showed UV/H2O2 to be on the same level as carbon adsorption. The operating costs attrib uted to electrical energy and hydrogen peroxide depended on the purifi cation level chosen as target, but were only a minor component of the total purification costs.