Soil recovery by wet oxidation

Abstract

The principle of wet oxidation is intended for the removal of different pollutants from soil. It is in particular well suited for organic contaminants but also certain metals may be removed.

Aiming at a continuous pipe autoclave operation a series of bench scale experiments have been carried out. Except for chlorinated cyclic hydrocarbons organic material is oxidized to CO₂, H₂O and small biodegradable molecules.

Oxidizable metals are soluble in alkali to a higher or lesser degree. It appears that the method is excellent for the removal of arsenic.