Abstract
The use of high energy electrons for the treatment of aqueous solutions appears to be a promising approach in solving the numerous problems associated with contaminated water. Irradiation of aqueous solutions results in the formation of reactive transient species, e– aq, H•, and HO•. In aqueous solutions of toxic and hazardous chemicals, the transient species react with the contaminants resulting in their removal from solution. The study reported in this paper utilizes a pilot plant capable of treating 120 gpm. The accelerating voltage of the electron accelerator is 1.5 MeV with variable current of up to 50 mA. Influent streams of potable water, and raw and secondary wastewater have been used for this study. The compounds studied include halogenated methanes, ethanes, ethenes, benzene and substituted benzenes. Removal efficiencies range from 85 to greater than 99%.