Electrochemical treatment and minimization of defense-related wastes

Abstract

The U.S. Departments of Energy (DOE) and Defense (DOD) generate hazardous wastes as a result of routine operations. Waste types range from solvents, fuels, lubricants, and sludges to streams containing mixtures of these and other inorganic and organic compounds, along with potentially radioactive materials. Many of these compounds are amenable to treatment by electrochemical processes that destroy hazardous organic contaminants in aqueous streams at ambient temperatures and pressure. It is also possible to separate the radioactive components of these wastes from solution using electrochemical processes.

In this article, we discuss the environmental factors and issues associated with electrochemical waste treatment processes. We summarize the federal regulations that compel government agencies to conduct environmental management activities. Applications of electrochemical processes to waste treatment and waste minimization at DOE and DOD sites are presented, and issues associated with acceptance of these processes are addressed.