METHOD FOR THE BASE-CATALYZED DECOMPOSITION OF HALOGENATED AND NON-HALOGENATED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN A CONTAMINATED MEDIUM

摘要

A method for the decomposition of halogenated and non-halogenated organic contaminant compounds contained in a contaminated medium comprises adding an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate, bicarbonate or hydroxide to the contaminated medium in an aqueous solution or in a solvent having a boiling point of at least 200 DEG C., or in the form of a solid dispersion or suspension. The medium includes a hydrogen donor compound. The hydrogen donor compound may be originally contained in the medium or may be added to the medium. The medium further includes a catalytic source of carbon, for example, a carabohydrate, which will cause formation of a free radical hydrogen ion from the hydrogen donor compound. The medium is heated to dehydrate the medium and then is further heated at a temperature between about 200 DEG and 400 DEG C. to cause formation of the free radical hydrogen ion and effect reductive decomposition of the halogenated and non-halogenated organic contaminant compounds. An acid is then added to the medium in an amount sufficient to neutralize the same.