THE APPLICABILITY OF UV/OXIDATION TECHNOLOGIES TO TREAT CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER

This paper presents information useful in evaluating the applicability of UV/oxidation treatment technologies for groundwater contaminated with organics. The information presented includes a description of the technologies, factors affecting the technologies, and results from two pilot-scale studies of UV/oxidation treatment system applications. The first pilot-scale study describes the performance of a UV/oxidation system, developed by Ultrox International of Santa Ana, California, in treating groundwater contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At the optimum operating conditions, the Ultrox system achieved total VOC removals of greater than 90 percent. Most VOCs were removed through chemical oxidation. However, a few VOCs were removed through oxidation and stripping. The treated groundwater met the applicable limits for discharge into a local waterway. No harmful emissions were released to the atmosphere from the Ultrox system, which is equipped with an off-gas treatment unit. The second pilot-scale study describes the performance of another UV/oxidation system, developed by Peroxidation Systems, Inc. of Tucson, Arizona, in treating groundwater contaminated with VOCs and chemical-warfare agent degradation products. At the optimum operating conditions, the system achieved contaminant removal efficiencies of about 96 percent, and the treated water met the federal maximum contaminant levels for drinking water.