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4-49 TYPICAL UV/OXIDATION GROUNDWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

4.49 ULTRAVIOLET (UV) OXIDATION

Description: UV oxidation is a destruction process that oxidizes organic and explosiveconstituents in wastewaters by the addition of strong oxidizers and irradiationwith UV light. The oxidation reactions are achieved through the synergisticaction of UV light, in combination with ozone (O ) and/or hydrogen peroxide3(H O ). If complete mineralization is achieved, the final products of oxidation2 2

are carbon dioxide, water, and salts. The main advantage of UV oxidation isthat it is a destruction process, as opposed to air stripping or carbon adsorption,for which contaminants are extracted and concentrated in a separate phase. UVoxidation processes can be configured in batch or continuous flow modes,depending on the throughput under consideration.

Applicability: Practically any organic contaminant that is reactive with the hydroxyl radical canpotentially be treated. A wide variety of organic and explosive contaminants aresusceptible to destruction by UV/oxidation, including petroleum hydrocarbons;

chlorinated hydrocarbons used as industrial solvents and cleaners; and ordnancecompounds such as TNT, RDX, and HMX. In many cases, chlorinated hydrocarbonsthat are resistant to biodegradation may be effectively treated by UV/oxidation.Typically, easily oxidized organic compounds, such as those with double bonds (e.g.,TCE, PCE, and vinyl chloride), as well as simple aromatic compounds (e.g., toluene,benzene, xylene, and phenol), are rapidly destroyed in UV/oxidation processes.

Limitations: Limitations of UV/oxidation include:

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The aqueous stream being treated must provide for good transmission ofUV light (high turbidity causes interference). This factor can be criticalfor UV/H O than UV/O . (Turbidity does not affect direct chemical2 2 3oxidation of the contaminant by H O or O .)2 2 3

Free radical scavengers can inhibit contaminant destruction efficiency.Excessive dosages of chemical additives may act as a scavenger.

The aqueous stream to be treated by UV/oxidation should be relativelyfree of heavy metal ions (less than 10 mg/L) and insoluble oil or greaseto minimize the potential for fouling of the quartz sleeves.

When UV/O is used on volatile organics such as TCA, the contaminants3may be volatilized (e.g., "stripped") rather than destroyed. They wouldthen have to be removed from the off-gas by activated carbon adsorptionor catalytic oxidation.

Costs may be higher than competing technologies because of energyrequirements.

Pretreatment of the aqueous stream may be required to minimize ongoingcleaning and maintenance of UV reactor and quartz sleeves.

Handling and storage of oxidizers require special safety precautions.

Data Needs: A detailed discussion of these data elements is provided in Subsection 2.2.2(Data Requirements for Groundwater, Surface Water, and Leachate).

Design and operational parameters include contact or retention time, oxidizerinfluent dosages, pH, temperature, UV lamp intensity, and various catalysts.

PerformanceData: The UV/oxidation is an innovative groundwater treatment technology that has

been used in full-scale groundwater treatment application for more than 10years. Currently, UV/oxidation processes are in operation in more than 15 full-scale remedial applications. A majority of these applications are forgroundwater contaminated with petroleum products or with a variety ofindustrial solvent-related organics such as TCE, DCE, TCA, and vinyl chloride.

A wide range of sizes of UV/oxidation systems are commercially available.

Single-lamp benchtop reactors that can be operated in batch or continuousmodes are available for the performance of treatability studies. Pilot and full-scale systems are available to handle higher throughput (e.g.,3,800 to 3,800,000 liters or 1,000 to 1,000,000 gallons per day).

Cost: Costs generally are between $0.03 to $3.00 per 1,000 liters ($0.10 to $10.00 per1,000 gallons). Factors that influence the cost to implementing UV/oxidationinclude:

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4.49 ULTRAVIOLET (UV) OXIDATION

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Types and concentration of contaminants (as they affect oxidizerselection, oxidizer dosage, UV light intensity, and treatment time).

Degree of contaminant destruction required.

Desired water flow rates.

Requirements for pretreatment and/or post-treatment.

References: Buhts, R., P. Malone, and D. Thompson, 1978. Evaluation of Ultra-Violet/Ozone Treatment of Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA) Groundwater,

USAE-WES Technical Report No. Y-78-1.

Christman, P.L. and A.M. Collins, April 1990. "Treatment of OrganicContaminated Groundwater by Using Ultraviolet Light and HydrogenPeroxide," in Proceedings of the Annual Army Environmental Symposium,

USATHAMA Report CETHA-TE-TR-90055.

EPA, 1989. Ultrox International UV Ozone Treatment for Liquids, EPARREL, series includes Technology Evaluation, EPA/540/5-89/012,PB90-198177; Applications Analysis, EPA/540/A5-89/012; TechnologyDemonstration Summary, EPA/540/S5-89/012; and Demonstration Bulletin,EPA/540/MS-89/012.

EPA, 1990. Innovative and Alternative Technology Assessment Manual, EPA,Office of Water Program Operations, EPA/430/9-78/009.

EPA, 1993. Magnum Water Technology CAV-OX Ultraviolet OxidationProcess

, EPA RREL, Demonstration Bulletin, EPA/540/MR-93/520; andApplications Analysis, EPA/540/AR-93/520.

EPA, 1993. Perox-Pure Chemical Oxidation Treatment, EPA RREL, seriesTM

includes Demonstration Bulletin, EPA/540/MR-93/501; Applications Analysis,EPA/540/AR-93/501; Technology Evaluation, EPA/540/R-93/501, PB93-213528; and Technology Demonstration Summary, EPA/540/SR-93/501.

EPA, 1993. PURUS, Inc. Destruction of Organic Contaminants in Air UsingAdvanced Ultraviolet Flashlamps, EPA RREL, series includes EmergingTechnology Bulletin, EPA/540/F-93/501; Emerging Technology Summary,EPA/540/SR-93/516; and Emerging Technology Report, EPA/540/R-93/516,

PB93-205383.

Zappi, M.E., et al., April 1990. "Treatability Study of Four ContaminatedWaters at Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Commerce City, Colorado, UsingOxidation with Ultra-Violet Radiation Catalyzation," in Proceedings of the 14th

Annual Army Environmental Symposium, USATHAMA Report CETHA-TE-TR-90055.

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Zappi, M.E. and B.C. Fleming, 1991. Treatability of ContaminatedGroundwater from the Lang Superfund Site, Draft WES Report, USAE-WES,Vicksburg, MS.

Zappi, M.E., B.C. Fleming, and M.J. Cullinane, 1992. "Treatment ofContaminated Groundwater Using Chemical Oxidation," in Proceedings of the1992 ASCE Water Forum Conference, Baltimore, MD.

Site Information:

Site Name Contact Summary Levels Attained Costs

Beginning Levels

Munitions Laura Yeh, NFESC Bench-scale TNT and RDX 7 ppm TNT; 600 0.25 ppb;