Treatment Process for Firefighter School Waste Water Utilizing Electrochemically Generated Hydroxyl Free Radical

An electrochemical process for destroying pesticides dissolved in water has been developed, utilizing novel electrodes that generate hydroxyl free radicals. Hydroxyl attacks most organic compounds in a non specific manner. Preliminary laboratory tests have demonstrated the ability to efficiently destroy the foaming ability of a 0.3 percent solution of 3M product FC-203CE. As expected, the partially fluorinated surfactant was easily inactivated. The process destroys all organics present in solution. Olefinic and aromatic compunds are preferred substrates for hydroxyl, and the destruction of toluene and cresol has been demonstrated. Therefore, aromatic hydrocarbons and combustion products derived from burning fuel will be destroyed together with the constituents of FC-203CE. During Phase I, an existing 0.01gpm prototype will be used to identify preferred process operating conditions and determine process throughput and energy requirements. This small prototype will be modified to adapt it to this application. A detailed conceptual design for a large prototype of about 5gpm capacity will be developed, and capital and operating costs will be estimated. During Phase II, the large prototype will be built and demonstrated on actual fire-fighter training school waste water at Air Force facilities.