Microwave Catalytic Oxidation of Hydrocarbons In Aqueous Solutions

Successful development of this proposal will result in the destruction of hydrocarbons and other chemical agents in water contaminated through front line washing of military vehicles. This washing creates contaminated water that poses serious risks to thehealth and safety of military personnel. Currently, no effective means exists for the destruction of these contaminants. The proposed technology offers an effective portable treatment system for this critical problem. The proposed microwave technology willtreat a wide range of chemical and biological material, and eliminate its threat to human health in a manner that does not pose significant risks to human or environmental health and safety. Initial research indicates that the combination of microwaves andactivated carbon provide the best available catalysis for this problem. Preliminary experimental results show destruction rates of up to 99.8%. The activated carbon in water, combined with microwave energy, acts as an oxidation catalyst for the destructionof hydrocarbons and other chemical agents. Furthermore, microwave energy is an effective means ofsterilization. The Phase I proposed project would demonstrate the feasibility ofmicrowave energy combined with the activated carbon as an oxidation catalyst to destroy chemical and biological agents in water while reducing the environmental impact. The primary benefit/commercial application that may result from this research is aportable microwave system that is capable of treating waste water produced from the washing of combat vehicles. A secondary benefit could also be a portable microwave unit capable of providing clean drinking water for army personnel in a combat zone.Furthermore, this unit will provide a basis for the recycling of water used in washing civilian vehicles.