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GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF CHEMICALS IN REMOVING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DISCHARGES
Citation:
Akers, C., R. Pilie, AND J. Michalovic. GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF CHEMICALS IN REMOVING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DISCHARGES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-81/205.
Description:
This report was undertaken to develop guidelines on the use of various chemical and biological agents to mitigate discharge of hazardous substances. Eight categories of mitigative agents and their potential uses in removing hazardous substances discharged on land and in waterways are discussed. The agents are classified as follows: (1) Mass Transfer Media; (2) Absorbents; (3) Thickening and Gelling Agents; (4) Biological Treatment Agents; (5) Dispersing Agents; (6) Precipitating Agents; (7) Neutralizing Agents; and (8) Oxidizing Agents. The classification of each agent is developed in terms of: (a) Characteristic properties of the mitigative agent; (b) Potential spill situations on which the agent could be used; (c) The effects on the environment caused by use of the agent; (d) Possible toxic side effects caused by byproduct formation; and (e) Recommendations for use of the agent. A countermeasure matrix that references various classes of mitigative agents recommended for treatment of hazardous substances involved in spills near or into a watercourse has been developed and includes a listing of hazardous chemicals, the corresponding EPA toxicity classification, and the physical properties of the chemical.