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INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR THE DISPOSAL/DESTRUCTION OF PCBS AND PCB ITEMS BY NON-THERMAL METHODS
Citation:
Sworzyn, E. AND D. Ackerman. INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR THE DISPOSAL/DESTRUCTION OF PCBS AND PCB ITEMS BY NON-THERMAL METHODS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/60//-8--0/9.
Description:
The report is an interim resource and guideline document to help EPA regional offices implement the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) regulations (40 CFR 761) for using non-thermal methods of destroying/disposing of PCBs. The report describes and evaluates various alternative chemical, physical, and biological PCB removal and/or destruction technologies, including: carbon adsorption; catalytic dehydrochlorination; chlorinolysis; sodium-based dechlorination; photolytic and microwave plasma destruction; catalyzed wet-air oxidation; and activated sludge, trickling filter, and other bacterial methods. The alternative technologies were evaluated using technical, regulatory, environmental impact, economic, and energy criteria. Because the technologies investigated are in various stages of development (only sodium-based dechlorination is available commercially), data deficiencies exist and good engineering judgment was used to supplement available quantitative information. Of the technologies evaluated, many show potential for >90% PCB destruction with minimum environmental impact and low-to-moderate economic cost. These technologies are: catalytic dehydrochlorination, sodium-based dechlorination, and photolytic and microwave plasma processes.