Grantee Research Project Results
The Analysis and Evaluation of the Physical Processes of Coagulation and Filtration on the Critical Steps in Wastewater Treatment Facilities
EPA Grant Number: U914982Title: The Analysis and Evaluation of the Physical Processes of Coagulation and Filtration on the Critical Steps in Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Investigators: Schoeffmann, Jennifer L.
Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: January 1, 1996 through January 1, 1997
Project Amount: $68,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1996) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Environmental , Academic Fellowships , Safer Chemicals
Objective:
The objective of this research project is to study the anaerobic biological denitrification of nitrocellulose.
Approach:
Nitrocellulose is an explosive military waste, which is classified as a KO44 hazardous waste and requires treatment before disposal. As the nitrogen content decreases, the explosiveness also decreases, eliminating the hazardous waste label. Previous to our studies, detonation and thermal treatment were the only available methods of reducing the reactivity; both of these options have severe safety limitations. We have shown that anaerobic microorganisms can perform the denitrification process safely.