ABSTRACT
Electron beams have been in commercial use since the 1950s. Early applications involved the cross-linking of polyethylene film and wire insulation. Later, the process was extended to include sterilization of medical supplies, rubber vulcanization, disinfection of wastewater, food preservation, and many more applications. In solving environmental problems, the process has been shown to be efficient for the destruction of several classes of hazardous organic compounds as well as the inactivation of total coliform and bacteria in sewage sludge (Kurucz et al., 1991). It can be applied to treat wastewater from numerous industries such as the food, health, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, and textile sectors. The groups of compounds from these wastewaters may contain benzene; substituted benzenes such as toluene,
m
-xylene, and
o
-xylene; phenol; halogenated ethenes such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE); halogenated methanes such as trihalomethanes (THMs); carbon tetrachloride; and methylene chloride. Table 12.1 shows the removal efficiency of these organic compounds in aqueous solution by high-energy electron beam, as a function of solute concentration, absorbed dose, pH, and scavengers in potable water and raw and secondary wastewaters. This innovative treatment process is not only limited to simple toxic organic chemicals but is also applicable to complex mixtures of organic pollutants under varying water quality.
