ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet peroxidation technology utilizes the oxidative potential of hydroxyl radicals formed when UV light at less than < 400 nm reacts with hydrogen peroxide to effectively destroy organic contaminants commonly found in aqueous wastes. Target parameters are broken down to base compounds consisting primarily of carbon dioxide, water, nitrogen, and weak inorganic salts. As with any treatment system, inherent variables and fixed limitations also affect UV peroxidation treatment objectives. These conditions may be categorized to two types: those related to the chemical and physical characteristics of the target waste stream Type I, and those related to the process equipment and design Type II. The second type of treatment methodology utilizes technology which destroys contaminants without grossly changing waste stream volume thereby diluting or concentrating the target species. These methods have typically required inputs of energy from outside sources forcing selection of alternate approaches based on best available technology and financial justification.
