ABSTRACT
Mediated Electrochemical Oxidation (MEO) is a promising technology for the treatment of hazardous and mixed wastes such as those produced in commercial applications, biomedical research, and from defense operations involving the U.S. DOE and DOD. The combination of a powerful oxidant and an acid solution in the MEO system allows the conversion of nearly all organics, whether present in hazardous or in mixed waste, to carbon dioxide and water. The degree of decomposition of the organic(s) depends on such as factors as time allowed for the reaction, fluid transport, temperature, and other factors associated with the particular system. In properly designed systems, insoluble transuranics can be simultaneously dissolved through this process for subsequent separation and recovery. The oxidant, or mediator, is a multivalent transition metal ion that can be cleanly recycled in a number of charge-transfer steps in an electrochemical cell.
