Pilot Study Evaluation of Pulsed Plasma Arc Ground-Water Treatment

Abstract

Pilot-scale ground-water treatability studies were performed at the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant site near Mead, Nebr. Ground water at the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant is contaminated by trichloroethene (TCE) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). Technologies selected for pilot testing were the advanced oxidation processes of UV light with hydrogen peroxide, UV/ozone, and hydrogen peroxide/ozone (peroxone). In addition, pulsed plasma arc, an innovative wastewater treatment process related to advanced oxidation processes, was tested. The studies were planned in two phases. Phase I was to demonstrate the ability of the technologies to meet treatment goals. Phase II was to optimize each technology. A third phase was planned for plasma arc to test the long-term reliability of the process. UV/hydrogen peroxide reduced both TCE and RDX to below detection levels. UV/ozone treated all RDX concentrations to below detection levels, but did not always meet TCE goals. Peroxone did not meet RDX goals, but was generally successful on TCE. Pulsed plasma arc achieved some reduction of both TCE and RDX concentrations but did not meet treatment goals for either compound.