Alternative Technologies for Destruction of PCB and Other POPs

Abstract

Alternatives to incineration for the destruction of organochlorine materials involve the use of non-oxidative conditions and thereby avoid the formation of toxic products such as poly-chlorodibenzodioxins and -furans. These alternatives include the use of plasma are facilities in which molecules are broken down to atoms and allowed only to recombine to form small molecules, through chemical reductions using gaseous hydrogen or other sources of this element, to nucleophilic substitution reactions which displace chloride ion from the molecules of concern and also bring about other changes. A small group of other thermal technologies includes vitrification of contaminated soil, and combustion o..