Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)

 

TITLE

Microwave Treatment of Hazardous Wastes: Removal of Volatile and Semi-Volatile Organic Contaminants from Soil [PDF]

AUTHORS

G. Windgasse and L. Dauerman

1992

27

1

23-32

YEAR

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGES

 

Abstract

Stream distillation was effected with microwave energy (2450 MHz) to treat contaminated sand, humus soil, and an industrial soil sample containing jet fuel.  Microwave radiation penetrates the sample and heats water throughout the matrix.  The developing steam caused volatile and semi-volatile organic pollutants to be removed from the soils without decomposition. The temperature necessary for microwave induced steam distillation was less than 100oC.  Microwave treatment can be adjusted to individual waste streams: depending on the soil, the contaminants and their concentrations, remediation treatment can be conducted in several steps (“Multiple Stave Steam Distillation”) until the desired cleanup level is reached.  All contaminants could be removed to non –detectable or trace levels.  

 

Key Words:

Hazardous waste, Industrial waste, Remediation, Microwave, Soil, Volatile organics, Semi-volatile organics, Steam distillation