This project will demonstrate destruction of organicpollutants in radioactive aqueous waste (mixed) streams with anultraviolet (W) oxidation system. The excited state of uranium(VI) will be evaluated as an oxidizing agent or photosensitizerfor the destruction of organics. The potential for indirectoxidation of organics by formation of the hydroxyl radical withtypical contaminants (specifically nitrates) of mixed streamswill be considered. The relationship between oxidation rate andionic containment concentration will be empirically defined. Thereactor will be modified to improve oxidation in radioactiveaqueous streams, primarily by modifying the lamp spectraldistribution. Toluene and tributylphosphate are therepresentative organic compounds. Feasibility tests will becondu'cted in bench scale reactors. Phase I will demonstrate theperformance of W oxidation systems for application to organicallycontaminated radioactive aqueous waste streams.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Destruction of organics would reducethe storage, handling, and disposal requirements for these wasteswith the elimination of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act(RCRA) components. Mineralizing organics will simplify processesfor separation of other components that are sensitive to thepresence of organics.
