1,4-Dioxane is classified as an emerging contaminant (EC), and its environmental regulations are becoming stringent. It is primarily used as a stabilizer for industrial solvents (chlorinated solvents or volatile organic compounds, (VOCs)) to prevent their breakdown during the manufacturing process.  Releases of chlorinated solvents are considered to be the primary source of 1,4-dioxane in the environment. The USEPA has classified 1,4-dioxane as a Group B2 probable human carcinogen of low carcinogenic hazard. It has very high aqueous solubility, very low Henry's constant, and very low biodegradation coefficient.  Due to these properties, it is difficult to efficiently remove 1,4-dioxane from water using air stripping, carbon adsorption or by biodegradation. This project deals with laboratory-scale tests performed to evaluate the removal of 1,4-dioxane and volatile organics present in site groundwater using ozone based advanced oxidation process. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest (NAVFAC NW) had requested to conduct an investigation for 1,4-dioxane and VOC's removal at a site in Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI). The NASWI base has a region, which has contaminated groundwater.  Currently, there is an existing groundwater treatment system in operation.  This treatment system entails an equalization tank, particulate filters, and a packed tower air stripper to remove chlorinated VOCs such as trichloroethene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethene, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, and vinyl chloride.However, the groundwater samples have had some detects of 1,4-dioxane in the recent past. Ozone based advanced oxidation process was tested for the groundwater remediation. Due to very high iron and manganese content, the groundwater samples were raised to a pH of 10, aerated, filtered and then ozonated in the presence of peroxide. Experimental data showed ozonation in the presence of optimum dosage of peroxide reduced the concentration of 1,4-dioxane to below the desired level (= 3�g/L). Very high removal of VOCs was also observed

Removal of 1,4-dioxane and volatile organics from contaminated groundwater using ozone based advanced oxidation processes

244th National Meeting (2012)

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