Removal of nitrobenzene and volatile organic compounds using electron radiation

Experimental results concerning removal of nitrobenzene and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as toluene, trichloroethylene and benzene with the use of low energy electron beam are presented. Lab scale apparatus for electron beam irradiation of water is briefly described. Total dose of /spl beta/ radiation was controlled by the time of water circulation (1-50 min.), accelerating voltage (V/sub a/=100-125 kV) and electron beam current (0.1-1 mA) for flow rate of 1 kg/min. The electron beam was generated in vacuum (p<10/sup -7/ Torr) produced by a system of diffusion-sorption-rotary pumps. Electrons were injected into the treated water through an electron beam permeable membrane made of boron nitride poly-crystalline ceramics with a thickness of 10 /spl mu/m. A low mass density (/spl sim/2 g/cm/sup 3/) of the ceramic material enables to obtain a high transmission of the electron beam even for a low accelerating voltage. Dependencies of the removed content of contaminants on the total dose of /spl beta/ radiation are presented. Despite using low energy electron beam, the results have indicated a significant removal of nitrobenzene and VOCs treated.