Catalytic Degradation of Trihalomethanes

Abstract

The chlorination of waters containing humic and other organic substances leads to the formation of trihalomethanes (THMS). These compounds are suspected carcinogens and pose a health hazard. Their formation and removal after chlorination is of interest to the Army because of the exclusive use of hypochlorite for disinfection. This paper describes studies on the removal of trihalomethanes from water using catalytic degradation. Of the several metals and metal oxides studied, Zn was found to be a superior catalyst. In the presence of Zn powder and .00075M H2 gas, four THMs (CHC13, CHC12Br, CHC1Br2, and CHBr3) all appear to dehalogenate in a relatively short period of time. The formation and degradation of reaction intermediates are discussed. Author keywords include: Catalytic degradation; Dehalogenation; Drinking water; Gas chromatography; Humic substances; Priority pollutants; Toxic substances; Trihalomethane; Water analysis; Water purification.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA151516

Entities

People

  • Louanna J. Baxter
  • Michael B Burns
  • Steven H. Hoke

Organizations

  • United States Army Medical Research and Development Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Catalysts
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chlorination
  • Degradation
  • Digestive System Processes
  • Drinking Water
  • Environmental Protection
  • Gas Chromatography
  • Gases
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Health
  • Health Services
  • Hydrogen
  • Liquids
  • Water
  • Water Purification

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Groundwater Contamination Remediation.
  • Organic Chemistry