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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Chemical detoxification of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5890041

The present invention relates to the chemical detoxification of polychlorinated biphenyls by converting them to non-hazardous substances. In particular, the invention relates to chemically destroying polychlorinated biphenyls on site for decontamination purposes without creating pollution or hazardous situations. The invention provides a two-step process where polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), i.e. biphenyl having 2 to 10 chlorine atoms, are first reduced to unsubstituted biphenyl, then oxidized to a biodegradable dicarboxylic acid having the formula: (CH/sub 2/)n (CO/sub 2/H)/sub 2/, where n=O to 10 possible -CH2- units for application in aqueous systems including water, mud and wet soil.

Assignee:
Dept. of the Navy, Washington, DC
Patent Number(s):
None
OSTI ID:
5890041
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English