Electrolytic Redox and Electrochemical Generated Alkaline Hydrolysis of Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5 triazine (RDX) in Sand Columns

Abstract

Sand-packed horizontal flow columns (5 cm i.d. x 65 cm)l were used in laboratory experiments to simulate in situ electrolytic and alkaline hybrid treatment zone for aqueous phase decomposition of RDX. An upgradient cathode and downgradient anode, spaced 35 cm apart were used to create alkaline reducing conditions followed by oxic, acidic conditions to degrade RDX by combination of alkaline hydrolysis and direct electrolysis. A preliminary experiment (25 mg/L RDX influent) with seepage velocity of 30.5 cm/day and current density of 9.9 A/m2 was used to determine the treatment feasibility and the aqueous products of RDX decomposition. Three additional column experiments (0.5 mg/L RDX influent) under the same conditions as the preliminary column were used to observe the treatment process repeatability and the alkaline treatment zone development. The results demonstrated approximately 95% decomposition of RDX in the column with an applied current density of 9.9 A/m2. Aqueous end-products formate, nitrite, and nitrate were detected in the effluent. Approximately 75% of the RDX was destroyed near the cathode, presumably by electrolysis, with 23% decomposed downstream of the cathode by alkaline hydrolysis. The preliminary column pseudo first order alkaline hydrolysis rate coefficient of 10.7 x 10(-3) min(-1) was used to estimate a treatment zone length less than 100 cm for RDX treatment below the EPA drinking water lifetime health advisory of 0.002 mg/L.