Abstract
AbstractIn the slurry‐phase bioremediation of soils contaminated with 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) solids, TNT dissolution can be the rate‐limiting step in the biodegradation process. To determine the effects of slurry concentration on solids dissolution, TNT particles were dissolved in a stirred vessel containing water and inert Teflon (PTFE) chips. For a constant agitator speed, the solid–liquid mass‐transfer coefficient (kL) decreased as the percentage of PTFE solids was increased. However, observed dissolution rates for TNT beads in agitated slurries were much higher than anticipated due to the grinding effect of PTFE chips. A size–mass balance was used to account for the grinding of TNT beads in these slurries; this same balance was then used to predict TNT dissolution rates. Slurry grinding was shown to be an important mechanism for enhancing the dissolution of TNT solids, and the size–mass balance was demonstrated to be an effective tool for modeling this process. These results have important implications for the bioremediation of TNT solids in soil slurry reactors.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
