DETOXIFICATION OF CONTAMINATED ENVIRONMENT BY PHYSICO-CHEMICAL METHODS

The paper deals with the detoxification (removal, disposal) of dangerous substances in case of their release into the environment with the use of physical and chemical processes used in Slovakia. The transport intensity of the dangerous substances increases especially on roads in Slovakia (ADR Regulation). Along with the growing intensity of transport of dangerous substances the hazard of their leakage and subsequent contamination of the environment grows. In the event of such an incident (accident) all the necessary measures to prevent the spread of hazardous substances into the environment should be immediately taken and its efficient eradication has to be secured. Mainly Fire brigades of Fire and Rescue Service and Control Chemical laboratories (CCL) are involved in this type of intervention in Slovakia. The process of Decontamination can be complicated during the intervention. Our research was focused mainly on the physic -chemical processes used in Slovakia, their effectiveness in practice, their weaknesses and ways of their improvement. Improvised solutions for complex intervention cases were suggested such as neutralization of dangerous substances by the decontamination agents (their operational and technical characteristics, efficiency etc.) and by the sorbents. The behaviour of selected materials and protective equipment contaminated by selected dangerous substances mostly transported in Slovakia. Non-standard methods and decontamination agents and sorption materials were verified experimentally. Concentrated knowledge accompanied by detailed tables with model experiment results together with specific proposals and recommendations are involved.