Complex treatment of soils contaminated by organic compounds

This paper deals with the development and application of the technologies for the de-contamination of soils polluted by organic substances, namely polychlorinated-biphenyls (PCB). The results from the operation of the semi-pilot and large-scale units aimed at the disposal (elimination) of PCB are reported in soils and solid waste by a thermal de-sorption in inert atmosphere, in soils and contaminated solid waste through extraction and washing by a water solution of surface-active substances, and in organic liquids and oils by a chemical reaction of PCB with a suspension of elementary sodium. The paper also mentions the effectivity of the chemical method of the decomposition of PCB in wastewater in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, by exposing it to UV rays. The effectivity of the various methods used, determined in large-scale operation conditions are compared, and the mode of interconnection of mentioned methods into a synergetic system for the complex treatment of solid waste is demonstrated. The location of such a technology complex in one centre poses a unique possibility for effective treatment of soils and solid waste contaminated by organic compounds.