Date of Award

3-14-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

LeeAnn Racz, PhD.

Abstract

Cleanup from a hazardous chemical release can result in large volumes of water containing hazardous materials, such as organophosphates. Unfortunately, this water cannot be treated in a municipal wastewater treatment plant without adversely affecting the performance of the plant. A known method for pretreating this water to prepare it for processing in a traditional treatment plant includes the addition of hydrogen peroxide, followed by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure to form reactive hydroxyl radicals which oxidize the chemical. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are explored as a UV source as they are durable; compact; can be powered by low voltage, direct current from solar cells or batteries; and do not contain other hazardous materials, making them useful in a tactical environment. This research evaluated the operating mode (continuous or pulsed current) of 240 nanometer UV LEDs for application in such an advanced oxidation process. The experimental results demonstrated the production of hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide from both continuously driven and pulsed UV LEDs. However, continuously driven UV LEDs were shown to be more effective than pulsed in this application.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-14-M-22

DTIC Accession Number

ADA598706

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