Radiolytic remediation of TCE in soil at a Superfund site, using an electron accelerator

Radiolytic decomposition of chlorinated hydrocarbons and other toxic compounds has been experimentally measured using ionizing radiation produced by electron accelerator and nuclear isotope sources. This process has been experimentally demonstrated at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's (LLNL's) Site 300, a Superfund site. A portable, commercially available electron accelerator was set up at Site 300 where vacuum extraction wells were removing trichloroethylene (TCE) from a spill into unsaturated soil. The accelerator was retrofitted into the existing vacuum extraction system. The extracted vapor containing TCE passed through the accelerator beam for treatment. This paper will review the technical aspects of that process.