An investigation on a photochemical remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls in transformer oil
Date
2012
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Abstract
The focus of this research is to develop photo based remediation methods for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in transformer oil (TO), and to investigate the extraction of PCBs from TO. If the PCBs are successfully extracted, the cleaned oil can be recycled and PCBs in the extractant can be photochemically degraded.
The study on direct dechlorination of PCB138 in TO using 254nm ultraviolet (UV) light, indicated >99% dechlorination within 1 h. Photosensitized dechlorination of PCB 13 8 in TO using visible light in the presence of methylene blue (photosensitizer) and triethylamine (sacrificial electron donor), indicated 94% reduction within 30 min.
The second part of this thesis deals with liquid-liquid extraction, used to separate PCBs from TO. Three extraction solvents were used: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sulfolane and acetonitrile. The results show that DMSO was the preferred solvent for extraction of PCBs from TO. After extraction, PCBs in DMSO could be complete dechlorinated within 3 min using visible light in presence of methylene blue (MB) as a photosensitizer, sodium borohydride as a reducing agent and under dearation condition. After dechlorination process, the cleaned DMSO can be recycled or reused.
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Bibliography: p. 103-111
Includes copy of copyright permissions. Original copies with original Partial Copyright Licence.
Includes copy of copyright permissions. Original copies with original Partial Copyright Licence.
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Kong, J. (2012). An investigation on a photochemical remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls in transformer oil (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/4782