Microwave Treatment of Hazardous Wastes: Removal of Volatile and Semi-Volatile Organic Contaminants From Soil

Steam distillation was effected with microwave energy (2450 MHz) to treat contaminated sand, humus soil, and an industrial soil sample containing jet fuel. Microwave radiation penetrates the sample and heats water throughout the matrix. The developing steam caused volatile and semi-volatile organic pollutants to be removed from the soil without decomposition. The temperature necessaryfor microwave induced steam distillation was less than 100°C. Microwave treatment can be adjusted to individual waste streams: depending on the soil, the contaminants and their concentrations, remediation treatment can be conducted in several steps (“Multiple Stage Steam Distillation”) until the desired cleanup level is reached. All contaminants could be removed to non-detectable or trace levels.