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ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTION OF 2,4,6-TRINITROTOLUENE

PALANISWAMY, DINESH KUMAR
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1026404184

Abstract Details

2002, MS, University of Cincinnati, Engineering : Civil Engineering.
2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a major constituent of munitions contaminated wastewater. This research aims at studying the efficiency of electrochemical processes in reducing TNT. A laboratory scale reactor was designed and developed to electrochemically reduce TNT in simulated munition wastewater. Experiments simulating batch conditions were first conducted on the laboratory scale reactor to study the effect of various parameters including applied current, type of electrolyte and the molar concentration of the electrolyte in the feed solution on the reduction kinetics of TNT. The results showed that the reduction rates of TNT increased with an increase in applied current and molar concentration of electrolyte in feed. The rates of reduction leveled off at higher currents (250 & 300 mA). Mass transfer limitations were speculated for this flattening of rate constants at higher currents. Experimental studies were conducted with two types of electrolyte in the feed- sodium sulfate (Na 2 SO 4 ) and lithium sulfate (Li 2 SO 4 ), and the results indicated that there was no significant difference in the reduction rates for TNT. Based on the batch simulation experimental results, continuous flow experiments were conducted on the laboratory scale reactor using three different currents (150, 200, and 250 mA) and for two different concentrations of the electrolyte (6 and 9 mM). Sodium sulfite was used as electrolyte in the feed to maintain strict anoxic conditions in the reactor, thereby preventing the formation of solid dimers. An average TNT reduction efficiency between 82.5-85% was achieved for the three currents studied. A mole balance closure of 85-92% was achieved. 2,4,6-triaminotoluene (TAT) was observed as the only liquid phase intermediate. A 3-stage reactor in series was simulated and experimental studies were conducted to ascertain the combined reduction efficiency for TNT. The results showed that an overall reduction efficiency of over 99 % was achieved. Keywords: 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), electrochemical reduction, munitions wastewater, laboratory scale reactor, 2,4,6-triaminotoluene (TAT), water treatment.
Dr. George Sorial (Advisor)
122 p.
Engineering, Environmental
2,4,6-trinitrotoluene; munition wastewater; electrochemical reduction; water treatment; 2,4,6-triaminotoluene

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Citations

  • PALANISWAMY, D. K. (2002). ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTION OF 2,4,6-TRINITROTOLUENE [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1026404184

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • PALANISWAMY, DINESH. ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTION OF 2,4,6-TRINITROTOLUENE. 2002. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1026404184.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • PALANISWAMY, DINESH. "ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTION OF 2,4,6-TRINITROTOLUENE." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2002. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1026404184

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1026404184
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© 2002, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.