Studies on remediation of DDT-contaminated soil and dechlorination of DDT

A practical and efficient disposal method for 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT)-contained soil is reported. The treatment process was a combination technique: first to extract DDT in the soil, and then to hydrogenate the extract containing DDT. 4, 4'-DDT was effectively extracted in the soil and hydrodechlorinated in this treatment process. Additionally, solvent media and extracting time for DDT removal were investigated. An efficient heterogeneous catalytic method was also developed by comparing the rates of dechlorination of DDT over two different catalysts in organic-aqueous heterogeneous system. Compared to Raney Ni, Pd/C is a more efficient catalyst in disposing DDT. (C) 2012 Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Asia and the Pacific and National Center of Solid Waste Management, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China