Fulop, M., A. Sagatova, D. Siplak, K. Conka, P. Hybler, and L. Darazova.
ICARST 2017: International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology, 24-28 April, 2017, Vienna, Austria: Programme & Book of Abstracts. Poster, 2017

Different techniques for removing PCBs from heavily contaminated sediments in Channel Strazske have been evaluated, but none so far has met the requirements of the district authority: a) mobile and easily relocatable treatment equipment; b) easily automated with negligible secondary waste generation, few catalysts, and no PCB burning; and c) non-prohibitive capital and operating costs. In a test of electron beam (EB) degradation of PCBs in sediments (not yet used commercially), scientists considered a relocatable electron accelerator for on-site EB processing in a shielded environment corresponding to electron accelerator parameters and dimensions. The EB method demonstrated that ionizing radiation produced by high-energy electron beams is very effective in transforming PCBs into less problematic species with minimum catalysts. Various combinations of isopropanol, K₂CO₃, and CuSO₄ were tested to evaluate the effect of chemical pretreatment of sediments for increasing the efficiency of radiochemical reaction. EB PCB degradation efficiency was greater at 3:6 MeV electron energy compared to 5 MeV. An accelerator based on DC transformer 50{60 Hz had an advantage in its reliability (availability) as well as factors such as capital cost. The irradiation facility with electron accelerator can be transported directly to the cleanup site. This PCB radiation degradation method is environmentally friendly, and treated sediments are recyclable as building gravel/sand. https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/icarst-2017/pa1/Marko%20FULOP.pdf