Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

An Evaluation Of Formic Acid As An Electron Donor For Palladium (Pd) Catalyzed Destruction Of Nitroaromatic Compounds, Mark R. Stevens

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense is responsible for over 2,000 hazardous waste sites containing nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) such as 2,4,6-TNT, 2,4- and 2,6-DNT that resulted from the production and use of munitions throughout the nation and world, NACs are typically persistent in natural environments, though they can be oxidized or reduced under engineered conditions, NACs and their reduction products are toxic chemicals and suspected human carcinogens, Both TNT and 2,4-DNT are listed as priority pollutants by the U,S EPA, This study investigates the effectiveness of using a palladium (Pd) catalyst in concert with formic acid as an electron donor to reduce …