PUBLICATION NOTICE: Simulated Field Evaluation of the Decontamination Effluent Treatment System (DETS) for Wash Water from Mass Personnel Decontamination (MPD), Road Test, and Evaluation Treating Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS)

The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center has published the report/note described and linked below. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Report Number:

ERDC/EL TR-19-9

Title:

Simulated Field Evaluation of the Decontamination Effluent Treatment System (DETS) for Wash Water from Mass Personnel Decontamination (MPD), Road Test, and Evaluation Treating Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS)

Author(s):

Victor F. Medina, Scott A. Waisner, Jose Mattei-Sosa, Edith Martinez-Guerra, Christopher S. Griggs, Jacob M. Lalley, David L. Henderson, Lee C. Moores, and Brenda H.  Prager

Purpose/Abstract:

A previous ERDC report described the effectiveness of the Decontamination Effluent Treatment System (DETS) for the treatment of wash water generated from simulated CBRN decontamination. This study compliments that previous one in that it focused on the treatment of a simulant from Mass Personnel Decontamination (MPD). Treatment of both cesium 133 (used as a surrogate for radioactive cesium 137) and Malathion (as a surrogate for organophosphate chemical warfare agent) equaled or exceeded 99.95%. The conclusion was that the system proved to be highly effective at treating wash water from MPD, which would allow discharge or even potential reuse for more decontamination. The ERDC team conducted studies that confirmed that the DETS could be integrated into CERFP activities with minimal disruption. In addition, the DETS underwent a long road test in which it was driven for over 1000 miles from Vicksburg MS to St Robert MO (Fort Leonard Wood) and back. The conclusion is that the DETS could be moved around the United States as needed to respond to decontamination events. The DETS was also used to treat PFOS, a perfluorinated compound found in legacy firefighting foams, and the DETS processes achieved 99.97% removal of ~30 μg/L PFOS.

40 pgs / 3.2 mb

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

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