Decomposition of oil cleaning agents from nuclear power plants by supercritical water oxidation

Oil cleaning agents generated from nuclear power plants(NPPs)are radioactive organic liquid wastes.To date,because there are no satisfactory industrial treatment measures,these wastes can only be stored for a long time.In this work,the optimization for the supercritical water oxidation(SCWO)of the spent organic solvent was investigated.The main process parameters of DURSET(oil cleaning agent)SCWO,such as temperature,reaction time,and excess oxygen coefficient,were optimized using response surface methodology,and a quadratic polynomial model was obtained.The determination coefficient(R^(2))of the model is 0.9812,indicating that the model is reliable.The optimized process conditions were at 515 C,66 s,and an excess oxygen coefficient of 211%.Under these conditions,the chemical oxygen demand removal of organic matter could reach 99.5%.The temperature was found to be the main factor affecting the SCWO process.Ketones and benzene-based compounds may be the main intermediates in DURSET SCWO.This work provides basic data for the industrialization of the degradation of spent organic solvents from NPP using SCWO technology.

Chlorine poisoning caused by improper mixing of household disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic:Case series

BACKGROUND Misuse of disinfectants during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to several poisoning incidents.However,there are few clinical case reports on poisoning caused by improper mixing of household disinfectants.AIM To summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment effects of chlorine poisoning caused by improper mixing of hypochlorite bleach with acidic cleaning agents.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed baseline and clinical data,clinical symptoms,and treatment methods of seven patients with chlorine poisoning who were admitted to the National Army Poisoning Treatment Center.RESULTS Among the seven patients,the average poisoning time(exposure to admission)was 57 h(4-240 h).All patients were involved in cleaning bathrooms.Chest computed tomography scans revealed bilateral lung effusions or inflammatory changes in five patients.The partial pressure of oxygen decreased in six patients,and respiratory failure occurred in one.Five patients had different degrees of increase in white blood cell count.Humidified oxygen therapy,non-invasive mechanical ventilation,anti-inflammatory corticosteroids,antioxidants,and antibiotics were administered for treatment.The average length of hospital stay was 7 d(4-9 d).All seven patients recovered and were discharged.CONCLUSION Improper mixing of household disinfectants may cause damage to the respiratory system due to chlorine poisoning.Corticosteroids may improve lung exudation in severe cases,and symptomatic supportive treatment should be performed early.