Mercury transformations in chemical agent simulant as characterized by X-ray absorption fine spectroscopy.
Chemical analyses of U.S. stockpiled mustard chemical warfare agent show some agent destined for destruction contains mercury [L. Ember, Chem. Eng. News 82 (2004) 8]. Because of its toxicity, mercury must be removed from agent prior to incineration or be scrubbed from incineration exhaust to prevent release into the atmosphere. Understanding mercury/agent interactions is critical if either atmospheric or aqueous treatment processes are used. We investigate and compare the state of mercury in water to that in thiodiglycol, a mustard simulant, as co-contaminants are introduced. The effects of sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide, common neutralization chemicals, on mercury in water and simulant with and without co-contaminants present are examined using X-ray absorption fine spectroscopy (XAFS).
Skubal
Laura R
LR
Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA. lskubal@anl.gov
Biedron
Sandra G
SG
Newville
Matthew
M
Schneider
John F
JF
Milton
Stephen V
SV
Pianetta
Piero
P
O'Neill
H Jack
HJ