Project 4: Activation, Sensing, and Prevention of Formation of EPFRs in Thermal Treatment of Superfund Wastes

Slawo Lomnicki (Leader) and Lavrent Khachatryan

Project 4 is researching the formation of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs), pollutants which are associated with the emission of particulate mater (PM) from the thermal treatment (TT) of Superfund site materials. We are focused on revealing the mechanism of EPFR activation in biological media and the generation of hydroxyl radicals, which are responsible for health effects associated with PM exposure. We are also developing methods for EPFR emission control during TT of Superfund site wastes, as well as methods for detection of EPFRs in communities residing near TT sites.