New Environmental Technology Converts Pesticides to Carbon Dioxide and Water.

At the University of Nevada in Reno, a new system from CerOx Corporation has been used to treat laboratory wastes to within stringent Nevada environmental limits. Kelthane, a DDT derivative, Chlordane, a highly toxic and mutagenic pesticide, and Ambush, a permethrin-based insecticide, all were safely treated.

The CerOx system uses a patented electrochemical cell (called the T-cell) to oxidize a cerium metal ion, which in turn oxidizes organic compounds. The oxidation takes place at low temperature in an enclosed tank, so there is no potential for environmental contamination. For liquid waste streams, the CerOx process offers the only viable alternative to incineration.