Remediation of groundwater polluted with HCHs using Solar Light Irradiation

COTILLAS, SALVADOR; SANTOS, AURORA; LORENZO, DAVID; BAHAMANDE, ANA; PALOMO, E; CONTE, L.O.

Zaragoza

Congreso; 14th International HCH and Pesticides Forum; 2023

14th International HCH and Pesticides Forum

During the 20th century, lindane (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, HCH) was a pesticide producedand marketed worldwide. The synthesis of this compound was carried out with benzene and chlorineunder UV irradiation. In 2008, the European Union forbade the production of lindane because itwas classified as a cancerogenic compound by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.Despite this, uncontrolled industrial landfills still exist where chemical companies dumped tonnes oflindane and other isomers of HCH over the years, causing soil and groundwater pollution byleaching. In Spain, two landfills in the Aragón region (northeast of Spain) are highly contaminatedby lindane production wastes (Bailín and Sardas). For this reason, it is necessary to develop cleanand efficient technologies that allow the removal of HCH isomers (HCHs) from water bodies.