This method is particularly effective in removing organic compounds from waste liquids. Dechlorination removes chlorine from a substance by chemically replacing it with hydrogen or hydroxide ions. Incineration destroys or makes waste less hazardous through burning. It is frequently used to destroy organic wastes. Neutralization decreases the acidity or alkalinity of a substance by adding to it alkaline or acidic materials respectively.
Oxidation detoxifies a waste constituent by combining it with oxygen.
This process is used to treat wastes such as cyanides, phenols, and organic sulfur compounds. Precipitation removes solids from a liquid waste so that the hazardous solid portion can be disposed of safely. Solidification and stabilization remove wastewater from a waste or change it chemically, thereby making it less permeable and less susceptible to transport by water. Last updated December 31, 1995.