Degradation of Chlorinated Arenes by Electroreduction

Public discussion on serious environmental problems caused by “the chlorine chemistry” arose with Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring”, in which the disastrous ecological aftermath of massive use of persistent polychlorinated hydrocarbons as insecticides was pointed out. As a consequence, production and application of these compounds was banned. However, methods had to be developed not only to dispose of materials that contain these substances, but also to remedy the numerous contaminated sites.