Kinetics of cyanogen chloride destruction by chemical reduction methods

In this study, membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) was applied to evaluate the kinetics of cyanogen chloride (ClCN) destruction by chemical reduction methods, using thiosulfate, sulfite, metabisulfite, ferrous ions and zero-valent iron at various concentrations and pH. The ClCN destruction followed second-order reaction kinetics in all cases of using sulfur compounds, though the second-order rate constants varied substantially from approximately 0.3–25.7 M−1 s−1 under different experimental conditions. The destruction of ClCN was primarily attributable to the chemical reduction pathway. Hydroxide-assisted ClCN hydrolysis was only significant at pH 9 and also when the observed reduction rate was relatively slow. The second-order rate constants achieved by sulfur(IV) compounds in the form of sulfite were found to be higher than those obtained with thiosulfate and S(IV) compounds in the form of bisulfite. Ferrous ions and zero-valent iron demonstrated slow or no ClCN reduction up to dosages of 1000 mg L−1 and 100 g L−1, respectively. These findings suggest that applying moderately high dosages of S(IV) compounds under neutral or alkali conditions with sufficient contact time is required for wastewater ClCN destruction. In addition, ClCN losses during long-term preservation with excess reducing sulfur compounds prior to analysis can be substantial and should be avoided.