Laboratory studies demonstrated the feasibility of controlled destruction of chlorinated pesticides such as DDT. The concept comprised (1) means to degrade DDT to a harmless form, and (2) methods to delay the reaction for given pest-control action. Chemical methods for degrading DDT were screened and reduction was selected as the most promising technique. Destruction of DDT, without forming DDE as a product, was demonstrated in laboratory studies by mildly acidic reduction with zinc powder. The principal product is bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane, DDT with all three aliphatic chlorines removed; a material stated to be "void of the neurotoxic effects of DDT." Catalysis of the reaction resulted in complete destruction of DDT in 1 hr at 25°C and conversion to bis(chlorophenyl) ethane in 4-8 hrs. Catalyzed aluminum or iron reduction of DDT produced tetra(p-chlorophenyl)tetrachlorobutane, reportedly lipoid insoluble. A 90% destruction of DDT in soil in 4 days was demonstrated in a laboratory test with spray-applied integral, catalyzed zinc-DDT particles (5-micron). Reaction delay can be achieved with wax or silicone coatings on the reductant which are slowly dissolved or eroded, or possibly slow air oxidation of sulfur. Coatings were produced which stopped zinc-acid reaction. A test of combined reductant - delayed action technique was made using silanized, catalyzed zinc (5 microns)-DDT particles sprayed onto soil. Although faulty coating prevented the desired delay, 95% decomposition of DDT was obtained. Effective reductive degradation of the chlorinated pesticides dieldrin, endrin, aldrin, chlordane, toxaphene, Kelthane, methoxychlor, Perthane and lindane, and selected polychlorinated biphenyls was shown. Degradation of DDT in water was demonstrated, a 421 mg/l DDT suspension being reduced to 1 ppm after 1 hr reaction at 75°C.

Laboratory scale experiments in a 2 ton/hour experimental unit with peaches, pears, and apricots demonstrated that peel softened by hot solutions of sodium hydroxide can be removed efficiently by a series of rotating rubber discs. The quality of the peeled fruit prepared with the experimental unit compared favorably with fruit peeled in the conventional manner by commercial equipment, while peeling losses for all three fruits in the experimental unit were the same or slightly lower than those resulting from commercial peeling. During experimental peeling of peach halves, volume of wastewater discharged was 34.5 gallons per ton of pitted peaches as compared to 547 gallons per ton for conventional commercial peeling.