A continuous process for the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated dredged material, and apparatus therefor.

Continuous process for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from mud by contacting the mud with ozone and a catalyst in a reactor to produce a PAH-depleted effluent containing PAH decomposition products comprises continuously monitoring the amount of unreacted ozone in the effluent and using the result to control the amount of ozone supplied to the reactor. An independent claim is also included for apparatus for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from mud, comprising a reactor equipped with a stirrer and/or radial diffusion-promoting means; an inlet for contaminated mud; one or more inlets for ozone and optionally catalyst; an ozone generator; a control unit for continuously monitoring the ozone level in the reactor and controlling the ozone generator; and an effluent outlet.