Hanoi (VNA) – A seminar introducing mechano-chemical destruction (MCD) technology to destroy dioxins and other chemicals in soil was held in Hanoi on Oct. 2, attracting the participation of domestic and foreign scientists.

At the seminar, Dr. John Robertson from New Zealand’s Auckland University of Technology introduced the MCD technology as an emerging technology for the destruction of a range of difficult-to-eradicate organic toxins, including dioxins such as AO.

During the Vietnam war, the American army used five southern and central airports, namely Da Nang, Bien Hoa, Phu Cat, Tan Son Nhat and Nha Trang, to store dioxins that were subsequently sprayed in Vietnam.

A survey has revealed that Bien Hoa, Da Nang and Phu Cat each has between 40,000-90,000 cu.m of soil which is contaminated with dioxins.

The dioxin levels in areas surrounding the Bien Hoa airport were measured and found to be 7 times higher than the accepted norm.

The Ministry of Defence is carrying out a project to treat polluted soil areas at the Bien Hoa airport using 75 billion VND (4.54 million USD) in funds allocated from the State budget. The project is expected to finish in late 2009.-Enditem