PROCESS FOR REMOVING POLLUTANTS FROM GAS STREAMS

A process for removing oxidizable impurities from "waste" gas streams which comprises contacting the gas stream, typically air, which carries the oxidizable impurities with an aqueous acid stream containing an electrolytically regenerable oxidizing agent. After a sufficient contact time to remove oxidizable impurities from the gas stream, the gas stream is removed from the contact area with a lowered impurity content and vented or further treated as desired, the aqueous acid stream containing the electrolytically regenerable oxidizing agent and oxidizable impurities is removed from the contact area, the electrolytically regenerable oxidizing agent is regenerated, and the above described cycle is repeated. Preferably, the regenerable metal oxidizing agent is cobalt in the +3 valence state and the aqueous stream contains sulfuric acid. Destruction of oxidizable impurities is continuous throughout the system, i.e., in the mass transfer contact area, the electrolytic regeneration area and in all process interconnections.