Abstract: A flexible display device and fabrication method thereof are provided. The flexible display device includes a flexible substrate, a buffer layer disposed on the flexible substrate, a display unit disposed on the buffer layer covering a part of the buffer layer, and a thin film encapsulation layer disposed on the display unit and a rest part of the buffer layer. At least one of the buffer layer and the thin film encapsulation layer includes a self-healing layer comprising a self-healing polymer material.

Abstract: A system and method for ground water protection below a pit mine that includes: a first back fill cover over an exposed ground water; layer of polystyrene foam; a rubber membrane placed over the first foam cover; closed cell extruded polystyrene foam placed over the rubber membrane; a layer of contaminated material over the closed cell extruded polystyrene foam, wherein the layer of contaminated material is covered by polystyrene foam, a rubber membrane and polystyrene foam over the rubber membrane; and top soil covering the layer of foam, rubber membrane and foam above the contaminated material.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminants from emissions is provided with a housing shaped as a reverse venturi. The housing includes an entry portion for receiving emissions, an exit portion for expelling emissions, and an enlarged portion disposed therebetween for trapping the contaminants in the emissions. A mass of reactive material is disposed within the enlarged portion and has a reactive outer surface disposed in contact with the emissions. The mass of reactive material contains an amalgam forming metal at the reactive outer surface that chemically binds with the emissions that are passing through the enlarged portion of the housing. Emissions control methods for removing contaminants from gaseous and non-gaseous emissions are also provided. One of the emissions control methods includes passing the gaseous emissions through the reverse venturi apparatus described herein. Another one of the emissions control methods includes treating non-gaseous emissions in a treatment tank containing a sorbent.

Abstract: Bioremediation geocomposite articles, and their method of manufacture, for treating (digesting) contaminats in soil or water. The bioremediating geocomposite mat includes a woven or non-woven geotexile, having a thickness of about 6 mm to about 200 mm. In the preferred embodiment, outer layers of the geocomposite article have a porosity sufficient to receive a powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material, contaminat-sorptive material, or a contaminant-neutralizing material in at least outer portions of the thickness across its entire major surface(s) for better contact of the bacteria with contaminants held by the powdered or granular material. In the most preferred embodiment, liquid-permeable cover sheets are adhered to the upper and lower major surfaces of the bacterial-containing geotextile article to prevent a powdered or granular material from escaping from the geotextile during transportation and installation.

Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. In one embodiment, heat from one or more heaters may be provided to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to at least a part of the formation. In certain embodiments, the heat from the one or more heaters may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In an embodiment, a first fluid may be introduced into at least a portion of the formation. The portion may have previously undergone an in situ conversion process. A mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid may be produced from the formation. Such mixture may, in some embodiments, be treated or burned.

Abstract: Methods for inducing the precipitation of substantially water insoluble mineral carbonates in pores, spaces and fractures by conveying a carbon-dioxide (ie. CO2) bearing gaseous phase or an oxidised-carbon-bearing aqueous phase into spaces where reaction with an existing or introduced fluid phase of appropriate composition occurs, or by conveying a fluid of appropriate composition into spaces where reaction of the fluid components with a fluid delivery medium occurs, or by conveying a fluid of appropriate composition into spaces under controlled physical conditions such that unassisted reaction of the fluid components occurs.

Abstract: A method for treating oxidable gas generated from waste at a dumping area and to the structure of the dumping area. The dumping area has an organic waste layer covered with a sealing layer that prevents the absorption of water, with a drying layer and a surface layer. Oxidable gas is generated and directed through an aperture formed in the sealing layer and made to spread in, the lateral direction with the help of one or several flow controllers so that the gas ends in the surface layer to become biologically oxidized. The aperture may be provided with a cover, and the gas flow controllers may be perforated pipes extending radially from a side of a well. The oxidation of gas may be intensified by directing air and/or moisture from a piping to the surface layer.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for decontamination of ground water or soil. The method and apparatus includes placing a structure into subsurface contaminated soil and ground water to enhance subsurface conditions for contaminant removal. Subsurface conditions are enhanced through a number of methods including exposure of contaminated soil and ground water to ambient air and sunlight.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an interconnected underground structure which avoids settling of adjacent soil structure. A plurality of underground support columns is initially formed, with the support columns being spaced apart in a predetermined pattern. Interconnecting holes are thereafter formed between the underground support columns, wherein the interconnecting holes are formed by mechanically cutting the soil and simultaneously hydraulically mixing the mechanically cut soil with slurry injected at velocities of 200 feet per second or higher while maintaining a positive hydrostatic head in the hole relative to adjacent soil. As the interconnecting holes are being formed, the diameter of each interconnecting hole is extended by positioning a second high velocity slurry nozzle near the outer diameter of the interconnecting hole which injects high velocity into the adjacent soil to hydraulically cut the adjacent soil and mix it with the slurry.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparation of chemically-stabilized emulsions of tall oil in water. Temperature and pH are controlled during preparation of the emulsions so as to prevent saponification and neutralization of acids in the tall oil component. The final emulsions have pHs in the range of from about 3.0 to 5.0 and remain phase stable for extended periods of time. Methods are disclosed for using the emulsions for soil treatment to improve soil stabilization and load bearing capacity for roadbed use, for treatment of reclaimed asphalt pavement for reuse as a stabilized base course for roadway construction and for remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil.

Abstract: A waste processing system transports waste by rail to a processing location near a landfill site where it is pulverized and mixed to form a slurry. This slurry is delivered to the landfill with an auger device. The landfill is first prepared by placing a layer of compacted coal at the bottom of a clay lined pit, covering that layer with a layer of granular coal, and then providing a layer of lye over the coal. The waste slurry is then distributed over these processing layers. A conduit is used to return leachate from the area between the coal layers to the mixing stage; and gas emanating from the process is recovered.

Abstract: A method of treating a selected volume of soil comprising the steps of providing a pipe network including at least one layer of perforated fluid conduits, inserting the layer of perforated fluid conduits below the selected volume of soil, introducing a selected soil treatment fluid in the selected volume of soil via the perforated fluid conduits, and successively raising and lowering fluid level through the selected volume of soil, thereby ensuring higher extraction and removal efficiencies.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of decomposing municipal solid waste (MSW) within a landfill by converting the landfill to aerobic degradation in the following manner: (1) injecting air via the landfill leachate collection system (2) injecting air via vertical air injection wells installed within the waste mass; (3) applying leachate to the waste mass using a pressurized drip irrigation system; (4) allowing landfill gases to vent; and (5) adjusting air injection and recirculated leachate to achieve a 40% to 60% moisture level and a temperature between 120.degree. F. and 140.degree. F. in steady state.

Abstract: A method for providing a composite capping cover for maintaining the surface of a sulphide bearing tailing and mine waste containing deposit moist thereby substantially eliminating oxidation of the sulphidic particulate in the deposit and the formation of heavy metal salts. The moisture is provided by atmospheric precipitation. The composite capping cover comprises a fine particulate layer, a fine-granular particulate layer and a coarse-granular particulate layer, the particle sizes of the particles making up the individual the layers having been selected such that the hydraulic conductivity of the layers increases with successive layers while the matric suction value within the layers decreases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a landfill and the landfill produced thereby wherein waste to be landfilled is comminuted to yield homogeneously-sized waste particles, mixed with liquid wastes such as waste water treatment sludges and the like, and then placed into a sanitary containment site with a leachate and gas collection system such that there is a uniform moisture distribution throughout the waste mass. Leachate collected from the waste mass is uniformly re-introduced into the waste mass so as to maintain the uniform moisture distribution. The landfill produced thereby maximizes anaerobic fermentation within the waste mass, thereby maximizing the production of valuable landfill gasses.

Abstract: An apparatus for constructing an underground containment barrier for containing an in-situ portion of earth. The apparatus includes an excavating device for simultaneously (i) excavating earthen material from beside the in-situ portion of earth without removing the in-situ portion and thereby forming an open side trench defined by opposing earthen sidewalls, and (ii) excavating earthen material from beneath the in-situ portion of earth without removing the in-situ portion and thereby forming a generally horizontal underground trench beneath the in-situ portion defined by opposing earthen sidewalls. The apparatus further includes a barrier-forming device attached to the excavating device for simultaneously forming a side barrier within the open trench and a generally horizontal, multi-layer barrier within the generally horizontal trench. The multi-layer barrier includes at least a first layer and a second layer.

Abstract: A process for removing water-soluble contaminates from soil includes laying a mat over and in contact with the contaminated soil, applying water to the soil, permitting the water to be transferred from the soil to the mat, permitting the contaminants to be carried via the water into the mat, and permitting the water to be evaporated from the mat so that the contaminants precipitate in the mat.

Abstract: This invention involves the solidification of aqueous waste with neutralized cross-linked polyacrylates prior to landfill disposal and to further minimize leachate treatment from landfills through the direct application of a neutralized cross-linked polyacrylate throughout the land filling and disposal process.

Abstract: An apparatus for the in situ, sequential anaerobic and aerobic treatment of contaminated water is disclosed which includes definition of a treatment flow path for water from a source of contaminated water and division of this flow path into a first region and a second region. An anaerobic bioreactor is disposed in the first region for anaerobic biodegradation of the contaminants within the water. An aerobic bioreactor is disposed in the second region, for aerobic biodegradation of contaminants within the water. The apparatus also causes the water to flow from the source of contaminated water into the treatment flow path, through the anaerobic bioreactor in the first region, through the aerobic bioreactor in the second region, and then back to the source of contaminated water. Also disclosed is a method for treating contaminated water, which includes the steps of defining a treatment flow path for water from a source of contaminated water, and dividing the flow path into distinct anaerobic and aerobic regions.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for treating biodegradable waste material in a landfill by aerobic degradation. Waste material is deposited in the landfill and covered. The moisture content in the landfill is increased from about 40% to about 70% and a source of oxygen is injected into the landfill to drive and maintain primarily aerobic degradation of the waste material. The temperature in the landfill is increased to substantially eliminate pathogens from the waste material. The temperature in the landfill is controlled within a range of about 130.degree. F. to about 150.degree. F. to sustain the primarily aerobic degradation. Any combination of oxygen content, moisture content, and temperature in the landfill is monitored and varied to sustain and maintain the primarily aerobic degradation in the landfill.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting and containing leachate from a landfill uses a submerged drainage sink to develop a flow pattern towards the drainage sink contained within a containment zone, and therefore minimizes the chance of contaminating area groundwater. In a first embodiment of the invention for use in a substantially flat area, a perimeter barrier wall is provided and extends downward into a bottom barrier layer, such as an aquitard, a clay layer, or a synthetic material. The barrier wall and the bottom barrier layer define a containment zone containing the drainage sink, which is disposed below the groundwater level. Leachate and groundwater are permitted to mix within the sink. The desired flow pattern towards the drainage sink is induced by collecting and removing the leachate/groundwater mixture from the drainage sink to lower the leachate level in the drainage sink to a level which is below the groundwater level outside of the wall and below the piezometric level below the sink.

Abstract: A municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill system includes a leachate collection system installed in a layer of MSW in a preexisting landfill. The layer of MSW is covered with a layer of waste ash produced by incinerated MSW. The ash is gas impermeable and serves as a methane gas containment layer above the MSW cell. A plurality of columns of crushed stone pass through the ash layer to provide a leachate collection path to the leachate collection system. Alternate layers of ash and MSW fill the landfill with leachate collection columns in each ash layer to collect the leachate from each MSW cell layer. At least one, or as conditions may require, a number of gas wells are installed in each MSW cell for removing methane gas from the cell. The gas wells may be interconnected to collect the gas and supply it to a utilization system or for burn off.

Abstract: A landfill system having a waste pit with a base portion. The base portion is covered with a liquid impermeable sheet and there is disposed at least one filtration zone below the base portion. Waste water is prevented from entering the natural substrate and the water table before it is directed through the filtration zone wherein the waste water is treated to remove contaminants prior to entering the natural substrate. Also included is a method for constructing a landfill system wherein a waste pit is cleared of debris and a liquid impermeable sheet is disposed on the base portion. In the base portion a filtration system is installed to capture waste water prior to entry into the natural substrate.

Abstract: A seamless landfill sump including a bottom and a plurality of walls defining an open reservoir and including a welding ledge integral to the reservoir opening. The seamless landfill sump may also include side support ribs integral to the sump bottom and sides.

Abstract: A landfill liner comprising clay and lime for capturing certain leachate contaminants, particularly potentially toxic heavy metals. The lime acts to absorb significantly more of the potentially toxic heavy metals than would a conventional clay landfill liner.

Abstract: Gas and/or liquid exchange between a first area within a bulk material pile and a second area outside the bulk material pile is enabled by creating a substantially horizontal cavity during the formation of the bulk material pile, and establishing a conduit between the cavity and the area outside the bulk material pile during the formation of the bulk material pile. Where the bulk material pile is a solid waste pile, the cavity may be created using a substantially horizontal, elongated leaching chamber, and the conduit may be created with a system of pipes.

Abstract: A landfill water treatment system including a fluid impermeable containment portion secured within a landfill area. A series of drainage tubes is arranged within the fluid impermeable containment portion. The drainage tubes have a plurality of perforations therein. The drainage tubes have an exit tube extending outwardly of the containment portion for coupling with a pump for draining of effluents through the drainage tubes. A gravel base disposed within the containment portion over the series of drainage tubes therein.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of landfill mining which comprises the following steps: (1) converting the landfill to aerobic production by injection of moisture and air, and a raw material such as sewage sludge (if required), and venting of depleted air and moisture, thereby increasing the rate of waste decomposition; (2) excavating the landfill to remove material; (3) separating the removed material to substantially isolate at least one segregated material from the residual material; (4) disposing of at least one segregated material; and (5) returning the residual material to the landfill. The segregated materials preferably include decomposed waste and recyclables, and may also include toxic material and hazardous waste.

Abstract: The environment in a porous area, such as in an aquifer in controlled to promote the growth of indigenous microorganisms as well as introduced microorganisms. Nutrients and other growth-promoting chemicals are added to cause the organisms to grow and produce a biofilm that retards fluid movement. Tubes are inserted into the target area, and fluids containing nutrients and other chemical are circulated through the porous area, the paths of circulation defining the areas of growth of microorganisms to produce a barrier, referred to as a biowall. After the biowall has served its purpose, it can be dispersed by injecting chemicals to stop growth and/or to kill the microorganisms.

Abstract: A fluid recapture system collects residual waste fluids generated during airplane washing or de-icing procedures and separates and recycles these fluids to prevent contamination of storm water drainage and sewer systems and ground water supplies. The fluid recapture system includes a containment mat, a triangular berm with a resilient foam center surrounding the containment mat, a vacuum system located on the containment mat and recycling apparatus connected to the vacuum system. The recycling apparatus includes a pump for withdrawing fluid from the containment mat through the vacuum system and into the recycling apparatus. The pump withdraws the water from the containment mat and sends it to an effluent storage tank. From the effluent storage tank, the water is cycled through a hydro cycle machine, a reverse osmosis tank and finally into a clean water storage tank. The clean water can be reused in the airplane washing procedure.

Abstract: A method for reducing reducible metals comprising combining one or more reducible metals with an elemental metal, and then with a reducing agent to form a reduced metal. The mixture may then be stabilized and recovered.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and articles manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material. In a preferred embodiment, one, or both, major surfaces of the fabric is coated with a water-insoluble adhesive to substantially increase the tensile strength of the fabric and to prevent shifting of fibers when installed on sloping surfaces.

Abstract: The Fiber Optic Photochemical Oxidation Decontamination (FOPOD) method and apparatus is provided for in-situ remediation of aqueous leachate plumes. The apparatus consists of a well-type housing with numerous holes drilled for a distance equal to the vertical depth of the leachate plume. The bottom of the housing is capped. Through the holes are threaded numerous specialty optical fibers, being encased in the housing and forming bundles above ground. The method comprises ultraviolet light perpendicular to the bundles being transmitted sub-surface by the optical fibers which exit each hole within the plume. Hydrogen peroxide injected into the housing also enters the plume through the numerous holes in the housing. The reaction products are carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in situ remediation of contaminated subsurface soil or groundwater contaminated by chlorinated hydrocarbons. A nutrient fluid is selected to stimulate the growth and reproduction of indigenous subsurface microorganisms that are capable of degrading the contaminants; an oxygenated fluid is selected to create a generally aerobic environment for these microorganisms to degrade the contaminants, leaving only pockets that are anaerobic. The nutrient fluid is injected periodically while the oxygenated fluid is injected continuously and both are extracted so that both are drawn across the plume. The nutrient fluid stimulates microbial colony growth; withholding it periodicially forces the larger, healthy colony of microbes to degrade the contaminants. Treatment is continued until the subsurface concentration of contaminants is reduced to an acceptable, preselected level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fixing toxic or nontoxic waste material, in which method the waste material is allowed to absorb into an organic absorbent, the waste material-containing absorbent thus obtained is treated with an occluding agent and the resulting product is mixed with a hydraulic binder and a hardening activator in order to form a cement matrix. The occluding agent used in preferably a silicon compound, such as silica gel or water glass, or a silicon polymer which can be formed from granulated blast furnace slags. The absorbent used can be an organo-clay compound and/or cellulose. The invention also relates to a composite kit for fixing waste material, comprising an absorbent, a hydraulic binder and an occluding agent.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay surface with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers. In a preferred embodiment, a water-insoluble adhesive is applied to at least one of the fabric layers to lock the interconnecting fibers in place and substantially increase the structural integrity, particularly the shear strength, of the article.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning contaminated ground water and a ground region through which it flows comprises a shaft extending to a region of ground water to be cleaned, the shaft having a shaft wall with two water permeable wall regions located above and below a ground water level so that a separating region is formed in the shaft between the water permeable regions under the ground water level, a throughgoing passage extending through the separating region and ending above the ground water level in the shaft, a filter arranged in the shaft, a circulating pump arranged in the shaft so that the throughgoing passage forms a part of a flow path. The circulating pump provides a ground water circulation which passes through the shaft, through the water permeable wall regions, through the surrounding ground region and through the filter arranged in the shaft. The filter includes a pourable and fluid filter material which fills a shaft chamber located under the separating region.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for injecting and transporting small particles in a natural porous medium. The method is characterized in that, in a first step, the porous medium is conditioned by means of an aqueous solution containing a hydrocarbonaceous compound, polymers or surface-active agents, in a second step, a plug of suspended particles is injected in the aqueous medium containing at least one hydrocarbonaceous compound, polymer or surface-active agent and, in a third step, the plug of particles is pushed by an appropriate aqueous medium. The method is particularly useful for implantation of bacteria in a porous medium.

Abstract: Regulated processes for biodegrading halogenated organic compounds in an aqueous subsurface environment through stimulation of bacteria are provided. The processes provide an electron donor source to anaerobic dehalogenating bacteria as a stimulus for biodegradation of the contaminants. When necessary to limit the biological formation of vinyl halide monomer, the processes provide for a sulfate reducing environment in the region of biological activity by the addition of an inorganic sulfate. One embodiment provides for converting the aqueous subsurface environment from anaerobic dehalogenating conditions to aerobic conditions. Another embodiment provides for converting the aqueous subsurface environment from anaerobic dehalogenating conditions to anaerobic methanogenic conditions followed by conversion to aerobic conditions in order to completely degrade the contaminants to carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying organic contaminants, such as trichloroethylene, in aqueous liquids, such as groundwater, utilizing steam stripping integrated with biodegradation. The contaminated aqueous liquid is fed into a steam stripper causing the volatilization of essentially all of the organic contaminants and a portion of the aqueous liquid. The majority of the aqueous liquid is discharged from the steam stripper. The volatilized vapors are then condensed to the liquid phase and introduced into a bioreactor. The bioreactor contains methanotrophic microorganisms which convert the organic contaminants into mainly carbon dioxide. The effluent from the bioreactor is then recycled back to the steam stripper for further processing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and article manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material.

Abstract: An in-situ system for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from groundwater. The technique includes gas-lift pumping and in-situ vapor stripping.

Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning contaminated ground water and a ground region through which it flows, comprises a shaft extending to a region of the ground water to be cleaned and having water permeable shaft walls separated from one another by a separating wall and adapted for aspirating of water from a ground region and reintroducing of the water into the ground region, elements for circulating water and including a water circulating pump and a passage extending through the separating wall and forming a part of a flow path, a shaft insert formed so that the passage is a part of the shaft insert. The shaft insert has a gas chamber through which a gas is supplied under the action of negative pressure. The water circulating pump is formed as a suction pump arranged on the shaft insert in a water aspiration region of the shaft. A water receiving chamber starts underneath the gas chamber and extends above the gas chamber.

Abstract: An arrangement for driving out volatile impurities from ground water by air or another gas, has a shaft adapted to extend to a ground water region and having at least locally a water-permeable wall formed as another wall and limiting at least partially an air receiving chamber communicating with an outside air, a ventilator communicating with the shaft for producing a negative pressure and aspirating air from a shaft portion located above a ground water level, a pipe extending in the shaft to an area under the ground water level so as to form the air receiving chamber and to provide communication to the outside air, the pipe having an inner end region provided with nozzle openings, a screening sleeve arranged concentrically relative to the pipe and at least partially covering the end region of said pipe provided with said nozzle openings. The screening sleeve is supported displaceably relative to the pipe and sealed relative to the pipe and a floating body coupled with the pipe.

Abstract: In order to remove underground contamination, it has already been disclosed either to replace the soil, to wash the soil, to draw off the soil air or to carry out ground water desorption. All these processes are very complex and cost intensive. In particular, they do not provide a final solution to the problem, but instead merely move the problem, since the substances removed from the water to be purified are retained and must accordingly be stored safely, for example in waste dumps. The invention is an improved process and plant of this type which is simple and inexpensive to carry out and fully degrades the substances removed from the (ground) water. The object of the invention is achieved by, on the one hand, flushing through the soil, in particular its contaminated zone (17), and, in addition, biologically purifying the (ground) water. The process and the plant are particularly suitable for removing underground water contamination by hydrocarbons on old industrial sites.

Abstract: A method to detoxify municipal sewage sludge containing heavy metals comprises the steps of mixing sewage sludge, at least one catalytic oxidant such as a ferric salt, at least one regenerative oxidant and an acid to form a reacting slurry having a solids fraction and a liquid fraction and, after a suitable retention time, separating the solids fraction from the liquid fraction. The reacting slurry is maintained during its retention time at a pH range between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 and at an oxidation reduction potential of, at least, +400 milivolts. The heavy metals originally absorbed into the solids fraction of the sewage sludge solubilize into the liquid fraction of the reacting slurry. Thereafter, the reacting slurry is discharged into a conventional solids/liquid separating device so that the metal-laden liquid fraction becomes separated from the solids fraction which is now substantially bar ren of heavy metals.

Abstract: During use in hydrocarbon conversion processes, sorbents, e.g. for carbon and metals, and catalysts become contaminated with metals, e.g. heavy metals such as vanadium, nickel and sodium. Leaching of heavy metals can be sharply reduced by treatment of such spent particulate materials with alkaline earth metal compound, e.g. lime, calcium fluoride, calcium sulfate, and barium chloride. Surprisingly, calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate are relatively ineffective.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for in situ biodegradation of spilled hydrocarbons. The process involves drawing oxygen into a hydrocarbon contaminated zone. A borehole is drilled into the contaminated zone and gas is evacuated at high rates out of the borehole to thereby draw oxygen from the earth's surface and through the contaminated zone. Surprisingly, the carbon dioxide concentration in the evacuated gas remains high even at the high flow rates. The rate of gas evacuation in the present process is maintained sufficiently high so that the hydrocarbon biodegradation rate is within at least 50% of the maximum hydrocarbon biodegradation within the zone. The process can be applied to both porous and nonporous soils having relatively low water and gas permeability.

Abstract: Water supply contamination is reduced within a formation or eliminated in a flooding procedure utilizing an alkaline aqueous solution. Biodegradable polymer provides a desired viscosity and mobility. Biodegradable surfactant and alkali provide any needed interfacial tension reduction. Additives, e.g., chelating agents, can be utilized for solubilization of insoluble contaminants.