Abstract: A novel series of compositions with aqueous chemicals decontamination activity and their uses is described. The preparation of esters of fatty acids with polyols that contain lactic acid is also described. These novel compositions release hydroxy acid and fatty acids slowly into water providing activity over long periods of time with the compounds exhibiting biodegradable characteristics and aiding in the biodegradation of contaminants.

Abstract: A novel series of compositions with aqueous chemicals decontamination activity and their uses is described. The preparation of esters of fatty acids with polyols that contain lactic acid is also described. These novel compositions release hydroxy acid and fatty acids slowly into water providing activity over long periods of time with the compounds exhibiting biodegradable characteristics and aiding in the biodegradation of contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to series of compounds with aqueous metal decontamination activity and their uses in removing metals from aqueous media. The compounds are esters of organic acids or alcohols with polyols that contain a sulfhydral group (—SH). The compounds release sulfhydral slowly into the water providing activity over extended periods of time and exhibit biodegradable characteristics. The compounds may be used to remediate aqueous media.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments provide for a family of novel compositions to serve as substrates that release hydroxy acid slowly over time. Preferably the hydroxy acid is an ?-hydroxy acid, more preferably it is lactic acid. The compositions are preferably made by reaction of poly(lactic acid) with multifunctional alcohols. Also disclosed are formulations based on the compounds and methods of use for both the compositions and the formulations. The preferred use of the compositions and formulations is for bioremediation purposes wherein they provide a time-release source of lactic acid to support the growth and reductive activity of microbes present in a system or medium, such as an aquifer, bioreactor, soil, industrial process, wastestream, body of water, river or well. The microbes destroy or inactivate compounds which are capable of being reduced, such as nitrogen-containing organic compounds, oxygen-containing organic compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and halogen-containing organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to series of compounds with aqueous metal decontamination activity and their uses in removing metals from aqueous media. The compounds are esters of organic acids or alcohols with polyols that contain a sulfhydral group (—SH). The compounds release sulfhydral slowly into the water providing activity over extended periods of time and exhibit biodegradable characteristics. The compounds may be used to remediate aqueous media.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments provide for a family of novel compositions to serve as substrates that release hydroxy acid slowly over time. Preferably the hydroxy acid is an &agr;-hydroxy acid, more preferably it is lactic acid. The compositions are preferably made by reaction of poly(lactic acid) with multifunctional alcohols. Also disclosed are formulations based on the compounds and methods of use for both the compositions and the formulations. The preferred use of the compositions and formulations is for bioremediation purposes wherein they provide a time-release source of lactic acid to support the growth and reductive activity of microbes present in a system or medium, such as an aquifer, bioreactor, soil, industrial process, wastestream, body of water, river or well. The microbes destroy or inactivate compounds which are capable of being reduced, such as nitrogen-containing organic compounds, oxygen-containing organic compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and halogen-containing organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a family of novel compositions to serve as substrates that release hydroxy acid slowly over time. Preferably the hydroxy acid is an &agr;-hydroxy acid, more preferably it is lactic acid. The compositions are preferably made by reaction of poly(lactic acid) with multifunctional alcohols. Also disclosed are formulations based on the compounds and methods of use for both the compositions and the formulations. The preferred use of the compositions and formulations of the present invention is for bioremediation purposes wherein they provide a time-release source of lactic acid to support the growth and reductive activity of microbes present in a system or medium, such as an aquifer, bioreactor, soil, industrial process, wastestream, body of water, river or well.