Abstract: A decontamination treatment of process water is disclosed herein originating from electroplating/metal finishing and etching operations wherein the process water is loaded with heavy metal ions. The inventive process combines predetermined quantities of alkali/acid solutions together with a quantity of Sodium Humate so as to produce a disposable sludge which is environmentally safe and poses the least risk for leeching of harmful metals from the resultant sludge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safely handling and detoxification of contaminated soil substantially saturated with PH contaminants such as fuel and petroleum hydrocarbons is disclosed which treats the contaminated soil with an additive consisting of low grade humic acid and lime that is mixed with the soil in the approximate ratio of nine parts soil to one part of additive. The treatment involves digging a trench while collecting toxic soil, reducing particle size to a fine silt or sand-like particle size followed by introducing the additive for mixing in a tumbler and, finally, discharge of the thoroughly covered additive and encapsulated toxic soil particles into the previously dug trench.