Abstract: Compositions in accordance with the principles of the present invention comprise a compressed mixture of fibrous organic materials and multi-valent metals used to remove organic chemical contaminants. The compositions are made into a pre-shaped, compressed form used to form a permeable reactive barrier for decontamination of soils, sediments, sludges, and waters containing environmental pollutants. The compressed mixture, comprising the fibrous organic particles and one or more multivalent metallic particles, is formed into reactive pellets, granules, and other pre-shaped structures for use in constructing a reactive barrier, typically for use in a contaminated environment or in an industrial process. By way of example, the pre-shaped structure may be used to construct a reactive barrier to remove halogenated organic chemical contaminants, nitroaromatic organic contaminants, or certain inorganic contaminants from various terrestrial and aquatic based ecosystems.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, methods and apparatuses are provided for practically complete removal of one or more electron acceptors (excluding oxygen) from waters of various origins, while ensuring that an added excess of external carbon is also practically completely removed using biological treatment. A method applies to waters that contain the target electron acceptor and a deficiency of carbon. One application of this method is the practically complete removal of nitrate from domestic wastewater (septic wastewater) while practically completely removing the added excess of external carbon, thus practically eliminating any increase of the biological oxygen demand of the water. Another method applies to waters that contain constituents that are potentially convertible to the target electron acceptor and may contain original carbon.