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: Disclosed is a method of decontaminating soil by applying to the soil an oxygen delivery vehicle such as peroxides of calcium, potassium or magnesium or mixture thereof in an amount which substantially increases the population of microorganism in the soil that digest pollutants. Preferably, a surfactant and an oxygen release rate modifier are also included.