Abstract: A system for remediating groundwater contaminated with halogenated solvents, certain metals and other inorganic species based on catalytic reduction reactions within reactive well bores. The groundwater treatment uses dissolved hydrogen as a reducing agent in the presence of a metal catalyst, such a palladium, to reduce halogenated solvents (as well as other substituted organic compounds) to harmless species (e.g., ethane or methane) and immobilize certain metals to low valence states. The reactive wells function by removing water from a contaminated water-bearing zone, treating contaminants with a well bore using catalytic reduction, and then reinjecting the treated effluent into an adjacent water-bearing zone. This system offers the advantages of a compact design with a minimal surface footprint (surface facilities) and the destruction of a broad suite of contaminants without generating secondary waste streams.

Abstract: The process of this invention destroys contaminants in a contaminant-containing aqueous stream. The subject process comprises providing a contaminant-containing aqueous feed stream including an initial amount of at least one of a group of contaminants including perchlorates, nitrates, and nitrites. The contaminant-containing aqueous feed stream includes a reducing agent. Next the reducing agent-containing, contaminant-containing aqueous stream is heated. Finally, the heated contaminant-containing aqueous stream is contacted with an oxidation-reduction catalyst for a period of time sufficient for reducing the excess amount of any of the perchlorates, nitrates, and nitrites contaminants by at least about 90%.

Abstract: Heat exchange water for cooling an object of heat exchange such as machinery, air, or liquid, which serves to prevent oxidation and deterioration of metal materials used in pipes for supplying/circulating the heat exchange water or in the liquid ends of the heat exchanger, to suppress growth of algae and microorganisms, and to reduce influence on the environment. The heat exchange water is reductive water having zero or negative standard oxidation-reduction potential as determined on the basis of the hydrogen electrode standard.

Abstract: An acidizing composition and a method of acidizing a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation in the presence of ferric ions are provided. The acidizing composition includes a strong mineral acid solution, an electron donor agent, a primary electron transfer agent and a secondary electron transfer agent. The primary electron transfer agent is a source of rhenium ions. The secondary electron transfer agent is a source of iodide ion or iodine. The electron donor agent and primary and secondary electron transfer agents function together to reduce ferric ion present in the mineral acid solution to ferrous ion which in turn prevents ferric hydroxide and/or free sulfur from precipitating out of the solution and reduces the formation of sludge in crude oil in the formation. The particular electron transfer agents used in connection with the invention function with virtually all known electron donor agents.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for eliminating, reducing and/or suppressing halogenated compounds, in particular chlorinated compounds, contained in a gas or a liquid, in which the gas or liquid is brought into contact with a composition obtained by depositing at least one compound comprising at least one element selected from alkalis on an alumina, followed by calcining the alumina at a temperature of at least 600° C. When at least one compound comprising at least one element selected from alkaline-earths and rare earths is deposited on the alumina, the alumina calcining temperature is at least 500° C.

Abstract: A dissolved oxygen removal method using an activated carbon fiber catalyst thereof which includes the steps of a reducing agent injection step for injecting a reducing agent into the water, a reactor entrance dissolved oxygen measuring step for measuring a concentration of a dissolved oxygen contained in a water, a water flow rate control step for controlling the supplied amount of the water, an activated carbon fiber catalyst reaction step for removing a dissolved oxygen contained in the water with the reaction between the reducing agent and the dissolved oxygen in an activated carbon fiber reactor in which an activated carbon fiber catalyst is packed, and a control step for controlling the feeding rate of the reducing agent in accordance with the water flow rate and the reactor entrance dissolved oxygen, for thereby extending the life time of the facility and decreasing the operational and maintenance costs by fully removing a dissolved oxygen in water used for an steam generator or cooling system.

Abstract: A method for the remediation of arsenic is presented, comprising providing an aqueous solution of inorganic arsenic species, and passing the solution of inorganic arsenic species over a substrate comprising zero valent iron under anaerobic conditions, thereby reducing the arsenic species and forming arsenic-metal co-precipitates. Preferably, the metal is iron in the form of iron filings, and a source of sulfate ions is also present, resulting in the precipitation of arseno-pyrites.

Abstract: The aim of this invention is to resolve problems in sludge treatment methods, and to render sludge containing harmful substances produced in large amounts in chromium plating works harmless with reproducibility by effective use of certain substances. The invention resolves these problems by separating metal ions such as iron, copper, zinc and chromium contained in chromium plating effluent or a mixed solution of chromium plating solution, chromium plating effluent and chromic acid wash water in an impurity recovery electrolysis tank A in the form of a sludge, extracting the sludge, washing the sludge with water, separating the wash water containing chromic acid, drying the sludge which sedimented in the water washing step by natural or assisted drying, adding a natural organic substance to the sludge and reduction calcinating the sludge.

Abstract: A method for removing hydrogen sulfide in drilling mud comprises adding to the drilling mud which is circulated in a borehole a relatively sparingly soluble divalent iron salt having a solubility from 0.1 to 1000 ppm at room temperature in the drilling mud, whereby the hydrogen sulfide reacts with the divalent iron salt to form iron sulfide.

Abstract: Glycerin is effectively produced from a waste oil by a method comprising adding a strongly alkaline reducing water obtained by electrolyzing water containing sodium chloride to a waste oil selected from the group consisting of a waste edible oil, a fossil fuel waste oil and a mixture thereof, and extracting natural glycerin or synthetic glycerin by chemical reaction. Further, reusable edible oil is produced from a waste edible oil by a method comprising electrolyzing an aqueous solution having an electrolyte in an electrolytic cell, mixing a strongly alkaline reducing water generated at a cathode side of the electrolytic cell with a waste edible oil under ordinary temperature condition, and conducting oil/water separation, thereby purifying the waste edible oil to an extent such that it can be edible.

Abstract: A method for denitrification of water, in which the water to be denitrified is made to flow over a porous carrier which comprises a transition metal, preferably palladium, used in an amount between 0.01 and 5% by weight on the carrier and on which denitrifying bacterial strains capable of surviving in the presence of hydrogen are made to adhere, and in which hydrogen is used as a reducing agent and the pH of the reaction is adjusted to values of 4.5 to 7.8 preferably by using carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Heat exchange water for cooling an object of heat exchange such as machinery, air, or liquid, which serves to prevent oxidation and deterioration of metal materials used in pipes for supplying/circulating the heat exchange water or in the liquid ends of the heat exchanger, to suppress growth of algae and microorganisms, and to reduce influence on the environment. The heat exchange water is reductive water having zero or negative standard oxidation-reduction potential as determined on the basis of the hydrogen electrode standard.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to easily produce water having fine clusters and containing little chlorinated material. Said object is attained by a water treating apparatus consisting of a cylindrical body having a water inlet at the upper end and a water outlet at the lower end wherein a water passage is longitudinally formed in said cylindrical body, and a blade member is arranged in said cylindrical body and gives water passing through said water passage revolution force and shear force.

Abstract: A composition for reducing the concentration of molecular oxygen present in an atmosphere or liquid, comprising at least one reducible organic compound which is reduced under predetermined conditions, the reduced form of the compound being oxidizable by molecular oxygen, wherein the reduction and/or subsequent oxidation of the organic compound occurs independent of the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of a heterocyclic compound with N—N bond in a ring thereof. An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of a heterocyclic compound with N-substituted amino group. An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of a heterocyclic compound represented by the following formula: (wherein a, b are integers between 0 and 5 to satisfy a relation “2≦a+b≦5”). An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of azodicarbonamide. An oxygen scavenger characterized by including a heterocyclic compound with N-substituted amino group, or the salt thereof, and a hydroxybenzene derivative. Those may contain further neutral amine, alkalic agent and/or water soluble polymer.

Abstract: Process for removing heavy metal ions from aqueous media, characterized in that, to precipitate out the heavy metal ions, a sulphide precipitation is carried out in the presence of iron oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the biological purification of a water containing ammonium perchlorate, characterized in that aqueous ammonium perchlorate solution is placed in contact, in a first, aerobic reactor, with an activated sludge in the presence of at least one source of mineral carbon and nutritional elements for the metabolism of the microorganisms, and then in that the liquid effluent leaving the first reactor is placed in contact, in a second, anoxic reactor, with an activated sludge, in the presence of at least one source of organic carbon and nutritional elements for the metabolism of the microorganisms. The process makes it possible to treat aqueous solutions containing very large amounts of ammonium perchlorate and to convert both the ammonium ions into molecular nitrogen and the perchlorate ions into chloride ions.

Abstract: Apparatus, materials, and methods for removing ammonia from fluids using metal hydroxides (e.g. zinc hydroxide) and metal loaded media (e.g. zinc loaded ion exchange resins); the metal hydroxides and metal loaded media may be regenerated with a weak acid (pKa between 3 and 7). Alternatively, ammonia is removed from fluids by using H2SO4 and ZnSO4 and metal loaded media; the metal loaded media may be regenerated with H2SO4 and ZnSO4; the ammonia containing H2SO4 and ZnSO4 may be concentrated as necessary to form (NH4)2SO4.ZnSO4.6H2O (ammonium zinc sulfate hexahydrate) crystals. These crystals are removed from the mother liquor and heated to temperatures exceeding 200° C. releasing NH3 and H2O vapor upon the decomposition of the crystals.

Abstract: A method for purifying matter contaminated with a halogenated organic compound is disclosed. The method includes the step of adding a reducing agent and a nutritional source for a heterotrophic anaerobic microorganism to the contaminated matter. The reducing agent is reduced iron, cast iron, iron-silicon alloy and so on, or a water soluble compound. A combination of chemical reactions with microorganisms allows to decompose the halogenated organic compound. The nutritional source including an organic carbon and 20 to 50 percent by weight of an oxidized form of nitrogen is added, thereby preventing by products of the decomposition such as generation of noxious gases and decoloration of soil. A method includes the steps of mixing a reducing agent and a nutritional liquid with the contaminated matter, wherein the mixing step including a step of adjusting the contaminated matter at pH ranging from 4.5 to 9.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dechlorinating water being discharged from a chlorinated water supply system. The water flows through a housing interior and impacts a container having openings therein. The container contains dechlorinating tablets and the tablets gradually erode under the force of water during discharge to dechlorinate the water.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating waste water containing nitrate ions by subjecting the waste water to decomposition and oxidation to eliminate a harmful gas, the method including the steps of: (a) mixing a waste water containing 10 to 90% by weight nitrate ions in terms of ammonium nitrate with a lower alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms to prepare a mixture, (b) decomposing the mixture at a temperature of 250° C. or higher to generate a decomposition gas, and (c) reacting the decomposition gas with a gas containing oxygen at a temperature of 250° C. or higher to render the decomposition gas harmless.

Abstract: Groundwater, or other water contaminated with chlorinated organic contaminants, is passed through a permeable body of iron particles. The particles are coated with nickel, but the coating is incomplete, in that, in patches, the iron is directly exposed. The contaminants break down under prolonged proximity to the iron, the nickel enhancing the catalytic effect. The rate of breakdown is much faster than when bare iron particles were used. When the nickel is alloyed with phosphorus, or boron, even more rapid breakdown rates are achieved.

Abstract: Silver recovery from a silver-bearing spent photographic solution is achieved by reducing the silver ions to silver metal with an organic reducing agent, especially a photographic developer reagent; in particular a spent photographic developer solution provides a convenient source of reducing agent for the silver recovery; in this case the developer reagents which typically are phenol-type compounds are oxidized leading to a less toxic discharge effluent having a lower COD and BOD.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing chlorate ions from solutions by means of catalytic treatment in the presence of hydrogen. According to the invention a rhodium and/or platinum catalyst is used. The choice of catalyst carrier depends on the amount of coadsorbents contained in the solution. The carrier material, which may be oxidic or non-oxidic, should also be easily wettable.

Abstract: A non-iron sulfide is introduced into an iron-containing zone to form ferrous sulfide. A contaminated aqueous composition is then contacted with the ferrous sulfide to react with said contaminants.

Abstract: A method for the removal of copper from waste waters includes providing a solution to be treated, the solution comprising copper; introducing a source of ferric ions and a source of ferrous ions into the solution; and adjusting the pH of the solution to promote formation of a copper-containing ferrite precipitate, whereby the solution is depleted in copper. In instances where the solution contains ferric ions, the method includes introducing a source of ferrous ions into the solution to obtain a solution comprising ferric ions and ferrous ions; and adjusting the pH of the solution to promote formation of a copper-containing ferrite precipitate, whereby the solution is depleted in copper.

Abstract: A method for removing the oxy-anions of selenium from FGD scrubber purge water. The purge water is contacted with free hydroxyl radicals to effect oxidation of reduced forms of sulfur to sulfate and the destruction of sulfur-nitrogen compounds present in the purge water. The purge water is then subjected to chemical reduction and co-precipitation of selenium with an amount of ferrous ions effective to remove the oxy-anions of selenium in the liquid in less than 30 minutes of reaction time. The resultant ferrous-selenium solids generated are separated and stabilized to elemental selenium in a separate reaction vessel.

Abstract: Method for reducing the number of viable organisms present in ship ballast water wherein the ballast water is treated so as to reduce the concentration of dissolved oxygen and/or carbon dioxide to a level(s) at which a substantial portion of the organisms present cease to remain viable. The treatment comprises adding to the ballast water a suitable amount of an antioxidant.

Abstract: A fluid treating apparatus includes a primary conduit defining a flow path for the fluid being treated. A column is connected to the pipe forming an inlet into the flow path. A reaction container having a perforated side wall enclosing a treating agent is positioned in the inlet and in the flow path. In preferred embodiments, the method and apparatus is for dechlorinating water prior to discharge. One or more aerators can also be mounted in the pipe to aerate water passing through the conduit upstream and/or downstream of the reaction container.

Abstract: The concentration of potentially toxic hexavalent chromium, {Cr(VI)}, in chromium-bearing soils/materials existing in the form of soils, sludges, sediments, fill, industrial wastes, or other materials is decreased by applying and mixing a single reducing agent, ascorbic acid, to effect chemical reduction of Cr(VI) to a less toxic valence state. Ascorbic acid is added at ambient temperature in aqueous solution or slurry form and mixed with Cr(VI)-bearing soils/materials in amounts based on test results of representative samples of the material to be treated. Ascorbic acid may also be added in a dry form if sufficient moisture is present in the soils/materials to allow for dissolution of the ascorbic acid and reaction with the Cr(VI) in the material. The percentage reduction of the Cr(VI) concentration is greater and is achieved more rapidly than previously reported using other organic chemical reducing agents.

Abstract: A method for dehalogenation of aqueous compositions contaminated with halogenated aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons is provided which comprises contacting an aqueous composition with an amount of a mixed metal composition effective to dehalogenate the halogenated aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons at a temperature of at least 10° C., wherein the mixed metal composition comprises a second metal selected from the group consisting of copper, cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, bismuth, tin, lead, silver, chromium, palladium, platinum and gold deposited on an anchor metal consisting essentially of iron metal and wherein the amount of second metal in the mixed metal composition is an amount effective to increase the dehalogenation rate compared to use of iron alone, and the surface of the mixed metal composition has exposed iron metal.

Abstract: The invention provides a permeable treatment wall comprising one or more high-permeability columns, as well as a methods for preparing such a permeable treatment wall.

Abstract: A process for treating sulphate- and metal-containing waste water comprises adding a sulphide compound to the waste water. The sulphide compound reacts with a metal in the waste water to form a corresponding metal sulphide, which precipitates from the waste water. The precipitated metal sulphide is separated from the waste water, to obtain sulphate-containing waste water, which is subjected to biological sulphate reduction in which sulphates in the waste water are converted to sulphides.

Abstract: The improved method of converting organic wastes to valuable resources comprises a methane fermentation step (4) in which a slurry of organic waste is retained for fermentation in an anaerobic digester to thereby generate a methane-containing gas and a fermentation slurry, a hydrothermal treatment step (11) in which the fermentation slurry is subjected to a hydrothermal reaction to thereby generate a carbon slurry, and a concentrating step (14) in which an aqueous phase is separated from the carbon slurry to thereby yield a concentrated carbon slurry having a high heating value. The method is capable of performing an effective hydrothermal treatment on a slurry of low water content, prevents the slurry from putrefaction during retention in the process and it yet is capable of effective treatment of the aqueous phase of the slurry after the hydrothermal treatment.

Abstract: In a method for the remediation of inorganic arsenic species, a solution of inorganic arsenic is passed over zero valent iron under abiotic and anaerobic conditions, thereby removing the inorganic arsenic species and forming arsenic-metal co-precipitates. The metal is preferably in the form of iron filings, and is provided together with sand.

Abstract: A method for dissociating metal-ligand complexes in a supercritical fluid by treating the metal-ligand complex with heat and/or reducing or oxidizing agents is described. Once the metal-ligand complex is dissociated, the resulting metal and/or metal oxide form fine particles of substantially uniform size. In preferred embodiments, the solvent is supercritical carbon dioxide and the ligand is a .beta.-diketone such as hexafluoroacetylacetone or dibutyldiacetate. In other preferred embodiments, the metals in the metal-ligand complex are copper, silver, gold, tungsten, titanium, tantalum, tin, or mixtures thereof. In preferred embodiments, the reducing agent is hydrogen. The method provides an efficient process for dissociating metal-ligand complexes and produces easily-collected metal particles free from hydrocarbon solvent impurities. The ligand and the supercritical fluid can be regenerated to provide an economic, efficient process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the proliferation of an aerobe, in which in the continuous culture of the aerobe by supplying a substrate and oxygen to a culture tank of the aerobe to cause the aerobe to decompose the substrate, the proliferation of the aerobe is inhibited while retaining the substrate-decomposing activity inherent in the aerobe. An oxidation-reduction substance which is reduced by electrons donated by an electron transport system of the aerobe and oxidized by oxygen supplied to the culture tank is caused to coexist with the aerobe in the culture tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a stream of tap water flowing from the outlet of a fire hydrant comprises a T-shaped diffuser is combination with a frame having a pair of screens extending transverse with respect to outlets of the diffuser. A mesh bag containing a material in tablet form in mounted on each screen. In a preferred aspect of the disclosure, the material is sodium sulfite for interacting with chlorine in the tap water and converting the chlorine to a salt harmless to aquatic life.

Abstract: A process for treating acid water process comprises raising the alkalinity of an aqueous component by means of algae, and separating algae from the aqueous component, thereby to obtain a purified alkaline aqueous component. The purified alkaline aqueous component is added to acid water, thereby raising the pH of the acid water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating contaminated water to precipitate metals without increasing the total dissolved solids content. In particular, the invention relates to the use of phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide to adjust the pH of chromium contaminated groundwater during the treatment process without increasing the total dissolved solids (TDS).

Abstract: A method of creating an environment which promotes dehalogenation and/or degradation of halogenated organic chemical contaminants in water, sediment, or soil by adding a combination of fibrous organic matter and certain multi-valent metal particles to the water, sediment or soil.

Abstract: A chemical composition is disclosed herein for performing a neutralization of glutaraldehyde vapors, control of incidental releases, detoxification and disposal of spent or unused aqueous and/or non-aqueous glutaraldehyde solutions, and feasible conversion of the waste glutaraldehyde into a raw compound for the pharmaceutical industry. The composition is consisting essentially of an aliphatic 1,2-diketone, the diacetyl (or biacetyl) for reacting with glutaraldehyde vapors and with glutaraldehyde in aqueous and/or non-aqueous solutions; ammonium hydroxide for cross-linking with diacetyl and glutaraldehyde, and, beta-cyclodextrin for enhancing the cross-linking, for adjusting the conversion of glutaraldehyde, and for molecularly encapsulating polyethylene glycol and/or other ingredients.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing perchlorate and/or nitrate from contaminated material utilizing perc1ace bacteria under anaerobic conditions. Perc1ace is a gram-negative, curved rod, facultative anaerobe which is deposited with the American Type Culture Collection under ATCC No. 202172. Perc1ace may be used as a substitute for anaerobic bacteria which are presently being used in biological systems for removing perchlorate and/or nitrate from water and other contaminated materials, such as soil.

Abstract: The reduction of halogenated organic compounds with an iron powder can be markedly accelerated to realize an enhanced reaction rate by the combined use of a reducing substance that is water-soluble and which exhibits weak acidity in water. The reducing substance such as sodium hydrogensulfite may be injected into the ground simultaneously with the iron powder or it may be preliminarily added to the contamination source via a different route than the iron powder which is subsequently injected. An amount of water containing 100 ppm of trichloroethylene (TCE) as a halogenated organic compound was provide; 500 ppm of sodium hydrogensulfite was added and 6,000 ppm of an iron powder was subsequently added; the time profile of the TCE concentration in the mixture was measured; as shown in FIG. 1, the TCE concentration decreased rapidly with the lapse of time and more than 90% of TCE was reduced in 8 days.

Abstract: Methods for decontaminating toxic waste, particularly solid carrier materials, such as soil contaminated with a toxin, or solid mixed wastes are more efficiently decontaminated with solvated electrons by first extracting the toxin from the carrier with a nitrogenous base at elevated temperatures, followed by a temperature reduction before initiating chemical reduction of the toxin with solvated electrons. Pre-extraction of the toxin at elevated temperatures followed by temperature reduction minimizes competing side reactions, improves selectivity of solvated electrons for the toxin and improves the economics of the process with more efficient metal utilization. The process can be performed without separation of the toxin from the extraction vessel holding the solid carrier material. Alternatively, elevated temperatures can be used to perform one or more extractions of toxin with nitrogenous base followed by reduction with solvated electrons by performing the reaction in a separate reactor.

Abstract: A method and composition for the remediation of environmental contaminants in soil, sediment, aquifer material, water, or containers in which contaminants were contained, wherein contaminants are reacted with a remediating composition comprising a metal and a sulfur-containing compound to produce environmentally-acceptable, chemically reduced products. The method is useful for treating contaminants such as halogenated hydrocarbons, pesticides, chemical warfare agents and dyes. The remediating composition preferably contains comminuted, commercial grade iron and iron sulfide. The addition of an alcohol to the reactants enhances the rate of the remediation reaction, particularly for contaminants of soils and sediments.

Abstract: Nitrates are reduced to nitrogen gas by contacting the nitrates with a metal to reduce the nitrates to nitrites which are then contacted with an amide to produce nitrogen and carbon dioxide or acid anions which can be released to the atmosphere. Minor amounts of metal catalysts can be useful in the reduction of the nitrates to nitrites. Metal salts which are formed can be treated electrochemically to recover the metals.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for removing polyamine chelating agents from aqueous solutions comprising oxidising the chelating agents with oxygen in the presence of an equivalent amount of a transition metal such as iron, followed by biologically reducing the chelates in the presence of an electron donor, and optionally by membrane filtration. The biological reduction is carried out with denitrifying and/or sulphate-reducing bacteria.

Abstract: A method for increasing the effectiveness of a permeable treatment wall is described. The method includes the introduction of ultrasonic radiation in or near the wall. A permeable treatment wall is also described which has an ultrasonic radiation generating transducer in or near the wall. Permeable treatment walls are described as having either a well vertically extending into the wall, or a rod vertically extending into the treatment wall. Additionally, a method for adapting a permeable treatment wall to allow for the introduction of ultrasonic radiation in or near the wall is described.

Abstract: An alkaline solution containing dissolved sodium sulfides, mercaptides and phenolates is treated with a carbon dioxide-containing solvent in a reaction zone under mass transfer conditions to neutralize effluent alkaline solution and recover processable hydrocarbon values.