Abstract: A method is described for capturing ecologically harmful substances, both of organic and inorganic nature, by absorbing these substances on a zeolite or on a swellable, layered clay which has been modified with hydroxyaluminium to form an aluminium-rich zeolite or a pillared clay containing pillars of aluminium hydroxide complexes, the aluminium-rich zeolite or aluminium-pillared cationic or anionic clay having been treated, prior to the absorption, with a salt of an inorganic acid, preferably with a phosphate. If the treatment is carried out with a salt of a rare earth element, superpillars are formed in the clay, as a result of which a clay having a great absorbency in addition to a large rate of flow is obtained. By treating the pillared clay with a quaternary ammonium compound, a doubly modified clay is formed which is exceedingly suitable for treating material which has been polluted with a combination of organic and inorganic ecologically harmful substances, and in particular polluted with heavy metals.

Abstract: A process for separating the components of an emulsion. The process comprises, adjusting the pH of the emulsion to 4 less, adding a coagulant to the emulsion, forming a substantially uniform dispersion of inert particulate carrier in the emulsion adding a polyelectrolyte flocculent either during or after the step of forming the substantially uniform dispersion of inert particulate carrier in the emulsion to form floccs of the inert particulate carrier, the dispersed liquid phase, and the contaminants, allowing the floccs to settle, and separating the relatively clarified continuous liquid phase from the settled floccs.

Abstract: Methods for vacuum extraction of contaminants from subsurface media which involves vacuum withdrawal through a conduit, of vaporized contaminant, assisted by a tube for allowing air bubbles to flow through the liquid-phase hydrocarbon zone thereby causing enriched hydrocarbon vapors to be extracted through the vacuum applied to the conduit.

Abstract: This invention relates to the removal of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds from a mass of particulate material such as soil, sand, or gravel by washing with an aqueous nonionic surfactant solution which is subsequently extracted with a water-immiscible organic solvent in which the nonionic surfactant is not soluble.

Abstract: Simply stated, in the process of the present invention a hydrocarbon contaminated substrate, such as a hydrocarbon contaminated soil, is separated preferably by wet-sieving, into a coarse fraction and a fines fraction. Thereafter, the coarse fraction is subjected to a floatation process to remove hydrocarbon contaminants from it and the fines fractions is treated with a hydrocarbon solvent followed by an aqueous solution of a surfactant to remove hydrocarbon contaminants from it.

Abstract: Dialkyl ethers having 5 to 7 carbon atoms; e.g. MTBE, and alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are extracted from wastewater with contaminant-free gasoline. Wastewater saturated with contaminants is reduced to 200 ppm contaminants in the absence of stripping. An octane enhanced gasoline is recovered. Additional ether may be added to the recovered gasoline to increase octane. The method is particularly effective in wastewater/gasoline system containing emulsifiers such as surfactants, gasoline detergents and colloidal particles.

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 method and apparatus for performing solid phase extraction (SPE) on a fluid that contains solubles and suspended solids. The method includes: (a) providing a volume of fluid that contains solubles and suspended solids, (b) processing the volume of fluid to extract solubles therefrom by the steps comprising: (i) passing a first portion of the volume of fluid through a SPE medium that has first and second sides, the first portion of the volume of fluid passing through the SPE medium from the first side to the second side; and then (ii) passing a second portion of the volume of fluid through the SPE medium from the second side to the first side; and (c) repeating step (b) a plurality of times such that no substantial amount of the suspended solids is removed from the processed volume of fluid and solubles are retained on the SPE medium. The apparatus includes a conduit, a SPE medium located in the conduit, and a fluid flow direction altering mechanism or a SPE rotating mechanism.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbon contaminants from air and a method of removing nonionic organic contaminants, particularly petroleum-derived aromatic contaminants that have a limited capacity to ionize in aqueous solution at substantially neutral pH, from water, by contacting the contaminants in the air or water with an organophilic clay that has been prepared by ion-exchange of an ion-exchangeable clay with a tetra short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) quaternary ammonium ion for use in removing air-laden contaminants; or a di- or tri- short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4), with one or two mono- substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl moieties, or one or two mono-substituted or unsubstituted aryl or one or two alkaryl moiety quaternary ammonium ion for removing air and water-laden contaminants.

Abstract: The water remediation and purification apparatus includes a cavitation nozzle which is operated with a throat size and pressure drop to incur cavitation in the water. The explosive and implosive bubble growth and collapse produces free radicals which interact with contaminants in the water to oxidize the contaminants. The cavitation process is enhanced by (1) a variable throat nozzle, (2) recycling the product back through the nozzle for further oxidation, and (3) programmable control feedback. Subsequent ultraviolet radiation from high energy lamps, ion exchange and/or degassifying treatment can be employed to produce water quality within acceptable levels.

Abstract: A process for treating waste water containing chlorinated organic substances, particularly waste water from production of epichlorohydrin which contains more than 10 mg of adsorbable organic halogen compounds (AOX) per liter, comprising charging the waste water at a pH of 10 to 14 (measured at room temperature) into a reactor and maintaining a temperature of at least 75.degree.C., a pressure of at least 1 bar (abs.), and a residence time of at least 0.5 hours in said reactor, thereby partially dechlorinating and/or dehydrochlorinating chlorinated organic compounds contained in the waste water, and thereafter subjecting the waste water to further dechlorination and/or dehydrochlorination treatment in the presence of a hydrogen-containing gas, a hydrogen-releasing compound and/or a catalytically active material; and optionally subjecting the waste water to a biological treatment with the use of microorganisms; and apparatus for carrying out the foregoing process.

Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyl compounds are sorbed from aqueous solutions and mixtures by a variety of organic polymeric materials. The contaminant can be desorbed for further processing and destruction.

Abstract: A process is described for aerobically treating wastewater containing volatile compounds to degrade the volatile compounds without liberating them to the atmosphere. Influent wastewater and return sludge from an aerobic biophysical wastewater treatment system are contacted in a preaeration zone where a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of about 1 mg/l is maintained. In this preaeration zone a significant portion of the volatile compounds are biologically degraded. The minimum oxygen concentration in the preaeration zone is attained by prior aeration of the return sludge or by adding a small amount of oxygen to the preaeration zone. The mixture of influent wastewater and biophysical solids depleted of volatile compounds then flows to an aeration zone for further removal of pollutants.

Abstract: Wastewaters which are contaminated with heterocyclic aromatic compounds, especially wastewaters contaminated with biocidal heterocyclic aromatic compounds, or the by-products and intermediates thereof, can be treated to largely or even substantially completely degrade the heterocyclic aromatic rings by a process which comprises either adjusting the pH of said wastewaters to at least 11 and heating in a sealed vessel at a temperature of 120.degree. C. to 175.degree. C., or adjusting the pH of said wastewaters to 2.5 or less and heating in a sealed vessel at a temperature of 130.degree. C. to 175.degree. C., for an effective length of time.

Abstract: A method for treating a pulp and paper manufacturing stream to remove colorants therefrom comprises: contacting the stream with a first adsorbent comprising the calcined product of a compound having the formula: A.sub.w B.sub.x (OH).sub.y C.sub.z.nH.sub.2 O, wherein A represents a divalent metal cation; B a trivalent metal cation; C a mono- to tetravalent anion; and w, x, y, z and n satisfying the following: 0<z.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.4.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.1/2y and 12.gtoreq.n.gtoreq.1/2(w-x); then contacting the stream with a second adsorbent consisting essentially of activated carbon. On a preferred basis, the first contacting adsorbent is a hydrotalcite derivative made by reacting activated magnesia with an aqueous solution of aluminate, carbonate, and hydroxyl anions before calcining at one or more temperatures between about 400.degree.-650.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for significantly improving the rate of dehalogenation of aqueous compositions contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbon compounds is disclosed. The process involves admixing the contaminated aqueous composition with metallic iron in the presence of citric acid both in-situ and ex-situ. The use of citric acid as an additive in the reaction substantially increases the rate of iron-induced dechlorination of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as trichloroethylene.

Abstract: A method for the biodegradation of organic contaminants in a mass of particulate solids. The method comprises providing a contaminated mass of particulate solids on an impervious surface in fluid communication with an impervious recovery reservoir. The impervious surface has operating thereon air supply and/or air suction means to provide suitable and continuous oxygenation of the mass and/or to remove undesirable vapor emissions from the mass. The mass is periodically irrigated by applying on its surface a culture medium comprising at least one bacterial strain and co-substrates thereof. The bacterial strain has the ability to degrade the organic contaminants. The medium is drained through the mass and washings recovered in the reservoir to be reused to irrigate the mass.

Abstract: A process for removing nitroaromatic and nitrophenolic compounds from an alkaline wastewater stream generated in a process for the nitration of aromatic compounds by the mixed acid technique, which comprises(a) adjusting the pH of the aqueous alkaline waste stream containing nitroaromatic and nitrophenolic compounds to a range from about 2 to 4.5,(b) contacting the acidic aqueous stream with sufficient hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ion under conditions to effect oxidation of the nitrophenolic compounds,(c) adjusting the acidic, oxidized aqueous waste stream having a reduced nitrophenolic content to about pH .gtoreq.4, and(d) contacting the aqueous waste stream with a carbon adsorbent.

Abstract: A method for the selective separation of a particular compound from a mixture of compounds, by enzymatically converting a weakly adsorbable compound to a strongly adsorbable compound, and binding the converted compound to a material of appropriate chemical properties is described. Also described are methods for removing contaminants from wastewater streams, and from intermediate chemical process streams.

Abstract: A method of recovering polychlorinated biphenyls from solution, which comprises a multi-step method of mixing and reacting an alkali metal or alkaline earth hydroxide in glycol solution with polychlorinated biphenyls in non-aqueous solvent to form biphenyl phenoxy-type anions, separating the glycol solution containing biphenyl phenoxy-type anions from the non-aqueous solvent, and separating the biphenyl phenoxy-type anions from the glycol solution.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing a compound comprises contacting the compound with iodide ions and irradiating the iodide ions with UV light of a wavelength sufficient to generate iodine atoms. The compound is then oxidized with the resulting iodine atoms. The iodine atoms are reduce to iodide ions as a result of the oxidation of the compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for hydrotreating an organic feedstock containing thermally unstable compounds and a halogen component by means of contacting the organic feedstock and a gaseous recycle stream containing hydrogen and a hydrogen halide compound with a hydrogenation catalyst in a hydrogenation reaction zone to produce a hydrogenated hydrocarbonaceous stream having a reduced concentration of halogen and a halide compound stream. The resulting effluent from the hydrogenation zone is separated to produce a recycle stream containing a hydrogen halide compound.

Abstract: A process is described for aerobically treating wastewater containing volatile compounds to degrade the volatile compounds without liberating them to the atmosphere. Influent wastewater and return sludge from an aerobic biophysical wastewater treatment system are contacted in a preaeration zone where a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of about 1 mg/l is maintained. In this preaeration zone a significant portion of the volatile compounds are biologically degraded. The minimum oxygen concentration in the preaeration zone is attained by prior aeration of the return sludge or by adding a small amount of oxygen to the preaeration zone. The mixture of influent wastewater and biophysical solids depleted of volatile compounds then flows to an aeration zone for further removal of pollutants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying organic compounds is described. The apparatus utilizes a mixture of oxidants to "burn" the organic compound. The oxidants can be generated in a separate apparatus and then added to the organic compound. If the organic compound is present in the form of an aqueous solution, the oxidants can be generated in the aqueous solution itself.

Abstract: A process of soil remediation in which an encapsulation solution is introduced into contact with a soil matrix containing chemical contaminants such as polynucleated aromatics in an amount sufficient to form a saturated admixture of the soil matrix and the encapsulation solution, the encapsulation solution being capable of preferentially attracting the chemical contaminants contained in the soil matrix, and containing an effective amount of non-ionic surfactant material and water; and the admixture is admixed for an interval sufficient to permit the chemical contaminants to preferentially dissociate from contact with the soil matrix in favor of association with the encapsulation solution. Once this occurs, the encapsulation solution with associated chemical contaminants can be removed from contact with the soil matrix.

Abstract: The use of plant suspension cultures to remove ionic metallic species and TNT-based explosives and their oxidation products from aqueous solution is described. Several plant strains were investigated including D. innoxia, Citrus citrus, and Black Mexican Sweet Corn. All showed significant ability to remove metal ions. Ions removed to sub-ppm levels include barium, iron, and plutonium. D. innoxia cells growing in media containing weapons effluent contaminated with Ba.sup.2+ also remove TNT, other explosives and oxidation products thereof from solution. The use of dead, dehydrated cells was also found to be of use in treating waste directly.

Abstract: An improved method for detoxifying waste materials contaminated with halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method provides for detoxification of halogenated aromatic compounds by electrophilic aromatic substitution. The method also provides for the dehalogenation of the lower congeners of such halogenated aromatic compounds, as a result of chemical activation via electrophilic aromatic substitution, followed by nucleophilic aromatic dehalogenation. In addition, the method provides for the more complete dehalogenation of mixtures of halogenated aromatic compounds that contain both higher and lower congeners by increasing the efficiency of dehalogenation of the lower congeners.

Abstract: A process for the processing or upgrading of heavy oil fractions containing polynuclear aromatics is disclosed. The process comprises selectively oxidizing a feedstock under low severity conditions in a multi-phase system, wherein one phase is an aqueous and contains water-soluble catalyst, deoxygenating that product followed by hydroprocessing to yield a substantially mononuclear product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for treating an oily substrate, including a mixture comprising water and oily material or a mixture comprising water, solids and oily material as components, and wherein such treatment comprises contacting the oily substrate with a solvent for the oily material, a comminuting surfactant, and a flocculant, wherein said solvent for said oily material ranges in solubility in water from sparingly soluble to substantially water insoluble, to produce at least one phase differentiating interface and to thereby render one or more components of said oily substrate separable.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for removing benzene from hydrocarbon process waters. These methods include adding aluminum chlorohydrate to the water and then separating the benzene by solvent extraction.

Abstract: Compositions for removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a surface by treatment of the surface with an extraction solvent, an encapsulating solution and an aqueous wash are disclosed. The extraction solvent includes a mixture of kerosene and a surfactant. The encapsulating solution includes a mixture of a metal hydroxide, a solvent dispersion agent, a coupling agent and water.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbon contaminants from air and a method of removing nonionic organic contaminants, particularly petroleum-derived aromatic contaminants that have a limited capacity to ionize in aqueous solution at substantially neutral pH, from water, by contacting the contaminants in the air or water with an organophilic clay that has been prepared by ion-exchange of an ion-exchangeable clay with a tetra short chain alkyl C.sub.1 -C.sub.4), quaternary ammonium ion for use in removing air-laden contaminants; or a di- or tri- short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4), with one or two mono- substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl moieties, or one or two mono-substituted or unsubstituted aryl or one or two alkaryl moiety quaternary ammonium ion for removing air and water-laden contaminants.

Abstract: A method for treating an aqueous waste or groundwater containing organic contaminants.

Abstract: Groundwater is contained under highly reducing conditions. The Eh value is brought down to -100 or -200 mV, at which the contaminant breaks down, probably by a hydrolysis reaction. The contaminated groundwater is fed through a trench containing a metal such as iron filings, which is effective, under strict exclusion of oxygen, and over a period of time, to lower the Eh. Alternatively, the water may be pumped through an enclosed tank containing iron, or other metal, filings or other high-surface-area form.

Abstract: A process for treating an aqueous waste water or groundwater containing organic contaminants degradable by hydrated electrons comprises contacting the aqueous waste water or groundwater with an agent which generates hydrated electrons on photolysis. Additionally, the aqueous waste water or groundwater is irradiated with UV light to photolyse the hydrated electron generating agent, thereby generating hydrated electrons to degrade the contaminants. In one embodiment, the aqueous waste water or groundwater is contacted with the hydrated electron generating agent and a reducing agent to recycle the hydrated electron generating agent.

Abstract: The removal of organo-toxins from aqueous sources can be achieved efficiently by contacting the water source with hydrotalcite-like materials. The toxins include organo-chlorines, insect resist agents, and wool treatment byproducts.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved wet oxidation process for the destruction of organic components in a wastewater stream contaminated with inorganic salts. In wet oxidation, the wastewater stream is contacted with an oxygen-containing water stream at elevated temperatures and pressures. The improvement for treating aqueous wastewater streams contaminated with inorganic salts wherein the organic contaminants are present in an amount from about 0.5 to 2% by weight resides in oxidizing the organic components in a tubular reactor at a temperature ranging from 325.degree. C. to not more than 370.degree. C. and a pressure ranging from 220 to 345 bar. The oxidation reaction is carried out in a reaction time of 5 minutes or less.

Abstract: A process is shown for deabsorbing oil from an oil absorbent material. A citric oil-in-water emulsion is formulated having an aqueous external phase and having a dispersed internal phase which is comprised of a distilled citric oil. The hydrocarbon contaminated material is immersed within the citric oil-in-water emulsion, whereby absorbed hydrocarbons are extracted from the oil absorbent material.

Abstract: A process for treating contaminated sludges such as municipal sewage sludge, industrial waste sludge and riverbottom sludge with calcium oxide (CaO) and/or calcium carbide (CaC.sub.2) with reclaiming and recycling of calcium oxide (CaO) from the reaction materials. The process is also applicable for dechlorinating PCB contaminated sludges.

Abstract: Hydrophobic contaminants are removed from a particulate matter by contacting the particulate matter with a solid organic phase. The hydrophobic contaminants have greater affinity for the solid organic phase than for the particulate matter and repartition to the solid organic phase. The solid organic phase is then separated from the particulate matter. A typical embodiment utilizes polystyrene particles to remove polychlorinated biphenyls from soil.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the removal of a benzene from a petroleum refinery desalter effluent brine is described. The method involves treating the effluent brine with a combination of aluminum chlorhydrate and a water soluble cationic polymer followed by solvent extraction. The preferred cationic polymer is polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride.

Abstract: A process for breaking down aromatic nitro compounds in waste waters from plants for the production of nitrobenzene by treatment with nitric acid is carried out at from 180.degree. to 350.degree. C. and under a pressure of from 40 to 250 bar.

Abstract: A process of treating aqueous solutions to remove organic solute contaminants by contacting an aqueous solution containing polar organic solute contaminants with a functionalized polystyrene-divinyl benzene adsorbent resin, with the functionalization of said resin being accomplished by organic hydrophilic groups such as hydroxymethyl, acetyl and cyanomethyl.

Abstract: A method is provided for bioremediating aged PCBs such as Aroclor 1260 in aquatic sediments under anerobic conditions by stimulating the dechlorination of the aged PCBs through addition of brominated or iodinated biphenyls or through the addition of a microbial inoculum from another location in addition to brominated or iodinated biphenyls.

Abstract: Used lubricating oils can be rejuvenated by passing the oil through a filter system comprising a hollow solid composite that contains a thermoplastic binder and an active filter media of a chemically active filter media, a physically active filter media, or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the composite is formed by forcing a substantially uniform mixture of thermoplastic binder particles, active filter media particles, solvent 600 Neutral base oil, and sodium stearate through an extrusion die of substantially uniform cross-section, wherein the mixture is subjected to heat, pressure, and cooling to consolidate the mixture so that it emerges from the die as a hollow solid composite. Most preferably, the composite will surround an inactive filter media located within the filter system.

Abstract: Contaminated soils are treated in that an aqueous slurry of the soil is separated into a coarse fraction and a fine fraction, the fine fraction is subjected to flotation, the resulting froth is dewatered and then carried away as a pollutant concentrate, and the underflow from the flotation is dewatered and is then carried away as purified soil. An emulsified oily vegetable oil is used as a collector agent for the selective flotation or an emulsified light mineral oil is used as a collector agent for the selective flotation and a light mineral oil is stirred as a conditioning agent into the fine fraction before it is subjected to the selective flotation.

Abstract: Halogenated organic species, e.g., chlorinated or brominated dioxins or dibenzofurans, PCBs, and the like, are consumed by contacting such species, at a temperature of greater than 220.degree. C., with a stoichiometric excess, relative to the halogen content thereof, of at least one alkali metal alcoholate.

Abstract: A continuous flow, immobilized cell reactor, and bioprocess, for the detoxification and degradation of volatile toxic organic compounds. The reactor is closed, and provided with biocatalysts constituted of specific adapted microbial strains immobilized and attached to an inert porous packing, or carrier. A contaminated groundwater, industrial or municipal waste, which is to be treated is diluted sufficiently to achieve biologically acceptable toxicant concentrations, nutrients are added, and the pH and temperature are adjusted. The contaminated liquid is introduced as an influent to the closed reactor which is partitioned into two sections, or compartments. Air is sparged into the influent to the first compartment to mix with and oxygenate the influent with minimal stripping out of the toxic organic compounds. The second section, or compartment, is packed with the biocatalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated soil includes providing a contaminated soil having PCBs therein and treating the soil with elemental zinc powder. The elemental zinc powder reacts with the PCBs in the contaminated soil to at least partially dechlorinate the PCB component of the soil. Also provide are means for treating the PCB contaminated soil including grinding means for achieving a preferred size range for the soil and mixing means to provide intimate contact between the contaminated soil and elemental zinc powder. The method may be practice in-situ such that the PCB contaminated soil is treated at a soil site containing the PCB contaminants.

Abstract: An improved method for detoxification of contaminated liquids or solid materials by the application of ultrasonic energy to the material in the presence of agents capable of initiating chemical reactions with toxic contaminants, which chemical reactions facilitate the removal of the toxic contaminants.