Abstract: A process to reduce the concentration of dissolved polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in an aqueous composition, particularly a refinery waste water stream, by contacting the aqueous composition with a water insoluble inclusion agent comprising an anchored cyclodextrin, said cyclodextrin having an inclusion cavity diameter of at least about 10 angstroms, under conditions which facilitate the selective formation of an inclusion complex between a cyclodextrin and a polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing organic and/or heavy metal contaminants in wastewaters, sludges, or soils containing such contaminants by contacting the wastewaters, sludges, or soils with soybean peroxidase and a peroxide.

Abstract: An improved method for detoxifying waste materials contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method achieves dehalogenation of such halogenated hydrocarbons in a manner as efficient as previous methods, but at a considerably lower cost. The economic advantages of the present invention arise from the use of lower temperatures and/or smaller quantities of reagents, which in turn are made possible by the discovery of a surprisingly superior reagent, 2-methoxyethanol.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a contaminant from a container having a liquid inventory including the contaminant as a minor ingredient and having an elevated temperature at the top of the liquid inventory. A treatment vessel contains a supply of particulate adsorbent for the contaminant. A first conduit connects the top of the container with the treatment vessel. A second conduit connects the treatment vessel with the bottom of the container. The temperature difference between the top and bottom of liquid in the container provides the driving force for continuing movement of liquid from the top of the container through the first conduit, the treatment vessel and the second conduit back to the bottom of the container. The apparatus is particularly useful for removing PCB from retrofilled transformers containing minor quantities of PCB.

Abstract: A method is provided which involves a catalytic treatment using oxidation to degrade aqueous effluent which contains toxic, cyclic hydrocarbons and in particular chlorous, compounds. The method utilizes a catalytic system consisting of an oxygen donor agent, water-soluble peroxide, and a water-soluble metallo (Fe,Mn)phenyl-substituted mesotetraphenylporphyrin.

Abstract: A process for chemically modifying at least one contaminant component in an aqueous-based material comprising: contacting at least one contaminant component in an aqueous-based material with at least one metal component selected from the group consisting of vanadium components in which vanadium is present in the 5+ oxidation state in an amount effective to promote the chemical modification of the at least one contaminant component in the aqueous-based material, iron components in which iron is present in the 3+ oxidation state in an amount effective to promote the chemical modification of the at least one contaminant component in the aqueous-based material, manganese components in which manganese is present in the 3+ oxidation state in an amount effective to promote the chemical modification of the at least one contaminant component in said aqueous-based material and mixtures thereof, and at least one oxygen transfer agent in an amount effective to do at least one of the following: maintain at least partially

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, and wherein the solvent for the oily material ranges in solubility in water from sparingly soluble to substantially water insoluble, in the presence of an added comminuting and dispersing surfactant, to produce by such contacting at least one phase differentiating interface, and to thereby render one or more of the components of the oily substrate separable.

Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls are chemically degraded by contact with a Lewis acid catalyst in a nonaqueous liquid medium, in the presence of a cation which combines the chlorines on the PCBs to form a solid chloride of the cation which will precipitate out from the liquid medium. Preferred Lewis acids are metal halides, particularly a combination of aluminum chloride and ferric chloride, and the preferred cation is potassium in the form of potassium hydroxide. The process is susceptible to both batch and continuous operation. The process for chemically degrading PCBs with a Lewis acid catalyst can be applied to PCB-containing soils, sediments and sludges by contacting those materials, under anhydrous conditions, with Lewis acids and preferably with Lewis acids and a metal cation capable of reacting with the hydrohalogen released from the PCBs by the Lewis acids. The Lewis acids may be supplied to the process by the adventitious corrosion of a vessel containing the PCB-contaminated soil.

Abstract: A method for enhancing supercritical fluid extraction of sample matrices which contain water. The method involves mixing the samples with an extraction enhancing aid comprising flux-calcined diatomaceous earth which increases the permeability of the sample in a supercritical fluid and controls water during the extraction procedure.

Abstract: A method for the decontamination of a soil, sediment, or sludge containing toxic halogenated organic compound and containing water comprising the steps of mixing said soil, sediment, or sludge with a reagent capable of reacting with said halogenated compound and heating said mixture of soil, sediment, or sludge, and reagent in a reaction zone to an elevated temperature thereby forming a reaction zone vapor stream containing at least a portion of the water contained in said soil, sediment, or sludge and unreacted halogenated organic compound; condensing a portion of said reaction zone vapor stream under conditions suitable for the formation of a condensate stream containing substantially all of the halogenated organic compound in said reaction zone vapor stream, and a vapor stream containing water and trace amounts of said halogenated organic compound; recycling said condensate to said reaction zone; treating said vapor stream to remove trace halogenated organic compound and venting the so-treated stream to th

Abstract: A process for destruction of hazardous materials in a medium of supercritical water without the addition of an oxidant material. The harzardous material is converted to simple compounds which are relatively benign or easily treatable to yield materials which can be discharged into the environment. Treatment agents may be added to the reactants in order to bind certain materials, such as chlorine, in the form of salts or to otherwise facilitate the destruction reactions.

Abstract: A three step flow injection analysis method for determining the degree of neutralization of phenol in solution. The first step is to flow a stream of a carrier liquid, such as water, along one side of a two sided semipermeable membrane, such as a silicone rubber membrane. The second step is to flow a stream of water along the other side of the membrane to a detector, such as a flow through ultraviolet spectrometer, the detector being responsive to the concentration of the phenol in the flowing stream of water. The third step is to add a volume of the solution to the flowing stream of carrier liquid so that the solution is carried to the first side of the membrane where a portion of the phenol permeates across the membrane into the flowing stream of water to be detected by the detector, the degree of neutralization of the phenol in the solution being a function of the response of the detector. The results of the method are substantially unaffected by variations in the concentration of the phenol.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating aqueous waste or groundwater contaminated with nitro-containing organic chemicals to degrade the compound sufficiently to permit disposal of the waste or groundwater.

Abstract: A method and compositions for removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a surface by treatment of the surface with an extraction solvent, and 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: There is disclosed a process for destroying halogenated hydrocarbons such as PCBs and PCBs in PCB containing fluids (e.g., Askarel) and oils (e.g., paraffin oil, transformer oil, etc.) at ambient temperature. The process comprises reacting halogenated hydrocarbons, such as PCB containing fluids or oils with a solid oxidant in the presence of a concentrated acid. Preferably, the solid oxidant is potassium permanganate and the concentrated acid is sulfuric acid. Destruction efficiency is as high as 99.95%.

Abstract: A gas permeable membrane divides a reactor vessel into a liquid compartment and a gas compartment. A biofilm is grown on the gas permeable membrane on the liquid side of the membrane. Teh gas permeable membrane is supported by the structure of the membrane itself. The biofilm is chosen from bacteria to degrade cetain pollutants by means of anaerobic fermentation, aerobic heterotrophic oxidation, dehalogenation, and hydrocarbon oxidation. This is accomplished by means of oxygen and alternate gases (i.e., methane) through the gas permeable membrane to certain bacteria growing on the liquid side of the gas permeable membrane.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to an apparatus for removing organic compounds from water which comprises: a housing having an opening therein, the housing being capable of retaining an organic solvent therein; and a nonporous membrane covering the opening, the membrane being capable of allowing organic compounds from the water to diffuse therethrough. The subject invention also provides method of removing organic compounds from water and a method for detecting the presence or determining the amount of organic compounds in the water.

Abstract: A method of dehalogenating a halogenated hydrocarbon in the presence of a nucleophilic reaction partner, comprising dispersing the halogenated hydrocarbon by chemical reaction (DCR), and dehalogenating the resulting finely dispersed reaction product by means of a strictly chemical conversion with the nucleophilic reaction partner at a temperature between ambient temperature and approximately 510.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved oxidation and photooxidation process for treating water containing an oxidizable contaminant. In one embodiment, the organic compound does not have an electron donating aromatic group. A stochiometric excess amount of a calcium salt is added to precipitate carbonate and bicarbonate ions contained in the water as calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate is removed from the water and the filtered water is then subjected to an oxidation process. In another embodiment, the organic compound does have an electron donating aromatic group. Carbonate and/or bicarbonate is added so that the water has a stochiometric excess amount of carbonate and bicarbonate. The water is then subjected to an oxidation process.

Abstract: A method for substantially degrading and detoxifying soils contaminated with haloorganic compounds is shown. The method comprises contacting a soil, sediment, or sludge containing less that 5% by weight of a haloorganic contaminant, with a reagent of the formula MX, where M is a metal selected from the group consisting of K, Na, Ca, Zn, Mg, Ba, Pb, and X is hydroxide, carbonate, oxide, or acetate. The contact and subsequent reaction is carried out under conditions which insure the phase compatibility of the haloorganic contaminant and the reagent, and preferably under anhydrous conditions. The contact is carried out for a time sufficient to effect the dehalogenation of at least 90% of the contaminant.

Abstract: An improved method for detoxifying waste materials contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method achieves dehalogenation of such halogenated hydrocarbons in a manner as efficient as previous methods, but at a considerably lower cost. The economic advantages of the present invention arise from the use of lower temperatures and/or smaller quantities of reagents, which in turn is made possible by the discovery of a surprisingly superior reagent, 2-methoxyethanol, and superior catalysts, the crown ethers, which allow reagents other than 2-methoxyethanol to function very efficiently in dehalogenation reactions.

Abstract: Present invention offers, for the first time, a biological approach through the use of white-rot fungi to the decolorization of dye wastewater. It is also applicable to other colored substances and/or their wastewater such as molasses. Because of its low cost, renewable and regenerative activity, and little or no secondary pollution hazard, biological method is the most widely practiced method in nature and in practice in treating organic refuse and industrial waste. Current invention discloses, specifically, undiscovered activities of the Myrothecium and Ganoderma fungi in removing colored substances from dye solutions and dye wastewater. It is the result of a deliberate process of screening for natural water/soil-born and farm/industrial-waste-derived microorganisms for such specific purpose in our laboratory.The accompanied process invention shows that simple biological treatment could also produce consistently effective results in treating a wide spectrum of dye wastewater under greatly varied conditions.

Abstract: Energy efficient apparatus of compact size and configuration for the decontamination of the PCB contaminated fluid removed from transformers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid circulation loop with a side stream to a distillation means followed by a venturi for reintroducing the vapors of distillation into the circulating loop of contaminated fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving oil or PCB which exists in the electrical insulation of parts to be cleaned, wherein a solvent is evaporated during a heating phase by an evaporator located with the parts in an autoclave. The solvent vapor condenses on the parts and penetrates into the electrical insulation to form an oil or PCB-solvent mixture. The apparatus provides for a plurality of intermediate pressure reductions which are carried out in the autoclave, and during each intermediatre pressure reduction the solvent is simultaneously evaporated from the oil or PCB-solvent mixture, directly from the autoclave. That is, during each of the pressure reductions, the solvent supply is discontinued and the mixture circulated through a circulating line. Following the completion of each intermediate pressure reduction, the pure oil or PCB present in a condensate vessel is pumped out by an intermediately located feed pump through a connecting line and into a reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleansing contaminated soil (11), the apparatus includes an extraction vessel (12) into which contaminated soil (11) is delivered together with a solvent. A slurry is produced which is delivered to a settler (18) which produces a settler underflow and contaminated solvent. The settler (18) underflow is delivered to a drier (23). The contaminated solvent passes through a filter (20) which produces a filter cake also delivered to the drier (23). The contaminated solvent passes through a distillation column (28) and is subsequently delivered to a plasma gun (35) whereat the contaminants are oxidized.

Abstract: Solutions containing pesticide wastes from greenhouses, for example, are decontaminated in a system including a soil bed reactor. Waste water from the greenhouse goes to a sample tank from which samples are withdrawn for assay of toxicity. Water from the sample tank goes to a holding tank, or to a downstream subsystem if toxicity level is low. Water in the holding tank is aerated to promote degradation of toxic materials. Water from the holding tank is applied near the upper surface of a layer of soil in the soil bed reactor. Air from the sample tank and holding tank, and intermittently, air containing pesticides from the greenhouse, is also passed through the layer of soil in the soil bed reactor. Microbial action in the soil degrades toxic materials in both the gaseous and liquid streams. Water from the soil bed reactor may then be discharged to a pond populated by plant and animal species which promote further degradation of any remaining toxic materials before the water is discharged from the system.

Abstract: A process for purifying contaminated aqueous solutions without using ion exchange resins or organic solvents is provided. The process comprises contacting an aqueous solution with a getter compound and a non-polymeric carrier compound in a dispersed state to remove dissolved contaminants or recover dissolved valuable materials. Suitable carrier compounds having pendant long chain hydrocarbon radicals and hydrophilic moieties are disclosed. The process is highly efficient and effective for removing a wide variety of dissolved contaminants such as metal ions, non-metal ions and dissolved organic contaminants such as dyes.

Abstract: A process for removing PCDD's and PCDF's from paper mill sludge is provided. The process comprises combining the sludge with an oxidant and then oxidizing the sludge under supercritical or near supercritical conditions to destroy the PCDD's and PCDF's. Using this process, destruction efficiencies of greater than 98% have been achieved for 2,3,7,8-TCDD, which is reportedly the most toxic of the dioxins.

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 for the decomposition of halogenated and non-halogenated organic contaminant compounds contained in a contaminated medium comprises adding an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate, bicarbonate or hydroxide to the contaminated medium in an aqueous solution or in a solvent having a boiling point of at least 200.degree. C., or in the form of a solid dispersion or suspension. The medium includes a hydrogen donor compound. The hydrogen donor compound may be originally contained in the medium or may be added to the medium. The medium further includes a catalytic source of carbon, for example, a carabohydrate, which will cause formation of a free radical hydrogen ion from the hydrogen donor compound. The medium is heated to dehydrate the medium and then is further heated at a temperature between about 200.degree. and 400.degree. C. to cause formation of the free radical hydrogen ion and effect reductive decomposition of the halogenated and non-halogenated organic contaminant compounds.

Abstract: Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) is purified by using a liquid-liquid extraction process with polar and nonpolar solvents to remove hexachlorobenzene (HCB). A variety of procedures, solvents and equipment may be employed to carry out the process. A process using a multiplate countercurrent liquid solvent extraction unit, and using DMF and octane as solvents for PCNB and HCB, respectively, is preferred.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating soil and sludge for removal of contaminants in contact with the soil or sludge. More particularly, this invention relates to a process where contaminants such as inorganic contaminants such as metal or metal salts or organic contaminants such as PCBs are removed from water-wet soil and sludge. In particular, this invention relates to a process for treating or cleaning a contaminated water-wet solid containing mixture by contacting the contaminated water-wet mixture with a solvent, the solvent containing a comminuting surfactant. The solvent used is a solvent for the contaminant and is sparingly soluble in water. The purpose of adding a comminuting surfactant to the solvent is to form a dispersed mixture of the solids, contaminants, and water whereby the contaminants are extractable into the solvent. The solvent containing the contaminants is easily separated from the solids and then the solvents and contaminants are separated and the solvent is reused.

Abstract: A process for purifying contaminated aqueous solutions without using ion exchange resins or organic solvents is provided. The process comprises contacting an aqueous solution with a non-polymeric getter compound in a dispersed state to remove dissolved contaminants or recover dissolved valuable materials. Suitable getter compounds having pendant long chain hydrocarbon radicals and complexing moieties are disclosed. The process is highly efficient and effective for removing a wide variety of dissolved contaminants such as metal ions, non-metal ions and dissolved organic contaminants such as dyes.

Abstract: A process for the removal of aromatic compounds from aqueous solutions using an oxidatic enzyme, such as a peroxidase enzyme, is described. The enzyme is immobilized on a surface so that preferably multiple passes of the aqueous solution with the aromatic compound can be made over the immobilized enzyme. Higher enzyme utilization with a lower oxidative substrate, such as hydrogen peroxide, requirement is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogenation process for reprocessing used oil into secondary raffinates in the form of lubricating oils. In this process according to some embodiments of the invention, ecologically undesirable byproducts or waste materials are eliminated, without requiring expensive and time-consuming separation stages or reaction conditions, or the use of expensive catalysts. In particular, even severely contaminated oils, i.e. those which contain organo-chlorine compounds, in particular PCB, chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurane in concentrations above certain limits, can also be reused as secondary raffinates, in particular as lubricating oils. No longer need these substances be destroyed in a high temperature combustion process, for example. As a first step, the coarse solid substances are removed from the used oil. Thereafter, with the addition of hydrogen, a hydrogenation step is conducted in a sump phase at predetermined pressures and temperatures.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid effluent or groundwater containing organic contaminants is provided. The liquid effluent or groundwater containing the organic contaminants is contacted with hydrogen peroxide and transition metal ions. The hydrogen peroxide and transition metal ions are present in effective amounts based on the concentration of the organic contaminants in the liquid effluent or groundwater. The liquid effluent or groundwater is then irradiated with UV light having a poly- chromatic output between about 200 to 400 nm to decompose the organic contaminants. The ratio of hydrogen peroxide to transition metal ions is selected so as to favor the absorption of UV light by the hydrogen peroxide in the irradiation step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for salvaging conductive material from electrical power transformers. In the method, the transformer core is removed from the transformer casing and cut so as to separate laminations from windings. The windings with conductive materials and insulative paper are cut into relatively short segments. These segments are then subjected to an aqueous caustic solution with sparging for separating the conductive material from paper insulation and lacquer coatings thereon. The solution is treated with a coagulating or flocculating agent in a separate vessel to remove dissolved cellulose, processed to separate oil and PCBs therefrom and then returned to treat additional windings. The method is adapted to continuous processing.

Abstract: A method for the decomposition of halogenated organic compounds contained in a contaminated medium comprises adding an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate to the contaminated medium in an aqueous solution or in a solvent having a boiling point of at least 200.degree. C., or in the form of a solid dispersion or suspension. The medium is heated to dehydrate the medium and then is further heated at a temperature between about 250.degree. and 400.degree. C. to effect decomposition of the halogenated organic compounds. An acid is then added to the medium in an amount sufficient to neutralize the same.

Abstract: Complex organic molecules, such as polychlorinated biphenyls can be degraded on porous titanium ceramic membranes by photocatalysis under ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for immobilizing environmentally noxious organic, particularly aromatic, substances by absorbing them on a layered clay mineral modified by exchange with a quaternary ammonium compound, thereby increasing the spacing between the layers and rendering the adsorption surfaces hydrophobic.After adsorption of the organic compounds the spacing between the layers of the layered clay mineral is reduced by a layer spacing reducing agent, and subsequently the clay mineral containing the organic compounds is mixed with a hardenable inorganic binder and the whole is hardened.A typical example of a modifying agent is a quanternary ammonium compound, and of a layer spacing reducing agent an alkaline substance, such as sodium hydroxide.Typical clay minerals are chosen among the smectite minerals, tectosilicates and phyllosilicates; preferably montmorillonite clay is used.The inorganic binder may be a calcium hydroxide compound or a calcium containing cement, preferably containing fly ash.

Abstract: A method for measuring the halogenated organic compound content, e.g., polychlorinated biphenyl ("PCB") content, of soil samples may effectively be carried out with an inexpensive, disposable (that is, single-use) field test kit. The method includes contacting a weighted soil sample suspected of containing PCB or some other organohalogen contaminant with a pre-mixture of water and an organic solvent in which water is slightly soluble. The water extracts any inorganic halides which may be present and would adversely affect the accuracy of the test. The organic solvent wets the moist soil sample sufficiently to extract any PCB therein. The resultant organic solvent phase is separated from the soil sample and aqueous phase, dried by passage through a moisture-adsorbent material to remove or at least greatly reduce its moisture content, and analyzed by means of a color-change titration to determine halide content, and thereby the PCB (or other organohalogen) content, of the soil sample.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating wastewater from a suspension styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymerization process. The wastewater contains SAN and polyvinyl alocohol (PVA) as a suspensing agent. The method includes the steps of adding to the wastewater a floc forming effective amount of a) a water soluble borate salt, preferably sodium metaborate and b) a water soluble ferrous salt, preferably ferrous sulfate, and separating the resulting floc which contains the SAN particles and PVA from the treated wastewater.

Abstract: A method for the destruction of halogenated organic compounds contained in a contaminated medium comprises adding an aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol to the contaminated medium in an amount to provide from about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent of polyethylene glycol, based on the weight of the contaminated medium. An alkali metal hydroxide is then added in an amount of from about 2 to about 20 weight percent, based on the weight of the contaminated medium. The medium is then heated to substantially dehydrate the medium and then further heated at a temperature between about 100.degree. and 350.degree. C. to effect destruction of the halogenated organic compounds. An acid is then added to the medium in an amount sufficient to neutralize the same.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating an inert solid substantially inorganic fraction comprising sand or soil from a tarry or oily organic matter in a feedstock. The feedstock may be contaminated soil or tarry waste. The feedstock is combined with pulverized coal and water. The ratio (oil or tar to dry weight of coal) of about 1.0:10 to about 4.0:10 at a temperature in the range of 60.degree.-95.degree. C. The mixture is agitated, the coarse particles are removed, and up to about 0.10% by weight (based on weight of coal) of a frothing agent is added. The mixture is then subjected to flotation, and the froth is removed from the mixture.

Abstract: A process for treating water or solids contaminated with at least one chlorinated phenol which comprises oxidizing the at least one chlorinated phenol in the presence of an effective catalytic amount of a corrin- or porphyrin-metal complex. A preferred catalyst is a complex of Fe.sup.3+ ion with protoporphyrin known as hematin. Chlorinated phenols which may be oxidized include those found in hazardous wastes such as chlorophenols, dichlorophenols, trichlorophenols, tetrachlorinated phenols, and pentachlorinated phenols.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the separation of halogenated hydrocarbons from concentrated hydrochloric acid, which contains 10 to 37% by weight of hydrogen chloride. The hydrochloric acid is freed from the halogenated hydrocarbons in an extraction with paraffins having more than 7 carbon atoms, or with paraffin waxes having dropping points from 70.degree. to 160.degree. C. or with paraffin/paraffin wax mixtures, preferably in a continuous counterflow extraction or cross-flow extraction.

Abstract: A process of selectively recovering a nitrophenolic by-product, namely 2,4-dinitrophenol and picric acid, from nitration waste water in substantially pure form through the control of the solution pH of the nitration waste water and subsequent precipitation is provided. By adjusting the solution pH of the nitration waste water with an acid to a pH in the range of from about 4.0 to 0.5, the solubility of the selected nitrophenolic by-products is affected and the crystal formation of the individual by-products controlled.

Abstract: An improved method of disposing of radioactive or hazardous liquid hydrocarbon compositions comprises placing the liquid hydrocarbons in a container and adding an organic ammonium montmorillonite in ratios of between about 1:2 and 3:1, by volume, respectively. The organic ammonium montmorillonite has at least 10 carbon atoms. A polar organic compound having between 1 and about 10 carbon atoms is also preferably added with the montmorillonite. Where the liquid waste material includes 5% or more of water in addition to the liquid hydrocarbon a minus 200 mesh sodium montmorillonite is also preferably added.

Abstract: An improved method of disposing of radioactive or hazardous liquids comprises placing the liquids in a container and adding a sodium montmorillonite over intervals until the composition is substantially solid in the container.

Abstract: An improved method of disposing of radioactive or hazardous liquid aqueous waste compositions having a substantial amount of dissolved solids comprises mixing the liquid under a high mechanical shear with a clay selected from the group consisting of attapulgite, sepiolite, and mixtures thereof. Water soluble or miscible organic liquids as well as liquid hydrocarbon mixtures thereof may also be solidified by utilizing the aforesaid clays together with an organic ammonium montmorillonite having at least 10 carbon atoms, the amount of montmorillonite used being proportional to the amount of liquid hydrocarbon present.