Abstract: A product and a process is disclosed for the purpose of biodegrading organic chemical spills on water or land in situ. The product is a dried, macerated plant or vegetable material having a small oil or wax content enabling it to preferentially absorb oil in the presence of water. The product, specifically cotton gin trash, carries a microbial inoculum consisting of indigenous microbes which biodegrade the organic chemical, specifically petroleum hydrocarbons. The process consists of applying the macerated cotton gin trash to the surface of the hydrocarbons floating on water or covering the land. Upon contact of the product with water a dormant inocula of microorganisms are revived. They increase in numbers because of food present in the product, biodegrading the chemical spill in situ.

Abstract: Members with excellent water- and oil-repelling, and anti-contaminating properties are provided by exposing fillers partially protruding from the surfaces of fiber reinforced plastics or fiber reinforced metals and chemically adsorbing a chlorosilane-based chemical adsorbent to the rough surface of the fiber reinforced plastic or metal substrate. A siloxane-based chemically adsorbed monomolecular film or a polysiloxane chemically adsorbed film is formed on the substrate by chemically adsorbing a chemical adsorbent having numerous chlorosilane groups to the substrate surface. Following that, a chlorosilane-based chemical adsorbent having fluorocarbon groups is chemically adsorbed to the film, thus forming a chemically adsorbed monomolecular or polymer film with water- and oil-repelling properties.

Abstract: An in situ method of cleaning contaminated soil and/or water comprises breaking up contaminated soil, admixing soil with water and a biodegradable detergent in a proportion effective to obtain an aqueous slurry where the contaminant and the detergent interact, allowing the slurry to stand under conditions effective to permit any contaminant-detergent formations to rise in the aqueous slurry, separating the contaminant-detergent formations from the aqueous slurry, now comprising partially decontaminated soil and water, separating the soil from the water, repeating the cleaning and separation steps until the soil has less contaminant than a predetermined value, typically a 80 to 90 percent decrease, admixing the low contamination-soil with water and an activating agent for contaminant-degrading microorganism, the agent being capable of generating hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A microcapsule for use in degrading a hydrocarbon comprising a core material, a coating material, and at least one microorganism capable of degrading said hydrocarbon, said core material comprising a lipophilic material containing nutrients necessary for the sustenance of said microorganism, said coating material being water-insoluble, and said capsule having a density such that said microcapsule is kept in close proximity to said hydrocarbon to be degraded whens said microcapsule is applied thereto; and the method of using the microcapsule to degrade hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Oil spills on natural bodies of water can be cleaned up through the use of flocculation/microorganism compositions including amine-substituted clay flocculation agents and microorganisms including bacillus species, pseudomonas species, azobacter species and xanthomonas species.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating a solid or liquid medium, e.g., soil or groundwater, which is contaminated with a hydrocarbon contaminant, e.g. diesel fuel or gasoline, by adding to the medium in the presence of water and at least one microorganism capable of metabolizing at least one hydrocarbon contaminant present, ammonium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate, or combinations thereof, such that said hydrocarbon contaminant is eliminated or reduced to a desired lower level. The bicarbonate is added to the contaminated medium as a solution prepared by dissolving the bicarbonate or combination of bicarbonates in water, or as a solid bicarbonate or mixture of solid bicarbonates.

Abstract: Oil pollution floating on a body of water is abated or contained by a fire fence generated by a series of devices which are interconnected by cables and anchored to form a barrier line. Each device comprises a buoy connected to a depending, negatively-buoyant tank of pressurized combustion gas and a burner nozzle disposed for providing a pilot flame near the water's surface to ignite an oil slick thereon. The pilot flame Way be controlled to sustain combustion of the floating oil and dissipation of same.

Abstract: A rapid deployment system for recovering oil from beachers includes an articulated vehicle for propelling and suspending a vacuum head above a beach or the like. A selected area of the beach is irrigated with sufficient quantities of water to saturate the selected area. Oil deposited on the beach is driven to the surface. A sufficient quantity and velocity of air moves over the surface beneath the vacuum head to develop a water column upon which resides a frothy foam mixture of air, water and oil which is drawn into the head. In the vacuum head, the velocity of the air flow is suddenly and significantly reduced above a fluid sump wherein entrained oil and water droplets fall into a sump for processing outside of the vacuum head. A metal auger can be provided within the vacuum head to pump oil from pools and separate entrained oil droplets from the high velocity air flow. A special terrain vehicle which propels and supports the vacuum head is modular and can be transported by helicopter with the entire system.

Abstract: A water/surfactant process for removing oil from a soil that has been contaminated by an oil spill. The surfactant is carefully selected from a group consisting of linear alcohols having eight to fifteen carbon atoms and two to eight ethylene oxide units on the carbon atoms. The surfactant concentration is also held to about 0.5 percent, by volume, or less to minimize the formation of an emulsion between the oil and the wash water. The process provides a clean separation of the oil from the soil as well as from the water. The limited surfactant also minimizes dispersion of clay fines from the soil into the water. The water/surfactant is heated for improved removal of oil from the soil.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating oil spills on water comprising applying liposomes to a body of water to form a monomolecular layer of phospholipid molecules on the water surface which phosopholipid molecules break up a continuous layer of oil into oil droplets each of which is surrounded by a monomolecular layer of phospholipids.

Abstract: A system for recovering oil from an oil spill site. A vessel transports buoyant, oil absorbent material to the spill site. The absorbent material is dispersed below the water surface and advances upward toward the water surface, thereby absorbing oil and water. The dispersed absorbent material is contained and transferred back to the vessel. Oil and water are removed from the absorbent material on the vessel, and the absorbent material may be reused.

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: This invention relates to a method for removing oil from the internal and external surfaces of birds, fish and water fowl or from the internal and external surface of seals, otters and other mammals affected by hydrocarbon oil spills comprising internal or external treatment with a composition comprising a preponderance of polyisobutylene without effecting removal of natural oils of the surfaces of the birds, fish or water fowl.

Abstract: The method of treating a waste liquid or solid hydrocarbon to reduce risk of environmental contamination by the waste hydrocarbon, that includes forming a flowable cementitious paste of Portland cement and additives; introducing the hydrocarbon into the mix and distributing the hydrocarbon therein; forming the mix into a shape for curing, and allowing the formed mix to cure so as to encapsulate the hydrocarbon in the cured concrete mix.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing, maintaining or enhancing microorganisms utilized to remediate contaminated soil or groundwater which includes of a direct push rod or cylinder equipped with a fluid or gas delivery system. The system also includes computer-based monitoring capabilities which can monitor or control the subsurface events. Microorganisms, nutrient solutions, or gases such as air can be introduced into the subsurface environment of predetermined locations. The delivery device is a long rod or cylinder which is pushed into the ground via applied pressure at the surface. The internals of this device contain tubing or other means to deliver fluid through openings in the rod or cylinder to the surrounding environment. The fluid may be driven into the environment by surface pumps or gas pressure. The delivery rod or cylinder may be withdrawn for reutilization or left in place for continuous service.

Abstract: The method of absorbing oil for clean-up comprising applying dry and pulverized aquatic lily to the spilled oil. The powdered water lily can be applied to both spills on land and water without adverse ecological effects.

Abstract: An improved process for the remediation of soil contaminated by the presence therein of organic or semi-volatile inorganic contaminants which comprises (1) supplying thermal energy to the soil at one or more locations under the surface of the soil, (2) collecting the vapors resulting from contaminant vaporization or decomposition under the influence of the thermal energy, after passage horizontally through the soil, at one or more locations under the surface of the soil and separating from the collected vapors the environmentally undesirable components thereof.

Abstract: The improved method employs hydrocarbon wax, preferably paraffin wax, as the cleaning agent for petroleum oil spill slicks. The method includes spraying the molten wax on the petroleum oil-covered surface of, for example, an ocean or a coastline, allowing the wax to solidify on such surface, thereby entraining large volumes of hydrocarbon oil, then removing the solidified wax with entrained petroleum oil from the surface. The method is repeated as often as is needed in order to fully strip the surface of the petroleum oil. The wax is recovered by heating the mixture of the solidified wax with the entrained petroleum oil therein until the wax melts, after which it is decanted from the petroleum oil and is ready for reuse in the method. Preferably, the molten wax is paraffin heated to about 75.degree.-100.degree. C. in order to fully fluidize it so that it can be sprayed easily onto the oil-fouled surface.

Abstract: Decontamination of a beach or soil area that has hydrocarbon contamination including removing hydrocarbon contaminated sand or soil from an area; mixing the contaminated soil or sand with cement and water; and forming concrete from the mix.

Abstract: Method for absorbing, removing, and for cleaning up a first liquid floating on or in a second liquid, the method employing absorbent pellets which, in preferred embodiments, have a particular size, density, and configuration. The method can include steps of introducing the pellets onto or into the floating liquid to be removed; in preferred embodiments additional steps of agitation and spraying or applying a surfactant can be employed. The pellets containing the liquid to be removed can be removed from the surface of the second liquid; from an intermediate location above the lowermost depth of the liquid; or from the bottom level of the liquid or the bottom of the container or reservoir holding the liquid. A method for making pellets for cleaning up a first liquid floating on or in a second liquid; and a method for making pellets for absorbing a combustible material to produce fuel pellets. A method for producing fuel pellets.

Abstract: Pollution removal is carried out using particles of felt made of hydrophobic mineral fibers, in which the felts used, which have been preliminarily compressed for storage and transport and after an unbinding operation, undergo pneumatic transport sufficiently forceful to allow them to regain their original density, said pneumatic transport being used simultaneously to spread the particles on the surface of the water to be treated.

Abstract: A method for on-site bioremediation of soils contaminated with petroleum derived hazardous wastes is described. This method for enhancing bioremediation includes the step of applying a cationic ion exchange resin to the contaminated soil in an amount sufficient to promote growth of organisms capable of degrading the hazardous waste.

Abstract: An improved process for absorbing oils and especially separating and recovering oils from an aqueous medium or aqueous/wetted medium using an absorbent oleophilic biodegradable sponge material comprised of essentially fat-free, foamable natural products, specifically animal proteins or plant polysaccharides, such as gelatin, collagen, egg white albumen, gum agar, gum arabic, gum karaya, and locust bean gum, which absorb oils at a rate of at least about 30 times their weight.

Abstract: A process for removing and disposing of or neutralizing volatile contaminants existing in the vadose zone of earth and also in a below ground aquifer. The process includes the injection of substantially oxygen free air into the aquifer to retard the formation of aerobic bacteria and injection of oxygen rich air into the vadose zone to stimulate bacterial growth which aids contaminant recovery. Volatilized contaminants are pulled out of the soil through withdrawal wells which terminate in the vadose zone.

Abstract: The composition intended for recovery of oil-polluted water and soil contains Pseudomonas putida-36 as an active biocomponent deposited under No. B- 2443 and a salt mixture as a mineral component, mass %: 34.26-37.12 of KNO.sub.3 ; 28.66-31.28 of NH.sub.4 Cl; 25.42-28.71 of NH.sub.4 H.sub.2 PO.sub.4 ; and 2.89-11.66 of NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3. The mass ratio between the biocomponent and mineral component is 1:26-32. The composition can be utilized with or without the carrier in the form of a solid inert substance or water.

Abstract: A device to combust an oil slick floating on a body of water. The device comprises a hood and a container to receive oil and water. A jet forces oil from the surface into the container. There is a combustion chamber with an atomizing nozzle in the combustion chamber. A conduit communicates the container and the atomizing nozzle. Fluid of high velocity is supplied to the atomizing nozzle and a source of combustible gas can be fed to the combustion chamber along with air to support combustion.

Abstract: An oil storage barge having a concave bottom is adapted to be anchored over a subsea well or pipeline that is leaking oil. Flexible skirts extend to the ocean floor, and oil that is trapped under the barge may be stored in the barge or then transferred to another vessel.

Abstract: A method for reducing oil slick on seawater comprising applying to the oil slick a dispersing compositions containing at least one surface-active agent, at least one solvent, and a nitrogen-containing compound which is a nutrient for the micro-organisms which are active in oil metabolism. The nitrogen-containing compound is a monoalkylguanidinium salt ##STR1## wherein R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical, saturated or unsaturated, containing from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms, and X is a halogen or an acid anion.

Abstract: A bacterial strain comprising a strain of Pseudomonas exhibits acceleration of growth in a logarithmic phase in a trophic culture medium when hydrocarbons are added thereto, a process for producing such a bacterial strain, and a purification process using such a bacterial strain.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition for recovering a liquid organic material comprising:I. about 1 to about 30 wt. % of at least one of (a) benzylidene sorbitol, benzylidene xylitol or derivatives thereof, (b) hydrogenated castor oil, (c) 12-hydroxystearic acid, (d) 9,10-dihydroxystearic acid and (e) an amide of the member (b), (c) or (d), the composition further comprisingII. about 15 to about 70 wt. % of a hydrophilic solvent serving as a good solvent for the component I, and/orIII. about 15 to about 80 wt. % of at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobic solvent having a solubility of up to 5 in water, cyclohexanone, alkylcyclohexanone, N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone and N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone, the components II and III being conjointly present when the component I is the compounds under (a).With use of the composition of the invention, liquid organic materials over a body of water can be effectively gelled and collected with high recovery ratio and less water content.

Abstract: A process for disposing of oil slicks on seawater comprises treating the polluted seawater with a liquid dispersing composition and a nitrogen-containing nutrient for the seawater micro-organisms which are active in oil metabolization. The nutrient is a diguanidinium salt having the general formula:XH.H.sub.2 N--C(.dbd.NH)--NH--R--NH--C(.dbd.NH)--NH.sub.2 HXwherein R is preferably an alkyl radical containing from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and X is a halogen or an acid anion.

Abstract: Method by collection and separation of oil, gas and water from an offshore oil/gas well (2) and a column (1) for usage by the same.The column (1) comprising a vertically arranged tube (3) with a lower end (8) resting on the sea bed (14) and an upper closed end (9) from which gas may be discharged by gas outlet means (6). Oil-gas mixture flowing out of a well head (22) in operation of the column (1) will be retarded by an oil column (10) in the tube (3), thereby releasing gas which is collected in the upper portion (11) of the column. Motion of the oil at the surface of the oil column (10) will be very small, oil thereby flowing over an overflow rim (15) into an overflow channel (26), from where oil is transferred to the sea surface by oil outlet means (7).The motion of the mixture may be additionally dampened by horizontal webs.The column (1) may be operated at sea depths more than 300 meters and at shallow water where the column may be constructed as part of a platform.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed, which are adapted to depollute fresh and sea water bodies from crude oil and petroleum product pollution by microbial action. The growth of micro-organisms capable of metabolizing hydrocarbons is exalted by certain combination of nutrients, such as lecithin as a phosphorus source, hydantoins, amides allophanates, polyamines, acyl-ureas and esters of the hydantoic and allantoic acids as the nitrogen sources. Ureido-derivatives of amides are also contemplated as additional nutrients.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for on the site determination of the characteristics of an oil-pollutant containing water. The determinaton includes the use of a combination of devices designed to permit the on-site determination of the water content and specific gravity of the mixture of water and pollutant, and the initial boiling point of water-free pollutant.

Abstract: A bell-like apparatus adapted to be lowered to the ocean floor and controllably positioned to cover an uncontrolled well. The control means includes a plurality of anchors which are dispersed about the well to guide a series of tensioning cables. The latter are attached to the bell, threaded through the respective anchors, and thereafter led to the surface of the water by an elongated conduit whereby they can be controlled.

Abstract: Blowout containment apparatus for use in offshore areas comprising an inverted funnel adapted for positioning over a wellhead to receive fluids from the well and direct them into a conduit extending from the funnel to surface support and processing equipment. The funnel and conduit are supported from the sea's surface preferably by a vessel such as a barge. The barge carries the equipment to receive the full flow of fluids from the well, to process the fluids, and to conduct the liquids to a nearby tanker where the recovered liquid hydrocarbons may be stored. The method of blowout containment includes the controlled positioning of the support vessel, from which is suspended the inverted funnel, over the wellhead to capture the fluids erupting from the blowout and receiving the fluids from the upper end of the conduit at a rate at least equal to the flow into the funnel end of the conduit.

Abstract: After physical removal of the majority of the oil on the surface of the water, the thin film remaining is treated with microbial metabolites which reduce the surface and interface tension and cause the formation of oil agglomerates. These agglomerates may be drawn off or left to be degraded by hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms normally present in the sea water or added thereto.