Abstract: The invention provides a process for treating a soil contaminated with a pollutant selected from the group consisting of petroleum products and aromatic hydrocarbons, comprising bringing into contact with said soil an aqueous solution in which hydrogen peroxide and hydroxide source are combined.

Abstract: Process for treating a medium by the removal or destruction of one or more undesired substances present in said medium, comprising combining hydrogen peroxide and alkali hydroxide in an aqueous solution to form superoxide, and bringing the resultant superoxide-containing solution into contact with said medium. The process is useful for the destruction of halogenated organic pollutants and also for carbon dioxide removal from flue gases. The process can also be applied for soil remediation.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for exchanging heat from the degradation, decomposition, and chemical/biochemical transformation of municipal, industrial, and other types of waste. In one embodiment, a heat extraction system may include a closed-loop fluid circulation piping channeled throughout at least one heat extraction well oriented throughout a waste mass. The piping is fluidly coupled to a heat exchanger. A first circulation fluid is circulated through the closed-loop circulation piping into various depths of the waste mass to transfer thermal energy between said mass and said heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the transfer of thermal energy between the waste mass and the heat exchanger is used as alternative energy method and to control at least one of shear strength, compressibility, and hydraulic conductivity of the waste mass.

Abstract: A method for removing seaweed from a beach. A first step involves providing a primary vessel with a seaweed collection area and a vacuum source. A second step involves anchoring the primary vessel offshore. A third step involves connecting one end of a vacuum hose to the vacuum source and extending a remote end of the vacuum hose to the beach. A fourth step involves controlling the positioning of the remote end of the vacuum hose along the beach with a secondary vessel that is small in relation to the primary vessel. A fifth step involves activating the vacuum and feeding seaweed into the remote end of the vacuum hose. The seaweed is drawn by the vacuum source through the vacuum hose to the seaweed collection area on the primary vessel.

Abstract: A coastal oil recovery system and method for clean up of land based contamination with a containment device having a reverse funnel shaped top hood, rigidly attached to vertical walled sides, a plurality of ground screws to pull the containment device into the soil, a plurality of water jets to fill the containment device and float oil from contaminated soil and vegetation upward into the top hood for extraction by discharge hoses. Due to the shape of the top hood, the depth of the floating oil will increase as it reaches the top of the top hood, facilitating extraction.

Abstract: A method and system for dewatering and consolidating contaminated dredged sediment concurrently as it is discharged to a disposal pond using horizontal drains installed in the settled sediment and vacuum loading. Horizontal drains are connected to a vacuum pump via collector hoses and a header pipe. Vacuum pump operation consolidates the settled sediment and reduces the volume, enabling continued discharge of dredged sediment. Successive installation of horizontal drains within accumulating sediment and consolidation by vacuum pumping may continue until the disposal pond is filled with consolidated sediment. Vacuum pumping is continued for some period after final cover installation to enhance containment performance by over-consolidation. The horizontal drain system may also be used to deliver liquid reagents for sediment treatment or to circulate water for flushing. The method enables the disposal pond to be on land or under water below the original sediment line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing contaminants from contaminated soil with the aid of a stripping gas. In the process a biologically active layer is present in or on the soil. The process comprises the following steps: a) there is created in the soil a medium whose resistance is lower than the resistance of the surrounding soil, b) the stripping gas is injected in the soil at the depth of and/or beneath the contaminant, c) the contaminants are volatized with the stripping gas, whereupon the stripping gas with the contaminants largely flows to the biologically active layer via the medium whose resistance is lower than the surrounding soil.

Abstract: In general, the purpose of the probe system is to provide improved rapid field methods using re-designed direct push technology (DPT) and “push-pull testing” concepts to evaluate in situ chemical, biochemical, surfactant, adsorptive media, and leaching and fixation remediation technologies for hazardous subsurface contaminant(s). The multi-purpose single probe system can to measure the relative permeability of the subsurface soil and groundwater to a liquid or gas ejectant and recover soil gas, soil, or groundwater samples for contaminant analyses, and can measure the chemical dosage and reaction, dissolution, adsorption, desorption, leaching, or fixation rate of a reactant such as a chemical or biochemical oxidant, metallic or bimetallic dehalogenating agent, surfactant or emulsifier solution, adsorbent media regenerant, leaching or fixation reagent that is injected and withdrawn during a push-pull test.

Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, a composition for emulsifying a contaminant ground media, where the ground media includes an iron compound. The composition includes a peroxide, a water-soluble aminopolycarboxylate chelating agent, and an amount of a buffering agent sufficient to adjust a pH of a mass of the contaminant to between 7.0 and 9.0 when the buffering agent mixes with the contaminant.

Abstract: A remediation system and method for decontaminating a polluted site. An outlet system is to deliver a remediation fluid to the polluted site, and an inlet system receives a contaminated effluent from the polluted site. A processing system extracts a contaminant component from the contaminated effluent. A reactor receives the extracted contaminant component as a first reactant, and also, a second reactant. The reactor generates a reaction product-containing exit fluid stream, a controlled portion of which is released from the system. The remaining portion of the reactor exit fluid forms the remediation fluid. Optionally, the remaining portion is combined with a controlled quantity of the second reactant to form the remediation fluid. In addition, a controlled quantity of diluent/coolant fluid may be delivered into a reaction process in the reactor and/or downstream of the reaction process, and/or separately in a heat transfer system.

Abstract: A method for treating contaminates includes delivering a stream of a fluid to a directional microporous diffuser that has a sidewall with microscopic openings and has a partitioned interior region to effect discharge of microbubbles from less than the entire sidewall portion of the directional microporous diffuser at any particular interval of time. The directional microporous diffuser described include an elongated member providing the sidewall, the sidewall defining an interior portion of said member and coupled to the first inlet port and a partition member that divides the interior of the elongated member into plural, mutually isolated regions. End caps are disposed to seal ends of the directional microporous diffuser.

Abstract: A sludge removal apparatus includes a sludge removal head (10) with a sludge suction duct and an water supply duct with open end portions alongside each other, and a filter (32) adjacent to the open ends of the suction duct (36) and the water supply duct (38) so that the sludge is extracted through the filter (32). A drive mechanism moves the filter so that regions of the filter pass successively over the open ends of the suction duct, where it may become partially blinded with sludge, and then over the water supply duct where it is backwashed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removal of contaminants from a formation are described. The apparatus and method introduces at a first location treatment materials at concentrations to effect removal of contaminants into a formation and withdraws fluid from a second location that is spaced from the first location feeding withdrawn fluid back to the first location.

Abstract: An apparatus having various conduits moves liquid by passing gas up through it. A collector conduit transports the liquid to the bottom of the unit. A gas-lift conduit mixes the liquid and gas at the bottom and transports the mixture upwards, owing to the rising action of the bubbles and the resulting decreased density of the gas/liquid mixture. At the top of the gas-lift conduit, some of the gas may escape from the liquid and out of the apparatus. The lifted liquid may exit the apparatus at an elevation higher than the entry point of the liquid or may be directed down through a down and out conduit. A one way valve or equivalent configuration may be used to limit flow to one direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve.

Abstract: A gas/liquid pump moves liquid by passing gas up through it. Pumping is accomplished by the liquid's moving through three conduits. The first, a collector conduit, transports the liquid to the bottom of the unit. The second, a gas-lift conduit, mixes the liquid and gas at the bottom and transports the mixture upwards, owing to the rising action of the bubbles and the resulting decreased density of the gas/liquid mixture. At the top of the gas-lift conduit, some of the gas escapes from the liquid and out of the unit. The lifted liquid then returns to near its original density and exits the unit through the down and out conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel approach to containing and removing toxic waste from a subsurface environment. More specifically the present invention relates to a system for containing and removing volatile toxic chemicals from a subsurface environment using differences in surface and subsurface pressures. The present embodiment generally comprises a deep well, a horizontal tube, at least one injection well, at least one extraction well and a means for containing the waste within the waste zone (in-situ barrier). During operation the deep well air at the bottom of well (which is at a high pressure relative to the land surface as well as relative to the air in the contaminated soil) flows upward through the deep well (or deep well tube). This stream of deep well air is directed into the horizontal tube, down through the injection tube(s) (injection well(s)) and into the contaminate plume where it enhances volatization and/or removal of the contaminants.

Abstract: Inexpensive, highly effective methods for the in-situ reduction of hexavalent chromium to the non-toxic trivalent oxidation state in soil and groundwater containing hexavalent chromium are provided, which may reduce hexavalent chromium concentration in soil to as low as 5 mg/L. The methods involve sampling soil comprising hexavalent chromium to determine a reaction amount of a reducing agent, providing a frame on a top surface of the soil, wetting the soil, spreading a reducing agent on the top surface of the soil, and flushing the soil with water to dissolve the reducing agent. The reducing agent may be a chemical agent, a biological agent, or a combination of chemical and biological agents. The biological reducing agents may include sludge from wastewater, return activated sludge, waste activated sludge, leachate from landfill or from composting operations, or compost material from municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater, or solid waste operations.

Abstract: A soil aerating machine includes in combination a skid-steer and a basket resembling a loader bucket adapted for attachment to the skid-steer boom. An air pressure tank, an elongate air nozzle pipe, an air hammer, and air control valves for the air nozzle pipe and air hammer are carried within the basket. The elongate air nozzle is attached to the basket using a pivotal bearing surface, which permits controlled motion therebetween. The air hammer is used to assist with the driving of the elongate air nozzle pipe into an earthen medium. A blast of air is then released through the air nozzle pipe into the earth, to loosen and aerate packed or clogged soil. A method of restoring a septic system using the preferred apparatus is also described, as are various alternative apparatus and method steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve.

Abstract: A gas exchange apparatus is provided which provides for both passive fluid flow and blower associated fluid flow through a barometric valve. A battery powered blower is provided which allows for operation of the barometric valve during times when the barometric valve would otherwise be closed, and provides for enhanced volume of gas exchange.

Abstract: A trench located in a landfill including the combination of a liquid infiltration piping system and a horizontal gas withdrawal piping system, the combination allowing for simultaneous liquid infiltration and gas withdrawal from a landfill.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmental remediation system and method. In one embodiment, the system comprises a nozzle formed from a plurality of tubulars mounted parallel with respect to each other. In one embodiment, a mixing chamber may be provided adjacent the nozzle tip to allow mixing of different fluid just before injection. In another embodiment, different fluids may remain segregated until after injection into the media. The invention may comprise electronic sensors for monitoring the reactions and other physical phenomena. The invention may comprise a control system that may control fluid flow ratios, automatically shut off pumps in response to an operator's command or in response to sensor signals detected. Fluids may be pumped sequentially through one or more tubulars into the media. A packer may be provide to keep fluid within the media. A fluid recovery system may be provided for drawing off and storing excess fluids.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for venting and dispensing gas from an area of ground. The apparatus comprising a passage arrangement locatable in the ground extending generally horizontally and formed from a plurality of self-supporting open units. One or more columns extends downwardly from the passage, the columns being formed of a core material having an open permeable structure. The or each column has a fluid permeable exterior, and is in communication with the passage.

Abstract: A method for purifying a layer of contaminated soil is provided, including the following steps: (a) preparing an injection well for injecting a fluid which has a purification capability utilizing one of physical action, chemical reaction, metabolism of microbes and promotion thereof and highly pressurized washing into the layer and (b) injecting the fluid under a high pressure at which one of the physical action, chemical reaction, metabolism of microbes and promotion thereof and highly pressurized washing can be controlled, through injection nozzles provided on a first wall or a first bottom of the injection well. The method has features that the injected fluid stirs and washes the layer to separate or decompose contaminants and the contaminants are eliminated by collecting the fluid containing an undecomposed portion of the contaminants in the layer through a plurality of collection wells.

Abstract: A system and method for the accelerated decontamination of contaminated soil, vadose zone and/or groundwater is described. Contaminates are removed from soil and from the groundwater via heat injection through trenching or directionally drilled or horizontally drilled and installed delivery plumbing, pure oxygen injection through separate plumbing installed in the same manner as the plumbing used to deliver the heat, bioventing, sparging, and bioremediation, all through the oxygen delivery plumbing, and soil vapor extraction through vertical wells, all contained in one mobile treatment system. Contaminants are separated from the soil gas via filtration or oxidation. Residual contaminants in the vadose zone and/or the in the groundwater are subjected to volatilization by increased temperature via heat injection and/or oxidation via contaminant degrading microorganisms.

Abstract: Toxic contaminants dispersed throughout a section of earth can be removed by a process that includes applying liquid hydrogen peroxide to the earth surface, and exerting a vacuum force on the earth at a depth where the earth is relatively uncontaminated. The vacuum force evacuates the earth pores, to augment the gravitational force on the liquid hydrogen peroxide, so that the liquid is enabled to flow through the earth to chemically react with toxic contaminants. One or more vacuum pumps are connected with underground perforated pipes bordering the treated earth section, to produce the necessary vacuum force on the liquid hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing pollutants from soil with the aid of a stripping gas which involves

Abstract: A process of extracting halogenated organic compounds, and particularly PCBs, from soil, sediment, slurry, sludge and dehalogenating the compounds contacts a contaminated soil sample with an extraction medium of a mixture of an alkane and a water miscible alcohol. The organic compounds dissolve in the extraction medium which is separated from the soil by passing water upwardly through the soil. The extraction medium floats to the surface of the water and is separated. Thereafter, the extraction medium containing the halogenated organic contaminants is subjected to ionizing radiation to radiolytically dehalogenate the compounds.

Abstract: A method of injecting steam into a landfill is provided. The steam enhances methane gas production in the landfill during the anaerobic phase, accelerates decomposition/biodegradation of the organic component of the trash prism during both the aerobic and anaerobic phases, and increases the rate of settlement of the landfill. A method of introducing a gaseous anaerobic fertilizer into the landfill is also provided. The fertilizer accelerates the decomposition/biodegradation of the organic component of the trash prism. A method of reducing the volume of a plastic component of the trash prism is provided, wherein the temperature and pressure of injected steam are raised to a level sufficient to melt plastic. Finally, a method of reducing the volume of a quantity of refuse prior to placing the refuse in a landfill is provided, wherein the refuse is heated to melt a plastic component of the refuse.

Abstract: A liquid remediation system is disclosed comprising a reaction chamber having an inlet in communication with a source of liquid. A pump directs the liquid through the reaction chamber. A reactive medium, that chemically reacts with a contaminant is dispersed throughout the reaction chamber. At least one discharge loop may direct the liquid back to the source from the reaction chamber after the liquid has undergone a level of remediation. Also disclosed is a method of remediating a liquid. In the method a reaction chamber is provided, having an inlet in communication with a source of liquid. The liquid is directed through the reaction chamber by a pump. A contaminant in the liquid is chemically reacted with a reactive medium that is dispersed throughout the reaction chamber. The liquid is then directed back to the source from the reaction chamber through at least one discharge loop after the liquid has undergone a level of remediation.

Abstract: A method of remediating a site of earth and groundwater contamination includes the steps of drilling at least one injection well, and preferably a plurality of injection wells, into the groundwater in a contaminated area. At least one, and preferably a plurality of extraction wells, are drilled into the earth above the groundwater, the vadose zone, in the contaminated area. The surface of the earth above the contaminated area is sealed, such as by a layer of concrete, asphalt, or plastic sheeting. Air and nutrients are injected into the contaminated area through the injection wells. The air is injected on a substantially continuous basis while the nutrients are injected on a batch basis. Air and vapor is extracted on a substantially continuous basis from the contaminated area by the extraction wells, which may be either vertically or horizontally positioned.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminated sediment material from a contaminated area on the ocean floor using a reactor vessel wherein seawater is from within the interior of the reactor vessel so that the vessel penetrates the ocean floor. A pressurized fluid is introduced into the reactor vessel to create a slurry vortex of the contaminated sediment material and then a remediation fluid injected into the slurry vortex of the contaminated sediment material using a sufficient amount of the remediation fluid to remediate the contaminated sediment material and provide a noncontaminated sediment material. Pressurized seawater is injected into the interior of the reactor vessel to create a positive pressure within the reactor vessel to lift the reactor vessel above the ocean floor allowing for a transfer of the reactor vessel to another area of sediment contamination on the ocean floor.

Abstract: An improved deep remediation injection system for in-situ remediation of contaminated soil and ground water. The system includes a soil penetrating lance for injecting at least two different highly-pressurized fluids taken from the group of air, gaseous oxygen, ozone, oxygenated liquid, hydrogen peroxide, surfactant-containing liquid, catalyst-containing liquid and suspended biologicals-containing liquids, or a liquid containing other chemicals, into said contaminated soil as said soil penetrating lance is inserted for penetration therein. The soil penetrating lance has at least an upper set of injection ports, the upper set of injection ports being generally radially spaced-apart on said lance, and at least one lower set of injection ports, the lance having an average width in the vicinity of the upper set of injection ports.

Abstract: A method of remediating a site of earth and groundwater contamination includes the steps of drilling at least one injection well, and preferably a plurality of injection wells, into the groundwater in a contaminated area. At least one, and preferably a plurality of extraction wells, are drilled into the earth above the groundwater, the vadose zone, in the contaminated area. The surface of the earth above the contaminated area is sealed, such as by a layer of concrete, asphalt, or plastic sheeting. Air and nutrients are injected into the contaminated area through the injection wells. The air is injected on a substantially continuous basis while the nutrients are injected on a batch basis. Air and vapor is extracted on a substantially continuous basis from the contaminated area by the extraction wells, which may be either vertically or horizontally positioned.

Abstract: A remediation composition for cleaning a soil mass and ground water contaminated with an organic contaminant and for reducing emanation of foul air from contaminated sites. The composition comprises an aqueous carrier, TRITON X-100 as a first surfactant, and a second surfactant which is selected from a group of surfactants consisting of TRITON X-155 and TRITON X-190. In presence of certain hydrocarbon, a total contaminant-emulsifying capacity of the remediation composition is greater than a sum of the contaminant-emulsifying capacities of the first and second surfactants. In another aspect of the present invention, surfactants TRITON X-15, TRITON X-35 and TRITON X-45 are used in association with TRITON X-100 such that their miscibilities with an aqueous carrier in the presence of TRITON X-100 is greater than their solubilities with the aqueous carrier alone.

Abstract: A method of treating a contaminated material in which a low-permeability barrier is formed over the contaminated material, thereby creating a substantially hydraulically closed system. The material beneath the barrier is treated by at least one of delivering a substance to treat the contamination and removing flowable material from beneath the barrier. The invention also relates to compositions and properties of composite particles suitable for the treatment method, additional methods of implementing the composite particles, and methods of applying the composite particles.

Abstract: A method for the remediation of contaminated soil comprising causing a carbonic acid aqueous solution to penetrate into the soil to liberate and remove contaminants contained in the soil.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for delivery of chemical reagents to a subterranean body of soil and groundwater to destroy or enhance mobility of organic compounds using a riser insertable in a borehole having spaced permeable sections separated by a non-permeable section and wherein the reagents are introduced from a source by a pressurization apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable depth air sparging well comprising a flow through packer which is slidably mounted within a well casing allowing for vertical movement of the flow through packer within the well casing. Flow through packer includes an inflatable packer fabricated from inflatable vitron tubing, a lower end portion of an air supply tube which has a plurality of openings for providing pressurized air to inflate the packer, and a pair of vitron rubber packer end caps. An air compressor is coupled to the air supply tube supplying pressurized air to the inflatable packer which inflates the packer holding the packer at a fixed depth within the well casing. Deflating the inflatable packer allows for vertical movement of the inflatable packer within the well casing. Positioned at the lower end of the air supply tube is a one way valve through which air under pressure passes to a well screen. The well screen, which comprises the lower portion of the well casing, is mounted in the soil's saturated zone.

Abstract: A method for remedying contamination of a subsurface environment by a non-aqueous phase liquid that is denser than water (DNAPL). The subsurface environment has a resident aqueous phase and a DNAPL phase. A dense aqueous solution that has a density greater than a density of the DNAPL phase is introduced to the subsurface environment. The dense aqueous solution displaces the resident aqueous phase and causes the DNAPL phase to rise above the greater density aqueous solution. The DNAPL phase is then recovered, which substantially remedies the contamination of the subsurface environment. An alternative method provides for introducing a dense solution layer that has a density greater than the density of the DNAPL phase beneath the subsurface region contaminated with the DNAPL phase. Next, the water table is lowered so as to create an unsaturated porous medium above the dense solution layer and to downwardly mobilize the DNAPL phase to the top of the dense solution layer.

Abstract: Removal of Light, non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPLs) from contaminated soils is expedited by injecting gas into extraction wells. The extraction wells are operated with a vacuum assist which produces a mounding of groundwater around the well. Gas is injected into the groundwater within the extraction well in the form of micro-bubbles. The bubbles rise through the LNAPL and volatilize it. The volatilized LNAPL is drawn to the surface and groundwater is left in the well.