Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a gaseous composition for bioremediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with organic compounds, including halogenated organic compounds and explosives. The gaseous composition contains (a) at least one gaseous microbial metabolic inducer and (b) a carrier gas. The gaseous composition may also optionally include one or more of a gas phase nutrient, a gaseous carbon source, a gas phase reductant, and a moisture source.

Abstract: In agriculture, one of the most important issues is the extent to which the yield of high quality crops can be increased while saving labor and reducing costs. However, there are many problems in that so-called injuries of crops due to continuous cropping and other causes seriously reduce productivity. The present invention provides an apparatus and a method that can pasteurize soil using gases emitted from the engine of a tractor, while at the same time, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and other acidic fumes in exhaust gas are fixed as calcium salts with slaked lime that has been applied in advance on the soil to be pasteurized, and these gaseous components can, as much as possible, be prevented from escaping into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for preparing a class of highly stabilized and soil-dispersible nanoparticles and using the nanoparticles as a remediation technology for immobilizing toxic metals at toxic metal contaminated sites. The method employs a composition containing select polysaccharides (starch or cellulose) as a stabilizer for the nanoparticles in a liquid carrier, and results in suspensions of nanoparticles of desired size and mobility in water, soils or sediments. The stabilizer can facilitate controlling the dispersibility of the nanoparticles in the liquid carrier. An effective amount of the composition is delivered to a contaminated site so that the nanoparticles can immobilize one or more toxic metals of the contaminated site.

Abstract: Reactive geocomposite mats, and their method of manufacture, for treating contaminants in sediment, soil or water that allow the passage of essentially non-contaminated water therethrough. The geocomposite mat includes a pre-formed woven or non-woven geotextile, that is needlepunched to an outer geotextile sheet layer to provide a high loft, structurally secured, pre-formed geotextile having a thickness of about 6 mm to about 200 mm, and having, a porosity sufficient to receive a powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material, contaminant-sorptive material, or a contaminant-neutralizing material (hereinafter collectively referred to as “contaminant-reactant material” or “contaminant-reactive material”) throughout its thickness, or in any portion of the thickness across its entire major surface(s). The powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material is disposed within the pores of the previously formed, high loft geotextile mat to surround the fibers, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing oil from water or a solid surface. This involves contacting the water or the solid surface with a substance in the form of a sheet and having a high humate level under conditions effective for the substance to absorb oil from the water or the solid surface. The substance, having absorbed oil, is then recovered from the water or solid surface. In an alternative embodiment this method can be carried out where the substance is manure which may or may not be in the form of a sheet.

Abstract: A soil remediation apparatus for treating contaminated soil comprises an air deck unit and a remediation unit. The air deck unit comprises an enclosure with a contaminated soil inlet and a remediated soil outlet; at least one conveyor located inside the enclosure and operable to convey soil from the enclosure inlet to the enclosure outlet; and contaminated air extraction means having an inlet in fluid communication with the enclosure and an outlet, and operable to extract air from the air deck unit.

Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.

Abstract: A system is installed in the subsurface to control the hydraulic gradient between the area within a containment system and the area outside the containment system, and provides an easy-to-maintain treatment system. Preferably, the treatment system includes a sufficiently sized conduit between the inside-area and the outside-area that is accessible via a manhole. This conduit can be filled with remedial material or other treatment equipment, the manhole-sized access providing a relatively easy means of providing, maintaining, and replacing this material and equipment. Because the conduit is appropriately sized, hydraulic pressures on either side of the open conduit can be expected to be substantially equal, thereby reducing the potential of leakage of contaminants caused by hydrostatic pressure. Gates and screens are provided on either side of the conduit, to facilitate flow control, with manhole accessways to facilitate maintenance of these gates and screens.

Abstract: According to the methods, a site is investigated for possible selective removal of sediment containing a contaminant. An adjusted contaminant concentration is calculated for sediment zones on the site. The site preferably contains a water course. A determination may be made as to whether the sediment zone needs remediation by comparing the adjusted contaminant concentration to a standard. The method may be at least partially implemented in a computer.

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: A method of amending an aquifer having at least one contaminant comprising the steps of: mixing a sorbent material with a carrier to form a slurry, the sorbent material having one dimension of at least 1 micron; and introducing the slurry into the aquifer in a dispersed fashion within a pore space of the aquifer to promote permanent attenuation of the aquifer.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a method and apparatus for recovering non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) from regions below ground where NAPL spills are sources of aquifer contamination. The apparatus includes a system to supply gas-supersaturated liquid, a system of ground wells in fluid communication with the contaminated ground water region (source of contamination) and with an above-ground NAPL recovery system, said system of wells including an injection well in fluid communication with the system to supply gas-supersaturated liquid and with the contaminated region below ground, an extraction well in fluid communication with the contaminated region below ground and with the NAPL recovery system, wherein the NAPL is in the gaseous phase or gas-mobilized non-volatile liquid phase or both, and a pump for delivering the gas-supersaturated liquid to the vicinity of the contaminated region below ground.

Abstract: Bioremediatory fungi, such as Trichoderma harzianum, which have been found to catabolise cyanide, are capable of detoxifying contaminated environmental areas in association with a suitable rhizosphere.

Abstract: A method for remediation of contaminants in soil and groundwater is disclosed. The method generates oxygen releasing solids in groundwater or soil by injecting an aqueous energetic oxidant solution containing free radicals, oxidative conditions can be created within or ahead of a contaminant plume. Some contaminants may be remediated directly by reaction with the free radicals. Additionally and more importantly, the free radicals create an oxidative condition whereby native or injected materials, especially metals, are converted to peroxides. These peroxides provide a long-term oxygen reservoir, releasing oxygen relatively slowly over time. The oxygen can enhance microbial metabolism to remediate contaminants, can react with contaminant metals either to form immobile precipitants or to mobilize other metals to permit remediation through leaching techniques. Various injection strategies for injecting the energetic oxidant solution are also disclosed.

Abstract: An EKG structure comprising geosynthetic material associated with at least one conducting element wherein the structure comprises at least one core element substantially enclosed by at least one sheath, one or both comprising the geosynthetic material; the use thereof as an electrode, a method for treating substrate with the EKG structure, the treated substance obtained thereby.

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: A method of treatment of a contaminated material contaminated with an organic compound. The method includes treating the contaminate with a bioremediation step followed by a chemical oxidation step. The bioremediation step includes contacting the contaminate with a microbial consortium under conditions suitable for the consortium to mediate solubilization or biodegradation of the organic compound or chemical oxidation products thereof. The subsequent chemical oxidation step includes treating the bioremediated contaminate with: a transition metal in soluble form; a chelator of the transition metal, to form a transition metal:chelator complex; an oxidizing agent that provides a reactive free radical in the presence of the transition metal complex; and a buffering compound to maintain the pH in a neutral range. The reactive free radical initiates a chemical reaction with the organic compound to produce reaction products of the organic compound.

Abstract: A method of removal of hydrocarbons from soils using solids-loaded polymer foam. A first step involves providing a solids-loaded polymer foam consisting of an open-celled polymer foam matrix with zeolite dispersed and bound throughout the foam matrix. A second step involves mixing soils containing hydrocarbons, solids-loaded polymer and water. It has been found that hydrocarbons are adsorbed by the solids-loaded polymer foam. The order of mixing can be altered to suit particular applications. A recovery step can be added to recover the hydrocarbons from the solids-loaded polymer foam.

Abstract: A remediation system comprises a primary scalping screen, a primary pump and sump, a large diameter maximum density separator with flocculant injection ring, a secondary pump and sump, a small diameter maximum density separator with flocculant injection ring, a static sieve screen, a flocculation sump, a vibrating screen, a dewatering device, a tertiary sump and pump, a secondary flocculation tank, and a pugmill. Screens move water and particulates through the components. In this manner larger particles are separated from smaller particles and the particles are further dewatered.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for remediating metal contaminants using hydrocarbons which stimulate the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria. The metal contaminants may include heavy metals such as arsenic, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, iron, manganese, magnesium, radium, nickel, selenium, silver, thallium and zinc. The hydrocarbon may include alkanes, alkenes, Aalkynes, poly(alkene)s, poly(alkyne)s, aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbon polymers and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Butane is a particularly suitable hydrocarbon which stimulates the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria. Remediation may occur in-situ or ex-situ, and may occur under aerobic, anaerobic or dual aerobic/anaerobic conditions. Examples of applications include the remediation of heavy metals, the remediation of arsenic impacted surface water, groundwater and/or soil, the remediation of acid mine drainage, and the treatment of spent metal plating solutions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of remedying contaminated soil comprises: providing microorganisms capable of degrading soil contaminants to contaminated soil, in which the microorganisms is supported on a carrier; and providing nutrients for the microorganisms to the contaminated soil on the condition that the nutrients can be gradually released, and a microorganism preparation for remedying soil.

Abstract: Apparatus for active in situ multi-element gas sparging for bioremediation or physico-chemical degration for removal of contaminants in a soil formation containing a subsurface groundwater aquifer or a substantially wet unsaturated zone, the multi-gas contained in bubbles, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of injection wells extending to a depth of a selected aquifer; introducing an oxidizing agent comprising ozone mixed with ambient air to provide a multi-element gas by means of microporous diffusers, without applying a vacuum for extraction of stripped products or biodegration by-products, wherein said diffusers form micro-fine bubbles containing said multi-element gas that oxidizes, by stripping and decomposition, chlorinated hydrocarbons from the aquifer and surrounding saturated soil formation into harmless by-products; also including a pump for agitating water in the well selecting microbubbles, injecting them into the aquifer and effective to alter the path of micro-fine bubbles through a poro

Abstract: A method and system for improved environmental remediation. A method comprising establishing an initial remediation protocol; applying at least one initial motive force according to the initial remediation protocol; monitoring the effect on the site resulting from the application of the at least one initial motive force; modifying the remediation protocol to improve the performance of the remediation using information gleaned from the monitoring of the site; applying at least one motive force according to the modified remediation protocol; and repeating monitoring, modifying, and applying in a more or less continuous fashion until the remediation is complete.

Abstract: Methods are provided for remediating contaminated soil. The methods may include collecting contaminated soil at a plurality of treatment sites. The contaminated soil at one or more of the plurality of treatment sites may be at least partially contained. Vapors produced from heating soil at one site may be used to heat contaminated soil at another site. A fluid directed to a portion of heated contaminated soil may accelerate heat transfer through the site of contaminated soil or through another site of contaminated soil. A method may include heating contaminated soil from more than one site at substantially the same time. Heating contaminated soil from more than one site at substantially the same time may include in situ and ex situ treatment at a common location.

Abstract: An in situ method of reducing concentrations of contaminates in contaminated soil, where contaminated soil positioned in a first horizontal location is in situ mixed with clean soil in vertical proximity to the contaminated soil. The mixed soil is blended under conditions and for a time sufficient to substantially homogenize the contaminants in the blended soil. The mixing and blending is then repeated for a second horizontal location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in situ purification of aquifers contaminated with ethers and/or alcohols using a bacterial culture, a method of delivering the culture to the subsurface, and an oxygen delivery system.

Abstract: Pollutants are extracted from sub-surface water using an aqueous solution of cyclodextrin and a vertical circulating well. Complexes of the pollutant and cyclodextrin are recovered from the bottom of the well. When the pollutant is volatile, the complexes are separated into pollutant and cyclodextrin by air stripping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in situ purification of aquifers contaminated with ethers and/or alcohols using a bacterial culture, a method of delivering the culture to the subsurface, and an oxygen delivery system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a reactor for the decontamination of ground water with the use of the vertical shaft technology from the well drilling technique, of the manufacture of horizontal filter wells and of reaction agents.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a contaminated material contaminated with an organic compound. The method includes treating the contaminate with a chemical oxidation step and a bioremediation step. The chemical oxidation step includes treating the contaminate with the following: a transition metal in soluble form in combination with an isolated chelator of the transition metal, to form a transition metal:chelator complex; an oxidizing agent that provides a reactive free radical in the presence of the transition metal complex; and a buffering compound; the pH being maintained in a neutral range. The method of treatment further includes treating the contaminate with a microbial consortium including at least two species prior to or after the chemical oxidation step to enhance the remediation process.

Abstract: A method and system for removing free phrase product from the surface of a subterranean body of water includes a plurality of extraction sites. The extraction sites extend below ground and intersect the free product. Each of the plurality of extraction sites is in communication with a vacuum supply which provides suction to remove free product from the surface of the groundwater.

Abstract: A process for removing pollutants from soil with the aid of a stripping gas which involves (a) injecting the stripping gas into the soil at the level of and/or under the pollutant, (b) volatilizing the pollutant with the stripping gas, so that it rises to the ground level above the pollutant, (c) collecting and further treatment of the volatilized pollutant, a pneumatic screen being provided in the soil along the circumference of the polluted area.

Abstract: A bioremediation method and system for destroying or reducing the level of contaminants in a contaminated subterranean body of water includes a plurality of injection sites. The injection sites extend below ground and intersect a body of groundwater. Each of the plurality of injection sites are in communication with a supply of concentrated oxygen. Each of the plurality of injection sites are also in communication with a supply of microbials. The oxygen is conveyed by a delivery mechanism from the supply of oxygen to the injection points. The microbials are also conveyed to the injection points to naturally reduce the contaminants in the groundwater.

Abstract: A process for reducing plant availability of heavy metals in substrates such as soils wherein the substrates treated with cross-linked polymethacrylates. The poly (meth)acrylates can be worked into the soils.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices and apparatus for bioremediation of mixed waste aquifers, based on a synergistic combination of reductive treatment using zero-valent iron and anaerobic biotransformations. Also disclosed are methods for in situ and ex situ remediation of groundwater and wastewater via these iron-bacterial compositions in a variety of devices including batch reactors, permeable and semipermeable reactive barriers, flow-through reactors, fluidized bed reactors, and sediment tanks.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a contaminated material contaminated with an organic compound is provided. The method includes treating the contaminate with a chemical oxidation step. The chemical oxidation step includes treating the contaminate with a transition metal in soluble form in combination with a chelator of the transition metal, to form a transition metal:chelator complex; an oxidizing agent that provides a reactive free radical in the presence of the transition metal complex; and a buffering compound; the pH being maintained in a neutral range. The method of treatment may further include treating the contaminate with biodegradation step prior to or after the chemical oxidation step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing pollutants from soil with the aid of a stripping gas which involves (a) injecting the stripping gas into the soil at the level of and/or under the pollutant, (b) volatilizing the pollutant with the stripping gas, so that it rises to the ground level above the pollutant, (c) collecting and further treatment of the volatilized pollutant, a pneumatic screen being provided in the soil along the circumference of the polluted area.

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 bioremediation method and system for destroying of reducing the level of contaminants in a contaminated subterranean body of water includes a plurality of spaced injection sites. The injection sites extend below ground and intersect a body of groundwater. Each of the plurality of injection sites are in communication with a supply of concentrated oxygen. The oxygen is conveyed by a delivery mechanism from the supply of oxygen to the injection points to naturally reduce the contaminants in the groundwater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in situ purification of aquifers contaminated with ethers and/or alcohols using a bacterial culture, a method of delivering the culture to the subsurface, and an oxygen delivery system.

Abstract: The method of treating hydrocarbon contamination, in soil, that includes providing and operating a rotary tiller having tilling elements that rotate into and out of the soil to till and loosen the soil, and to elevate soil upwardly so that loosened elevated soil then drops downwardly, and is aerated, and dispersing into the soil aqueous streams that contain microbes or chemicals characterized as reacting with hydrocarbon in the loosened soil to produce CO2 and water, thereby to decontaminate the soil.

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: 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 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 mixture of hydrocarbons with particulate rock and/or soil that is incapable of sustaining growth of erosion retarding plants can be converted to soil that is capable of sustaining such plant growth by blending the mixture with particulate biomass, and/or with particulate carbonates, hydroxides, and/or oxides of calcium and/or magnesium to produce a compostable aggregate and then exposing suitable piles of the compostable aggregate to the natural atmosphere for a sufficient time to cause the conversion of the aggregate to fertile soil.

Abstract: A method for remediating aquifers and groundwater contaminated, for example, by toxic halogenated organic compounds, certain inorganic compounds, and oxidized heavy metals and radionuclides, using the introduction of an innocuous oil, preferably an edible, food grade oil such as soybean oil, formulated into a microemulsion preferably by mixing with a natural food-grade emulsifier (such as lecithin) and water.

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: A method for remediating aquifers and groundwater contaminated, for example by toxic halogenated organic compounds, certain inorganic compounds, and oxidized heavy metals and radionuclides, using the introduction of an innocuous oil, preferably an edible, food grade oil such as soybean oil, formulated into a microemulsion preferably by mixing with a natural food-grade emulsifier (such as lecithin) and water.

Abstract: A method for remediating aquifers and groundwater contaminated, for example, by toxic halogenated organic compounds, certain inorganic compounds, and oxidized heavy metals and radionuclides, using the introduction of an innocuous oil, preferably an edible, food grade oil such as soybean oil, formulated into a microemulsion preferably by mixing with a natural food-grade emulsifier (such as lecithin) and water.