Abstract: A method for increasing the pH of subsurface material, contaminated with organic and inorganic compounds is disclosed. The pH is increased by introducing a solid alkaline material formulated into a suspension where particle size, surface charge and degree of flocculation are controlled to enhance transport and distribution throughout the treatment zone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the removal of petroleum hydrocarbon and toxic constitutes from contaminated soils and sediment. The method comprises the removal of contaminated materials from soils and performs bioremediation for the removed contaminated materials in an efficient mode. The remained contaminated materials in the soils are biologically stabilized to allow microorganisms to grow and to consume the remained contaminated materials in the soils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of using 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. The present invention is focused on remediation of high viscosity hydrocarbons, such as heating oils or coal tars, with a combination of pre-injection of bio-co-solvent and surfactant (and polymer) flush approach.

Abstract: A method of treating a solid matrix containing organic contaminants is provided. The method comprises the steps of a) injecting ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the pulse duration; b) interrupting the injection of ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the gap duration; and c) repeating step a) at least one additional time. Gap durations of from about 2 hours to about 48 hours are disclosed. Pulse durations of from about 0.25 hours to about 8 hours are also disclosed. Recalcitrant organic contaminants are treated.

Abstract: A system and method for the in-situ removal or remediation of contaminants in a soil formation containing a subsurface groundwater aquifer, the method comprising the steps of: injecting a first oxidant into the aquifer at an injection point to create a volume of influence of the first oxidant in the aquifer thereby treating the contaminants contained within the volume of influence; and injecting a compressed gas into the aquifer to increase the size of the volume of influence of the first oxidant. The injection of the compressed gas into the aquifer can also force the groundwater in the aquifer away from the injection point into a surrounding area to transport the first oxidant into the surrounding area thereby extracting contaminants from soil adjacent to the surrounding area.

Abstract: A process for treating contaminants present in subsurface source zones comprises in situ admixing of contaminated media, chemical oxidants and stabilizing agents using known soil-mixing techniques. A grout for treating contaminants present in soil comprises chemical oxidants and stabilizing agents.

Abstract: A novel method of degrading, sequestering and/or immobilizing chemical contaminants in soil, sediment, or water is provided. The method comprises the addition of a sufficient amount of permanganate modified with a sufficient amount of an activator so as to destroy, sequester, and/or immobilize a detectable amount of the contaminants. In one aspect of the present invention, the permanganate and activator form a barrier or coating, composed of manganese oxides and components of the activator(s) that at least partially encapsulates a portion of the contaminant to minimize or prevent migration and/or dissolution of the contaminant. This encapsulation occurs via physical encrustation. The in situ remediation reagents of the present invention can be added to many contaminated environments including soil, sediment, rock, clay, water/groundwater and/or non-aqueous phase liquids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus and system for the remediation of contaminated soils, groundwater and water. A combination of reagents such as persulfate and ozone or persulfate, ozone and hydrogen peroxide may be used to enhance destruction of organic contaminants. Reagents may be injected into the smear zone to trap and destroy volatile compounds that may otherwise escape treatment.

Abstract: A method and composition are described for improving recovery of oil from an oil reservoir. The method includes adding an effective amount of a fatty acid alkyl ester oil recovery composition to an oil reservoir and recovering oil from the reservoir. The composition may include in predominant proportion a fatty acid alkyl ester as well as effective concentrations of a surfactant, a colloid, and an acid. One exemplary composition includes 96% soy methyl ester, 3% surfactant, and 1% vinegar.

Abstract: Methods of treating ground water and methods for reducing contaminants (e.g., chlorinated compounds in contaminated ground water) to harmless compounds in the presence of an elemental metal treatment composition. Said methods comprise injecting a treatment solution comprising a colloidal suspension of elemental metal particles (e.g., iron, a tin, a zinc, a palladium and mixtures thereof) having a nanoscale particle size and a carbohydrate in an organic liquid (e.g., dodecane, butyl acetate and polypropylene glycol ethyl ether acetate and mixtures thereof) into the ground, proximate to the contaminated ground water.

Abstract: An improved process is described for the removal of organic pollutants from soil by extraction with a lipophylic solvent, wherein the improvement consists in the fact that the purified soil is treated with water to remove the residual solvent. This process allows the residual solvent to be completely removed from the purified soil enabling it to be re-inserted into the environment, with a low energy consumption and a greater guarante of safety in the running of the plant.

Abstract: Devices, such as solid supports having metal binding proteins, such as metallothionein proteins, bound thereto are disclosed for removing metals from substrates in need of having such metals removed therefrom. Specifically membranes having metallothionein proteins from the brine shrimp Artemia are disclosed for removing metals from liquid substrates. Associated methods for removing metals from substrates using metallothionein proteins are also disclosed.

Abstract: Emulsified systems of a surfactant-stabilized, biodegradable water-in-solvent emulsion with bimetallic particles contained with the emulsion droplets are useful at removing PCBs from ex situ structures. The hydrophobic emulsion system draws PCBs through the solvent/surfactant membrane. Once inside the membrane, the PCBs diffuse into the bimetallic particles and undergo degradation. The PCBs continue to enter, diffuse, degrade, and biphenyl will exit the particle maintaining a concentration gradient across the membrane and maintaining a driving force of the reaction.

Abstract: A method of treating contaminants in soil and/or groundwater including adding a source of a peroxide and ozone to the in situ environment in amounts capable of producing reactive species sufficient to oxidize at least one of the contaminants without acidification of the environment.

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: A bioremediation of subsurface soil formations contaminated with hazardous wastes is achieved by hydraulic fracturing of the subsurface soil formation with simultaneous introduction of sodium percarbonate coated with polyvinylidene chloride as a solid oxygen source (SOS) for establishing colonies of the biodegrading bacteria within the fractures of the soil formation.

Abstract: A diffuser useful for sparging to remove contaminant in situ is described. The diffuser includes a first elongated member having a sidewall with a first portion of the length of the sidewall being microporous, and a second portion of the length of the sidewall having well screen sized openings with the first elongated member defining an interior hollow portion of the diffuser, a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said second member being disposed through the hollow region of said first member and a third elongated member having a third sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said third member being disposed coaxial with the first and second members. An end cap is disposed to seal a first end of the third elongated member, and being in contact with the second elongated member forms a chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the remediation of contaminated water, soils and/or sediments. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more conduits for injection of hydrogen peroxide and ozone based reagents.

Abstract: A method for treating a subsurface formation with a ferrous compound, to reduce a contaminant therein, involves introducing into the subsurface formation a ferrous compound in combination with sodium hydrosulfite in an amount sufficient to substantially prevent precipitation, during the introducing, of a major portion of the ferrous compound. The method was found to be useful in the reduction of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium at a Superfund site.

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: Metal binding proteins, associated compositions and methods for their production and use are disclosed. The metal binding proteins include have amino acid sequences analogous to at least one metal binding protein, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof from a brine shrimp (Artemia). Also provided are the associated nucleic acid sequences encoding metal binding proteins.

Abstract: Stable dispersions of zero-valent iron particles are produced by milling of micro- and nano-scale iron particles (colloids) in the presence of a dispersant or dispersants.

Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. In one embodiment, heat from one or more heaters may be provided to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to at least a part of the formation. In certain embodiments, the heat from the one or more heaters may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In an embodiment, a first fluid may be introduced into at least a portion of the formation. The portion may have previously undergone an in situ conversion process. A mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid may be produced from the formation. Such mixture may, in some embodiments, be treated or burned.

Abstract: A method for removing volatile and semi-volatile contaminants from groundwater in which the contaminants are stripped from the groundwater by sparging with an inert carrier gas and the stripped contaminants are transported into a bioactive zone into which at least one gaseous oxidant and at least one nutrient are independently injected, thereby stimulating at least one microbial culture associated with the bioactive zone to remove the stripped contaminants from the bioactive zone. By decoupling the sparging of the groundwater from the introduction of oxidants and nutrient feed gases into the bioventing bioactive zone of the subsurface, the oxygen and nutrient inputs to the bioactive zone can be adjusted (or carbureted) and controlled independently from the hydrocarbon input to the bioactive zone to achieve good kinetic performance in the bioactive zone while avoiding the problems of plugging of groundwater sparging due to biofilm and precipitate formation.

Abstract: A method of decreasing nitrate nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in soil and groundwater by burying a fatty acid having 10 or more carbon atoms, an alcohol having 12 or more carbon atoms, an ester of a linear saturated fatty acid having 14 or more carbon atoms and a monohydric alcohol, an ester of a linear saturated fatty acid having 14 or more carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol, an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and glycerine, and the like in soil containing nitrate nitrogen and volatile organic compounds or by contacting groundwater with same. This method allows for on site treatment, high biological denitrification and a decrease in volatile organic compounds secondary pollution by the release of organic matter and nitrogen into the environment.

Abstract: A method for removing metal contaminants from water uses lignin derivatives, such as lignosulfonates and kraft lignin, a coagulant, such as a metal salt, and a pH-increasing composition. The lignin derivative is dispersed in the contaminated water, the coagulant is added and the pH is adjusted as required to cause flocculation. A sludge is formed that contains the metals and that is separated from the treated water by filtration. Related methods are used to reduce the leachable metal content of contaminated soils. The invention also provides a composition for stabilizing the metal contaminants in soil, comprising lignin derivatives, a coagulant and a composition for increasing the pH. The mixture is blended with the contaminated soil, reducing its leachable metal content.

Abstract: My invention provides an oxidizing solution and process for the in situ oxidation of contaminants, including hydrocarbon, organic, bacterial, phosphonic acid, and other contaminants, the contaminants being found in various surfaces and media, including soil, sludge, and water. In a preferred embodiment, the solution includes a peroxygen compound, such as hydrogen peroxide, in solution with a pre-mixed solution of a carboxylic acid and a halogen salt, such as glycolic acid and sodium bromide, respectively.

Abstract: A sparging system for in-situ groundwater remediation for removal of contamination including dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons and dissolved hydrocarbon petroleum products including the use in injection wells of microfine bubble generators, matched to substrates of selected aquifer regions, for injection and distribution of said bubbles containing oxidizing gas through said aquifer and to selectively encapsulating gases including oxygen and ozone in duo-gas bubbles which, in the presence of co-reactant substrate material acting as a catalyst, are effective to encourage biodegradation of leachate plumes which contain biodegradable organics, or Criegee decomposition of leachate plumes containing dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Soil binding and revegetation compositions useful for stabilizing soil and promoting vegetation or revegetation of soil comprise water, an endosperm, an iron compound, a strong base, and a fibrous material comprising at least two different types of fibers. The endosperm comprises the carbohydrate and protein portions of grains, seeds, or tubers. The strong base is reacted with the endosperm in the presence of water added in order to ionize the carbohydrate and protein of the endosperm and render them more soluble or dispersible in water. The iron compound promotes an electrochemical reaction that assists in the formation of a silicate crystal matrix when applied to soil. The fibrous material comprises at least two different types of fibers that promote adhesion to soil and soften and nourish the soil in order to promote the emergence of plant life and/or seed germination. Seeds may optionally be added to further promote vegetation or revegetation of denuded soils.

Abstract: A method for treating (in situ) large bodies of water contaminated with heavy metals and having varying density stratas to immobilize the contaminant metals is disclosed. The method, or process for (in situ) immobilization of metals is focused on treating large bodies of water having metals therein that are also adjacent a border of soil or earthen materials in an attempt to immobilize the metals from penetrating through the soil. The method is also able to treat the soil water boundary within the pit lake to provide additional immobilization. The pit lakes can include open pit lakes, subterranean mine lakes, flowing streams and the like. The method is also able to treat an abandoned mine prior to the filling of the mine with water. Initially, the density mean of the body of water is determined, which is densest typical at regions at or approaching 4 degrees C.

Abstract: A zero-valent metal emulsion containing zero-valent metal particles is used to remediate contaminated natural resources, such as groundwater and soil. In a preferred embodiment, the zero-valent metal emulsion removes heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), from contaminated natural resources. In another preferred embodiment, the zero-valent metal emulsion is a bimetallic emulsion containing zero-valent metal particles doped with a catalytic metal to remediate halogenated aromatic compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), from natural resources.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: An injection vessel for injecting liquid amendment into contaminated subsurface sediment in ecologically sensitive areas such as shallow water salt marshes, tidal flats, or fresh water wetlands is disclosed. The injection vessel described herein includes a shallow-draft floating platform that has an injection system mounted thereon. The injection system includes an injection grid containing a plurality of injection syringes that receive liquid amendment from a metering pump. The injection grid is lowered such that the output of the injection syringes is within the contaminated sediment. The metering pump provides the liquid amendment to the injection syringes and a fluid path is established that injects the liquid amendment into the contaminated sediment. A propulsion system mounted on the floating platform provides for locomotive and maneuvering power.

Abstract: A method for neutralizing in situ pore water associated with a subsurface waste material body, the pore water having a pH of less than 2, the method includes the steps of adding a non-carbonate alkali to the pore water to produce a pH-modified acidic pore water having a pH between about 4 and about 5; and adding a carbonate alkali to the pH-modified pore water in an amount sufficient to raise the pore water pH to between about 6 and about 8.

Abstract: The invention provides repeated sequential stages of chemical and biological treatment to meet soil and/or groundwater treatment goals. Chemical treatment is undertaken to directly destroy a portion of the contaminants via oxidation, with such chemical treatment occurring in discrete injection events. Near the completion of an injection event, the remedial additive concentrations or delivery rates are increased. During or subsequent to the chemical treatment event, beneficial nutrients and additional microbial populations are added to the soil and or groundwater based upon field or laboratory testing and calculated optimal concentrations.

Abstract: A groundwater treatment system, which includes subterranean inlet, treatment, and outlet portions. The inlet portion is configured to collect groundwater from an aquifer. The treatment portion includes a replaceable treatment media and is configured to receive the groundwater from the inlet portion and expose the groundwater to the treatment media. The outlet portion is configured to receive groundwater from the treatment portion and expel the groundwater to the aquifer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, composition and apparatus for stabilizing mercury and other heavy metals present in a particulate material such that the metals will not leach from the particulate material. The method generally involves the application of a metal reagent, a sulfur-containing compound, and the addition of oxygen to the particulate material, either through agitation, sparging or the addition of an oxygen-containing compound.

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: Particle binding compositions useful for stabilizing soil and other particles comprise water, an endosperm, an iron compound, a strong base, and a pH adjustor. The endosperm comprises the carbohydrate and protein portions of grains, seeds, or tubers. The strong base is reacted with the endosperm in the presence of water added in order to ionize the carbohydrate and protein of the endosperm and render them more soluble or dispersible in water. The iron compound promotes an electrochemical reaction that assists in the formation of a silicate crystal matrix when applied to soil. The pH adjustor lowers the pH of the composition, which improves handling ability and renders the composition more compatible with soil. Optional components such as fibrous materials and/or seeds can be added to promote vegetation or revegetation of denuded soils.

Abstract: A method is provided for stabilizing toxic materials in a waste matrix and in the pore water of the waste matrix. The method includes the steps of combining with the waste matrix (and pore water) an agent for controlling the oxidation-reduction potential of the matrix/water, an agent for controlling the pH of matrix/water, and an agent for adsorbing or coprecipitating the toxic material in the matrix/water.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating soil and ground water containing organic contaminants and divalent metal compounds. It comprises the steps of first treating such soils and ground water with an effective amount an aqueous solution containing a peroxide and a water soluble chelating agent for a time sufficient to have the water soluble chelating agent chelate at least one of the divalent metals of the divalent metal compounds present in the soil and ground water. Next, the chelated metals are brought into contact with the peroxide to catalytically convert the peroxide to an oxidizing agent. Finally, the last step is contacting the organic contaminants in the soil and ground water with the oxidizing agent to oxidize the organic contaminants to environmentally safe, non-toxic compounds.

Abstract: An in situ process for treating ambient solid materials (e.g., soils, aquifer solids, sludges) by adding one or more divalent metal cations to the ambient solid material. The added divalent metal cations, such as Cu2+ or Zn2+, combine with metal oxide/hydroxides (e.g., ferric oxide/hydroxide or aluminum oxide/hydroxide) already present in the ambient solid material to form an effective sorbent material having a large number of positively-charged surface complexes that binds and immobilizes anionic contaminant species (e.g., arsenic or chromate). Divalent metal cations can be added, for example, by injecting an aqueous solution of CuSO4 into an aquifer contaminated with arsenic or chromate. Also, sludges can be stabilized against leaching of anionic contaminants through the addition of divalent metal cations. Also, an inexpensive sorbent material can be easily formed by mixing divalent metal cations with soil that has been removed from the ground.

Abstract: A sparging system for in-situ groundwater remediation for removal of contamination including dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons and dissolved hydrocarbon petroleum products including the use in injection wells of microfine bubble generators, matched to substrates of selected aquifer regions, for injection and distribution of said bubbles containing oxidizing gas through said aquifer and to selectively encapsulating gases including oxygen and ozone in duo-gas bubbles which, in the presence of co-reactant substrate material acting as a catalyst, are effective to encourage biodegradation of leachate plumes which contain biodegradable organics, or Criegee decomposition of leachate plumes containing dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons.

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: 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 preferred method of soil remediation in which contaminant organic compounds are removed from soil by a sequential process in which the bulk of natural and contaminant organic compounds are stripped from the soil by hot air injection, followed by applying a strong oxidizing agent, preferably a permanganate, to reduce residual organic contaminant concentration to acceptable levels. Hot air is injected into the soil as it is being churned by the soil mixing device, preferably a chain trencher, to strip off organic compounds. The vapors may be collected through a vacuum hood disposed over the soil mixing device. When the thermal stripping has reduced the bulk hydrocarbon content of the soil (and thus reduced the oxidant demand), an effective amount of permanganate or other strong oxidizing agent is mixed into the soil to reduce the residual organic contaminants. Hot air can also be injected into the soil as or after the oxidizing agent is introduced to accelerate the oxidation rate.

Abstract: A method of oxidizing organic and inorganic contaminants in soil, sludge, groundwater, and wastewater having the steps of providing an aqueous solution of persulfate anions, catalyzing them with chelated transition metals, thereby producing free radicals for oxidizing the contaminated material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the in-situ bioremediation of aquifers contaminated with chemicals by delivering a chemical degrading bacterial culture using a bacterial slurry delivery apparatus, which is designed to prevent backflow of soil and clogging of the apparatus, and a networked oxygen delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile, in situ applicator system and method for remediating contaminated soils at a site without the removal of those soils. The applicator system comprises a vehicle, preferably a chemical treatment vehicle used in the oil and gas industry, and fluid dispensing components comprising a tank, hose, and pump for the application to contaminated sites.

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.