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: Contaminated liquids are treated by ozonation in a pressurized environment. Ozone is injected into a contaminated liquid to form a gas/liquid mixture. The mixture is injected into a mixing chamber for providing turbulent gas/liquid contact. The mixture is flowed from the mixing chamber into a pressurized reaction vessel. In an alternative embodiment, contaminated liquid is treated in situ using pressurized injection wells for injecting ozone-containing liquid.

Abstract: A method for pollutants using an iron-impregnated, carbon-coated silica sand with the iron containing between to and 16 percent silicon. The invention provides an improved method for performing remeditation of pollutants by dissolved metal reactions while minimizing interferences caused by oxide fouling from oxygen in the water or in the atmosphere. The invention further provides an inexpensive media with high surface area for adsorptive fixation and reductive treatment that yields higher than anticipated reaction kinetics utilizing only low concentrations of iron in the media.

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 cost-effective, long-term, permanent method for stabilizing chromium in a chromium-contaminated waste matrix characterized by high concentrations of alkaline material (such as lime) includes the steps of contacting a source of hexavalent chromium with a source of ferrous ions to produce ferric ions; oxidizing iron pyrite to produce ferrous sulfate and sulfuric acid; and contacting the alkaline chromium-contaminated particulate matter with the ferrous sulfate and the sulfuric acid for a time sufficient to convert ferrous sulfate into ferric sulfate and to reduce mobile hexavalent chromium to non-leachable trivalent chromium. The method is integrated in that ferrous sulfate produced by oxidizing iron pyrite serves as a source of ferrous ions in the first contacting step. Optionally, ferric ions can be generated in a side reactor and then used to produce ferrous ions. The ferrous ions can be used both to produce further ferric ions in the side reactor and to treat COPR waste.

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: 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: A method of treating soil contamination by forming one or more zones of oxidized material in the path of percolating groundwater is disclosed. The zone or barrier region is formed by delivering an oxidizing agent into the ground for reaction with an existing soil component. The oxidizing agent modifies the existing soil component creating the oxidized zone. Subsequently when soil contaminates migrate into the zone, the oxidized material is available to react with the contaminates and degrade them into benign products. The existing soil component can be an oxidizable mineral such as manganese, and the oxidizing agent can be ozone gas or hydrogen peroxide. Soil contaminates can be volatile organic compounds. Oxidized barriers can be used single or in combination with other barriers.

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 conduits. Each injection conduit extends below ground and intersects a body of groundwater. A plurality of bore holes are formed in which a plurality of injection conduits are disposed. Each of the injection conduits includes an injection site formed at an end thereof, which are to be located in the groundwater at predetermined locations and depths. The injection conduits and thus 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 sites.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for removing organic and inorganic contaminants from solid media such as drill cuttings, tank bottoms or contaminated soils. The process is conducted in at least one thermal screw conveyor which provides two or more separate temperature zones which can be operated as one or more of low temperature thermal desorption, high temperature thermal desorption and pyrolysis. Preferably the process is conducted in three interconnected thermal screw conveyors which each provide a separate temperature zone. The process is conducted such that the solid media in each of the temperature zones is held under a vacuum. Direct and indirect heating of the solid media in each of the temperature zones is provided. In the pyrolysis zone, an organic binder may be added to encapsulate inorganic contaminants such as metals.

Abstract: A system for the onsite storage, treatment and disposal of contaminated soils and sediments includes a trench that is excavated at the site. The trench is formed with a bottom surface that includes a sump reservoir and a sloped portion oriented to feed liquids into the sump reservoir. An impervious liner is positioned in the trench to prevent leakage into the surroundings. A sump system that includes the sump reservoir, drain tubes and geotextile netting is disposed in the trench to transfer fluids between the sump reservoir and the contaminated material. A geotextile filter sheet is positioned over the sump system allowing fluid transfer between the sump system and the contaminated material while preventing solids from entering the sump system. An access pipe allows fluids to be introduced into and withdrawn from the sump reservoir to accomplish various treatment methods including de-watering, vapor extraction, bioremediation, surfactant washing and solvent extraction.

Abstract: Methods for inducing the precipitation of substantially water insoluble mineral carbonates in pores, spaces and fractures by conveying a carbon-dioxide (ie. CO2) bearing gaseous phase or an oxidised-carbon-bearing aqueous phase into spaces where reaction with an existing or introduced fluid phase of appropriate composition occurs, or by conveying a fluid of appropriate composition into spaces where reaction of the fluid components with a fluid delivery medium occurs, or by conveying a fluid of appropriate composition into spaces under controlled physical conditions such that unassisted reaction of the fluid components occurs.

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: An object of the present invention is to provide a simple method which can efficiently convert dioxins and/or PCBs contained in liquid into unharmful substances. Such a method according to the present invention is by introducing a liquid containing dioxins and/or PCBs, and oxygen containing gas to a reactor in which catalystexists, and conducting wet-oxidation reaction under liquid phase condition of the introduced liquid. According to the present inventive method, a simple method which can efficiently extract dioxins, PCBs and/or component containing thereof, from soil may be provide by a method comprising of; contacting soil and/or ash containing dioxins and/or PCBs with a liquid. Further, the present invention provides a method for cleaning the unit used for decomposing or oxidizing dioxins and/or PCBs contained in liquid by introducing cleaning solution to the unit and conducting cleaning operation under liquid phase condition.

Abstract: A method is taught for converting metal contaminants in the soil to less toxic forms as well as permitting their removal from groundwater. A first reactive solution comprising ferrous sulfate and an acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is injected to decomplex contaminants and precipitate them as insoluble compounds. A second reactive solution comprising hydrogen peroxide, and an acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is then injected to destroy organic liquids and enhance decomplexation. The pH of the first solution may range from 3 to 5, and the pH of the second solution range from 3 to 7, preferably 5 to 7. The process is particularly effective where chromium compounds such as hexavalent chromium are the contaminants.

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 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 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 for stabilizing chromium in a chromium-contaminated waste matrix characterized by high concentrations of alkaline material (such as lime) includes the steps of contacting a source of hexavalent chromium with a source of ferrous ions to produce ferric ions; oxidizing iron pyrite to produce ferrous sulfate and sulfuric acid; and contacting the alkaline chromium-contaminated particulate matter with the ferrous sulfate and the sulfuric acid for a time sufficient to convert ferrous sulfate into ferric sulfate and to reduce mobile hexavalent chromium to non-leachable trivalent chromium. The method is integrated in that ferrous sulfate produced by oxidizing iron pyrite serves as a source of ferrous ions in the first contacting step.

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 novel method that promotes upward mobilization of dense nonaqueous-phase liquid contaminants. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: (1) injecting a treating agent (e.g., a polyaphron solution) comprising a light organic-phase fluid (e.g., kerosene, xylene, octane, hexane, etc.) into the Earth's subsurface, targeted within or adjacent to the dense contaminant source zone; and (2) injecting a post-flush agent comprising a polyvalent cation (e.g., Al3+, Fe3+, etc.), or similar species, once the treating agent is displaced throughout the source zone. The treating agent converts the contaminant to a density less than the density of groundwater by inducing in-situ mixing. The post-flush agent destabilizes the polyaphrons thus allowing the contaminant and the treating agent to mix.

Abstract: A method for the remediation of contaminated soil directly and effectively removes the contaminants such as organic halides from the contaminated soil, using remediation agents for soil. In more detail, the agents include a slurry of fine iron particles in which the fine iron particles having average particle size less than 10 &mgr;m are dispersed in water; and an aqueous suspended liquid that contains fine iron particles having average particle size less of 1 to 200 &mgr;m and a hydrophilic binder; and these agents are employable for the method for the remediation of contaminated soil.

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: 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: Coated metal peroxides, their preparation and use, in which metal peroxides are coated with silicone compounds from selected from the group siliconates, hydrogen-polysiloxanes, siloxanes, silicone resin emulsions, silane/siloxane emulsions, silane/siloxane mixtures, silicone microemulsion concentrates, and silicic acid ester mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention describes heap and in-situ remediation to treat soil contaminated with one or more halogenated organic compounds by reacting the soil with a combination of metallic iron and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method of quickly decomposing and removing an organic chlorine compound, which comprises coating a liquid containing an organic chlorine compound on the surface of a photocatalyst so that the liquid does not flow, said photocatalyst comprising a hollandite-type crystal phase represented by the formula: AxMyN8-yO16 (wherein A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Ba and Na, M is a bivalent or trivalent metal element, N is an element which forms a rutile-type oxide, such as Ti, Sn or Mn, provided that A may be a Na element, only when M is Cr, and x and y satisfy 0.7<x≦2.0 and 0.7<y≦2.0, respectively), followed by irradiation with light in air so that the organic chlorine compound undergoes quick and complete oxidative destruction.

Abstract: An apparatus for high volume in-situ treatment of contaminated soil is a mobile vehicle with a chain trenching tool an excavator drums attached to the idler wheel to extend the width of soil cutting and increase the volume of soil being churned and treated in-situ. The drums may be arranged both for clock-wise and counter clock-wise rotation, and oriented to provide vertical lifting and swirling of the soil. The apparatus may include a hood disposed over the cutting drums to define a remediation chamber with ports for injecting high temperature air or chemical or biological remediation fluid into the soil. In a preferred embodiment, the hood has internal partitions that create a vapor recovery chamber outboard of the drums.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing arsenic in a waste matrix includes the steps of combining with the waste matrix an agent for controlling the oxidation-reduction potential of the matrix, an agent for controlling the pH of the matrix and an agent for adsorbing or coprecipitating the arsenic in the matrix.

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 polymer-micelle complex is disclosed. The polymer-micelle complex includes a micelle having a negative charge. The negatively charged micelle is bound electrostatically to a polymer bearing a positive charge. The complex can be in turn electrostatically bound to a siliceous material so that the complex is immobilized on the siliceous material. In addition, a composition comprising a negatively charged micelle, a positively charged polymer, and an aqueous carrier is disclosed. The aqueous carrier can exhibit salinity. In the composition, the micelle and polymer can electrostatically interact so as to form a polymer-micelle complex (which can either be soluble in the aqueous carrier or in the form of a precipitate or coacervate), or, alternatively, the polymer and micelle can remain separate such that a complex is not formed therebetween.

Abstract: A machine for continuously removing and packaging contaminated surface soil from sites, such as nuclear test areas, as the machine moves along a path of travel. The machine includes an auger-type scarfing unit for removing an upper layer of surface soil and directing the soil airborne into a chamber substantially enclosed to the outside environment, a soil separation and first bagging station including a cyclone generator for pneumatically receiving an air stream of soil removed by the scarfing unit and separating soil from the air stream for containment in bags which are periodically discarded from the machine, a filter and second bagging station for filtering remaining particulate matter from the air stream for containment in disposable bags, and a final filter station for removing substantially all remaining particulate matter from the air stream prior to discharge to the environment.

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: 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: An apparatus and method are provided for treating base materials, such as ore of a leach pad in a precious metal mining operation. A tilling head of the apparatus includes a cutter having a cutting face for engaging and loosening compacted base materials. The tilling head is extended into the base material down to a tilling depth so that the cutter moves loosened base material up and over the top of the tiller apparatus before depositing it in a pile opposite the cutting face. The loosened base material is deposited a distance from the tilling head that is sufficient to create a void between the tilling head and the pile that extends down to the tilling depth to prevent the loosened base material from being disturbed by the tilling head. The tilling head can be positioned so that the cutting face undercuts the base material to thereby assist the cutter in moving the loosened base material and increase the distance between the tilling head and the pile.

Abstract: The remediation treatment creates environmentally neutral species from hydrocarbon contaminants. For soils having a low porosity, fissures are created in the site by, for example, fluid, i.e., hydraulic or pneumatic, fracturing. A catalyst is injected into the site and is permitted to diffuse through the site. An oxidizing agent is then introduced into the site to release a free radical in a Fenton-type reaction. The compounds react to release a free radical, which acts upon the contaminants to form environmentally neutral species. Diffusion of both compounds is aided by turbulence induced in the groundwater. A pH-adjusting compound is added to optimize reaction conditions. Reaction vapors are collected above ground, filtered, and vented to the atmosphere, reducing the chance for gas pressure buildup and possibly dangerous, potentially explosive conditions.

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 bioremediation method and system for destroying or 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 rotatable tiller apparatus for use in mixing soils in situ, including: (a) a vertically oriented rotatable drive shaft, connected to and driven by a motor external to the apparatus; (b) a drive assembly connected to the drive shaft; (c) at least two vertically oriented, rotatable cutting shafts connected to the drive shaft through the drive assembly and at least one support plate; (d) a sprocket assembly within the drive assembly connected to the drive shaft, the sprocket assembly comprising at least one rotatable sprocket for each cutting shaft; (e) a means of rotating the sprockets in a direction counter to the rotation of the drive shaft, the means being driven by the motor, the sprockets being rotatable in the same direction and at the same speed as one another; and (f) at least two tine assemblies arranged vertically in tandem along each of the cutting shafts, each tine assembly including at least one tine with at least one blade at its end.

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds are removed from contaminated soil by introducing one or both of a water soluble peroxygen compound, such as a persulfate, and a permanganate into the soil, either in situ or ex situ, in amounts and under conditions wherein both the soil oxidant demand is satisfied and volatile organic compounds in the soil are oxidized. In a preferred embodiment, when both are used, the peroxygen satisfies the soil oxidant demand and the permanganate oxidizes the volatile organic compounds. Sodium persulfate is the preferred persulfate and potassium permanganate is preferred permanganate. The persulfate and the permanganate may be added to the soil sequentially, or may be mixed together and added as an aqueous solution.

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 oxidizing organic pollutants in a solution comprises chelating a catalytic metal with cyclodextrins (CD) and/or derivatized cyclodextrins (dCD), and simultaneously complexing an organic pollutant with cyclodextrins (CD) and/or derivatized cyclodextrins (dCD). The CD or dCD is capable of removing the pollutant from sorption sites (either in solution, in soil/sediment, or on surfaces). Furthermore, the CD/dCD is also capable of competing with other metal chelators that may be present in the system. The ability of the CD/dCD to bind both the pollutant and the metal in the presence of competing binding sites is essential for the success of the technique.

Abstract: A reagent delivery method includes positioning reagent delivery tubes in contact with soil. The tubes can include a wall that is permeable to a soil-modifying reagent. The method further includes supplying the reagent in the tubes, diffusing the reagent through the permeable wall and into the soil, and chemically modifying a selected component of the soil using the reagent. The tubes can be in subsurface contact with soil, including groundwater, and can be placed with directional drilling equipment independent of groundwater well casings. The soil-modifying reagent includes a variety of gases, liquids, colloids, and adsorbents that may be reactive or non-reactive with soil components. The method may be used inter alia to form reactive barriers, control pests, and enhance soil nutrients for microbes and plants.

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: Method and apparatus for the disinfection of soil. Flames are generated into the soil, at the desired depth and at predetermined distances between them, so as to produce a relatively uniform heating of the soil. The flames are displaced within the soil along desired trajectories to cover any desired agricultural area. Narrow trenches, such as narrow clefts created in already plowed soil, are created in the soil and the flames are advanced along the trenches concurrently with them. The flames may be produced by igniting streams of liquid or gaseous fuel that are continuously fed to the desired depth in the soil.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for decreasing the bioavailability of metals in soil are provided. Broadly, the methods comprise mixing a source of phosphorus and an oxide of manganese with the contaminated soil so as to reduce the metal bioavailability in the soil. The phosphorus source and oxide of manganese can be individually mixed with the soil, or can be provided as a premix powder or granule to be mixed with the contaminated soil. Preferably, the pH of the soil is then adjusted to, and maintained at, a level of at least about 7.0. Preferred phosphorus sources include phosphate rock, alkali and alkaline earth metal phosphates, ammonium phosphates, ammonium orthophosphates, orthophosphoric acid, and superphosphates. Preferred oxides of manganese include MnO2, Mn3O4, birnessite, cryptomelane, and psilomelanes.

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: A material and method for removal of environmental oxyanions (and especially phosphates), the material comprising a substrate such as a clay modified with complexing elements selected from Group IIIB, Group IVB, and lanthanide elements (or a mixture of such elements). The resultant modified substrate can bind oxyanions and make them unavailable for utilisation in the environment; in the case of phosphates, by algae and the like. The method includes forming a capping of material at the sediment/water interface, applying the material in the form of pellets at the sediment/water interface, or injecting the pellets into the sediment.