Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for cleaning surfaces and/or for detecting organic substances in a solution or on a surface, comprising a) at least one salt of the permanganic acid, ferric acid and/or chromic acid, b) at least one organic phosphonate and c) at least one persulphate, wherein the at least one organic phosphonate has a general formula (I) wherein R1 is an organic moiety, X1 is OH or OM1 and X2 is OH or OM2, wherein M1 and M2 represent an alkali metal ion or ammonium ion, wherein the organic moiety R1 is a mono-substituted or multiple-substituted or unsubstituted C1-C12 alkyl moiety, C3-C10 cycloalkyl moiety or C6-C14 aryl moiety, wherein the organic moiety may be attached to 1 to 3 further phosphonate groups of the general formula (I).

Abstract: A method for increasing water permeability, improving soil structure, and enhanced plant growth in a fire affected soil by sampling a previously fire affected and non-affected soil in the same area as the fire affected soil. The method includes determining the correct microbes or enzymes to be applied to the fire affected soil is based on the sampling of the previously fire affected soil and the non-fire affected soil. Also, the method includes applying the correct microbes or enzymes to the fire affected soil for accelerated plant growth. Further, the sampling of the previously fire affected soil includes determining what are the best types of organisms present and associated with heat-condensed organic layers or heat induced hydrophobicity.

Abstract: A system for injecting expanding resins into soils to be consolidated, includes a pump apparatus which is operationally associated, at a delivery port, with a tubular element which can be inserted into a respective hole defined in the soil to be consolidated and is adapted to send to the tubular element a mixture at a preset supply pressure. The tubular element has a number of holes, at least two of the holes including respective calibrated holes.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods relating to functionalized sands or soils.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for reducing lost circulation in a wellbore comprise inserting a conduit comprising a first and second end and an outer diameter and an inner diameter into the wellbore, and pumping a thixotropic cement slurry, wherein the thixotropic cement slurry will increase in viscosity with no shear and decrease in viscosity with shear, and have a power law exponent value of less than or equal to 0.3 when the thixotropic cement slurry has a density of greater than 12.69 pounds per gallon, through the conduit into the wellbore, in which the thixotropic cement slurry comprises at least one cement, at least one viscosifier, mix water, and one or more than one strength accelerating additives. The method further comprises allowing the thixotropic cement slurry to harden in the wellbore to create a plug, removing the conduit from the wellbore, and reducing lost circulation via the plug in the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the localized irrigation of crops or planted areas whereby at least one water-soluble polymer having a molecular weight between 10,000 and 500,000 Da and containing at least one acrylamide or methacrylamide monomer is injected into the irrigation water intended for supplying a stationary localized irrigation device.

Abstract: The present invention describes a plant growth and soil enhancement formulation, and method of using said formulation for enhanced plant growth and soil enrichment, comprising generally an organic substance such as humus and at least one mineral, preferably a bedrock material known as Geza.

Abstract: A method of preventing soil erosion in, among areas, seaside locations, includes drilling holes in the ground and filling the holes with a mixture of the soil and gelatin, and then curing the mixture in situ to form a barrier against soil erosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved bentonite barrier compositions having enhanced low permeability over time in containment applications. Of the many embodiments provided herein, one embodiment includes a method comprising: providing a bentonite barrier composition comprising: bentonite; and a polyanionic low molecular weight polymer; and forming a containment using the bentonite barrier composition to provide at least partial separation for a containment from its environment.

Abstract: A gas containment system can include a gas barrier layer forming a capsule. The gas barrier layer can be made up of a particulate swelling clay, a non-swelling particulate material mixed with the particulate swelling clay, water, and a water-soluble polyol. The water can hydrate the particulate swelling clay and form a continuous liquid phase in the gas barrier layer. The water-soluble polyol can be dissolved in the water. The gas containment system can further include a gas retained inside the capsule.

Abstract: Soil erosion in, among other areas, seaside locations, is prevented by the steps of: drilling holes in the ground; filling these holes with a mixture of the soil and gelatin, then curing the mixture in situ to form a barrier against soil erosion. The holes form stabilization walls and are placed seaside to a structure to be protected from erosion.

Abstract: The invention features a composition comprising a self-healing interpenetrating network hydrogel comprising a first network and a second network. The first network comprises covalent crosslinks and the second network comprises ionic or physical crosslinks. For example, the first network comprises a polyacrylamide polymer and second network comprises an alginate polymer.

Abstract: Described herein are tools, systems and methods for conditioning, strengthening and/or improving in situ soil geotechnical or agricultural properties while at least temporarily reducing soil density, energy requirements and tool wear.

Abstract: The gelling agent for water shut-off in oil and gas wells is a composition that forms a gel to reduce or eliminate the flow of water in a gas or oil well. The composition is formed by mixing polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or mixtures thereof with an amino-aldehyde oligomer, such as urea formaldehyde or melamine formaldehyde, with or without a cross-linker. The polymer composition can be used to minimize or completely shut off excess water production with insignificant reduction in hydrocarbon productivity.

Abstract: Surface treatment compositions and their methods of preparation. Such surface treatment compositions can comprise a solid cross-linking agent and a water-soluble polymer. Such solid cross-linking agent can include a plurality of dialdehyde residues, and the water-soluble polymer can include a plurality of pendant groups capable of covalently bonding with the solid cross-linking agent. The surface treatment compositions can further comprise a fibrous material. Applications for such surface treatment compositions include soil erosion prevention, dust control, and landfill cover.

Abstract: Disclosed are soil additives capable of hydrophilizing soil particles and/or increase available water capacity in soil. The soil additive are capable of increasing the available water content/capacity (AWC) in soils, the additive in one embodiment comprising a polymer composition having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion, wherein the hydrophobic portion of the copolymer binds with the soil particle surface and the hydrophilic portion of the copolymer can bind with water. This results in the prevention, arrest or decelerated loss of water from the targeted area, for example the plant root zone, which allows for improved water usage efficiency by plants, grasses, vegetation, etc.

Abstract: An anaerobic digester is fed a feedstock, for example sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, and produces a digestate. The digestate is dewatered into a cake. The cake may be dried further, for example in a thermal drier. The cake is treated in a pyrolysis system to produce a synthesis gas and biochar. The gas is sent to the same or another digester to increase its methane production. The char may be used as a soil enhancer.

Abstract: Method of use of at least one polyamine compound selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine: triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylengentemine (TEPA). pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA), hexaethyieneheptamine and heptaethyleneoctamine sticking decreasing additive for soil with a day mineral content o more than 10% by weight.

Abstract: A method of treating an earth formation that includes introducing at least one blocked isocyanate in a liquid phase into the earthen formation; introducing at least one active hydrogen compound into the earthen formation; and contacting the blocked isocyante and the active hydrogen compound form an elastomeric gel is disclosed.

Abstract: Anaerobic reductive dechlorination processes remove chlorinated solvents from contaminated subsurface soil and ground water. The presence of organic hydrogen donors enables anaerobic microorganisms present in the subsurface soil and groundwater to accelerate the reductive dechlorination process. The present invention provides an alternative method to control the release rate of organic hydrogen donors during dechlorination. The invention utilizes encapsulated substrates to control the release rate of organic hydrogen donors, therefore accelerating the biotic process of anaerobic reductive dechlorination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for consolidating an underground formation with a consolidating mineral. The consolidating material is a carbonate and is produced from an alkaline treatment fluid containing, in at least some embodiments, environmentally friendly and inexpensive components. In one embodiment, the process can be applied to consolidation of an underground formation during or following drilling. The present invention also provides a treatment fluid suitable for use in such processes.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising: a first tubular mesh enclosure having a first opposing pair of ends, at least one of said first opposing pair of ends sealed; a first filling surrounded by said first tubular mesh enclosure; a first geogrid wrapped at least partially around said first tubular mesh enclosure.

Abstract: A method for at least temporarily retaining moisture in a soil-based substrate includes applying an acrylamide pyranose polymer to the soil-based substrate.

Abstract: A process allowing the encapsulation of a polymerization accelerator comprising the steps of: a) providing an reverse emulsion containing, in an oil phase, a water solution/dispersion containing the polymerisation activator, the oil phase including a heat curable mixture of an isocyanate and a polyalkyldiene hydroxylated or polyol, b) pouring the reverse emulsion in a water phase to make a multiple emulsion water/oil/water, containing drops of activators as the internal water phase, and then, c) heating the multiple emulsion obtained in step b) at a temperature of between 50 and 95° C., in order to cure the polyisocyanate in polyurethane and obtain drops of activator enclosed in shells of polyurethane dispersed in water. The invention also relates to aqueous gelling systems comprising the encapsulated polymerization accelerator with water soluble or dispersable monomers and a polymerization initiator dispersed in said monomers, useful i.a.

Abstract: An emulsifier concentrate for producing a working solution comprising 30-50 Vol % of a natural plant oil, selected from colza oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, 10-25 Vol % of octanol as a solubilizer, and 27-55 Vol % of an emulsifier, consisting of 26.5-45 Vol % of a non-ionic tenside, and 0.5-10 Vol % of an anionic tenside.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing an oil absorbent composition. The method comprises heating and then de-mineralising a precursor plant material under conditions suitable to produce an oil absorbent composition comprising charcoal. The invention extends to oil absorbent compositions per se, such as charcoal-based compositions, and to various uses of the compositions for efficiently and rapidly absorbing spilled oil, for example from water surfaces, or from bituminous sands.

Abstract: Wheat bran culture mix is used to inoculate organic waste and produce an inoculated waste material, where the wheat bran culture mix includes soil derived microbes. The inoculated waste material is shredded to produce shredded inoculated waste material which is fermented the shredded inoculated waste material for at least 7 days. Contents from the fermenter are then transferred into a dewatering device to produce dewatered contents which are then separated into soluble and suspended products.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for at least partially remediating soil and/or groundwater containing perfluroroalkyl compounds (PFCs). In some embodiments, the systems and methods utilize an oxidase such as laccase, optionally with one or more enzyme-catalyzed oxidative humification reaction (ECOHR) mediators. In some embodiments the method is an in situ method. Optionally, the oxidase can be immobilized on soil, sand, clay, and/or activated carbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite adsorbent materials, and in particular, to highly porous carbon-based composite materials for the adsorption and stabilisation of inorganic substances. The composite adsorbent material comprises a porous carbon carrier matrix and an adsorbent species, wherein the adsorbent species is precipitated within the pores of the carrier matrix. The invention extends to various uses of such adsorbent materials, for example in water purification, recovery of metals from waste streams and remediation applications, and where the adsorbant material is amended into soil, waste etc. for the purpose of breaking pollutant-receptor linkages.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions containing enzymes, particularly acting at the interface between two immiscible phases where the rate of enzymatic activity is increased by addition of a blend of surfactant(s) and a mixture derived from yeast fermentation, that contain non-enzymatic exo-proteins released by yeast in response to a non-lethal stress. The enzymes include those that work at the interface between an aqueous solution and a water immiscible phase, liquid or solid, such as oil, fat, cellulose, lignin, etc. including, but not limited to the following or combinations thereof: lipases, polysaccharase, lignase, cellulase and the like, in which the substrate of an enzymatic reaction forms a phase, segregated from the aqueous solution in which the enzymes are typically operating.

Abstract: Described herein is a mineral-releasing compost prepared by combining a prebiotic material, a probiotic material, and one or more mineral gluconate salts to form a composting mixture, controlling composting conditions to allow for the composting mixture to decompose, and allowing the composting mixture to fully stabilize and mature, wherein the compost includes one or more minerals as digested products of the respective mineral gluconate salts. The mineral-releasing compost is particularly suitable for remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals and for amendment of soil deficient of certain minerals.

Abstract: A method of sealing a leak of fluid from a container comprises introducing a solute to a body of fluid within the container. The solute is selected so as to be soluble in the fluid at the expected conditions prevailing inside the container, and insoluble when the pressure experienced by the fluid is reduced at the site of a leak.

Abstract: A method of permeating and infusing a formation around the borehole with wax by heating a formation surrounding a borehole and pumping molten wax into the formation, wherein the molten wax flows into and fills voids the formation without disrupting the formation is described. Also, a method of permeating and infusing a formation around the borehole with wax by heating a formation surrounding a borehole, pumping molten wax into the borehole, heating and circulating the molten wax vertically within the borehole for an extended period using a heater and pump attached to a circulation pipe extended to the bottom of a zone of the borehole to be heated, and recovering molten wax from the borehole by displacing it back to the surface with another material of different density is described.

Abstract: A soil stabilization composition is provided. The soil stabilization composition includes sulfuric acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, nonlyphenol90, and water. The soil stabilization composition is capable of changing the molecular charges of swelling clays to resist water absorption rather than to attract water due to the positive/negative charges related to them. This ionic exchange prevents the clay from swelling making the clay more stable to build on.

Abstract: Method for water tightening of water bearing zones and stabilization of sand in underground constructions, by precipitation of at least one mineral, by introducing into the construction, at the least one aqueous solution of salts comprising Ca2+ ions and urea, and an urease. The urease may be plant based, and made by grounding the plant wherefrom the urease is based, adding water, and soaking at occasional stirring between 2 and 20 h at room temperature. Then the achieved solution is filtrated, and the filtrate is lyophilized. The urease may also be biotechnologically produced by bacteria in an aqueous solution, where after the achieved solution is filtrated, and the filtrate is lyophilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to repair a leak in a geological structure or a construction comprising a geological material, comprising administering a liquid nutrient composition, comprising an energy source for anaerobic bacteria and a multivalent metal ion upstream of the leak allowing micro-organisms present in the structure or construction to ferment the energy source and to grow, thereby increasing biomass in and/or around the leak releasing mineral particles upstream of the leak allowing the mineral particles to migrate to the leak; and allowing the mineral particles to settle in the biomass.

Abstract: A submerged or partially submerged structure includes one or more non-cylindrical support columns interconnected at the lower ends thereof by horizontally disposed pontoons. The support columns include one or more strakes mounted thereon. The columns and strakes contribute to the stability of the structure during free floating operations and installation by reducing vortex induced motion.

Abstract: A composition for chemical soil improvement includes a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, polyisobutylene, and synthetic fibers, and various combinations thereof.

Abstract: A grouting material which contains a fine particle material having a Blaine specific surface area of 5000 cm2/g or more, containing 30 to 60% by mass of cement clinker, 40 to 70 % by mass of and blast-furnace slag and 0.5 to 3 parts by mass of gypsum in terms of SO3 based on 100 parts by mass of the total amount of cement clinker and blast-furnace slag, and further contains (i) 4 to 8 parts by mass of calcium-aluminate-based rapid-hardening admixture, (ii) 0.05 to 0.2 parts by mass of setting retarder and (iii) 0.5 to 1.7 parts by mass of high-performance water-reducing agent, based on 100 parts by mass of the fine particle material.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to well bore treatments that comprise swellable particles. An embodiment includes a method that comprises introducing a fluid comprising a dual oil/water-swellable particle into a subterranean formation. Another embodiment includes a method of cementing that comprises: introducing a cement composition comprising cement, water, and a dual oil/water-swellable particle into a space between a pipe string and a subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set in the space. Another embodiment includes a well treatment composition comprising a dual oil/water-swellable particle.

Abstract: A method of applying polyacrylamide (PAM) for stabilizing soil particles of a land area from movement about the land area. The slope of the surface of the soil is measured, and a tentative application rate is determined based upon the slope of the land area. The stability of the soil of the land area is determined by placing a sample of the soil in a tray and pouring a liquid over the sample and evaluating the erosion potential of the soil by measuring any movement of the soil in the liquid. The liquid may be water or a mixture of water and PAM. The application rate may be increased above the tentative application rate if the soil sample showed a relatively higher vulnerability to erosion. An application rate is calculated for applying a mixture of PAM and water to the land area. The mixture is misted onto the surface of the land area in one or more mixture applications. An application of the mixture is continued until the top surface of the soil of the land area becomes saturated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a preparation and a method for reducing the consumption of water in agriculture and other activities in which plants are cultivated, and which at the same time helps to reduce the seepage of nutrient-rich, fertilizer-saturated water into the ground water. More particularly, the invention relates to an electronegative, antioxidizing powder mixture which, upon application to an upper layer of soil, is capable of forming a biologically degradable membrane in the upper layer of soil, preferably comprising the surface of the soil and a biologically active zone for root and plant formation, wherein the membrane has a combined effect in that it increases the retention time of water and nutrients in the root zone, has an antioxidizing effect on the environment in order to combat ozone and other free radical induced damage to the vegetation, and regulates the albedo of the top soil layer so that the temperature in the root zone is held within the temperature at which the plants thrive.

Abstract: To provide an ultrafine particle grouting composition which is excellent in dispersibility and dispersion retainability and can be easily injected into minute spaces between particles of grounds, rock cracks, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a subterranean structure are provided. The method can include, but is not limited to, removing at least a portion of earth disposed above a subterranean structure to provide a foundation; depositing an isolation layer above the subterranean structure; and depositing at least a portion of the removed earth, a fill material or both to at least partially cover the isolation layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to repair a leak in a geological structure or a construction comprising a geological material, comprising administering a liquid nutrient composition, comprising an energy source for anaerobic bacteria and a multivalent metal ion upstream of the leak allowing micro-organisms present in the structure or construction to ferment the energy source and to grow, thereby increasing biomass in and/or around the leak releasing mineral particles upstream of the leak allowing the mineral particles to migrate to the leak; and allowing the mineral particles to settle in the biomass.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and material for forming a fluid barrier in the material surrounding a wellbore. The method involves temporarily opening a fracture extending from the wellbore and then depositing particulates in the fracture which will swell when exposed to the fluid. The particles are deposited in the fracture without causing appreciable swelling thereof and then, after the fracture closes, the particles are allowed to swell when contacted with the fluid to form a fluid barrier.

Abstract: A method for constructing or rehabilitating a marsh or wetland comprises the step of inserting propagatable material into liquid or slurry emerging from a high-pressure spray nozzle to form a mixture. The liquid/ or slurry/propagatable material mixture is then sprayed over a marsh or wetland area desired to be constructed or rehabilitated.

Abstract: A grouting material which comprises an ultrafine particle material having a maximum particle size of 15 micrometer or less, containing 3 to 40% by mass of cement clinker, 60 to 97% by mass of and blast-furnace slag, 0.5 to 3 parts by mass of gypsum in terms of SO3 based on 100 parts by mass of the total amount of cement clinker and blast-furnace slag, and further comprises (i) 0.7 to 7 parts by mass of calcium-aluminate-based rapid-hardening admixture, (ii) 0.01 to 0.13 parts by mass of setting retarder, and (iii) 0.2 to 1.0 parts by mass of high-performance water-reducing agent, based on 100 parts by mass of the ultrafine particle material can maintain high injectability for long, and rapidly starts to set after injected to thereby exhibit a good short-term strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soil consolidation process using a combination of calcifying bacteria and denitrifying bacteria. The invention further relates to a composition for carrying out said process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier cap material including a blend of: a plurality of aggregate particles, and a plurality of manufactured composite particles including a hydratable sealant material. In a particular embodiment, the segregation of a blend of aggregate particles and composite particles, when dropped through a water column can be controlled by varying blends of aggregate and composite particles. In another embodiment, the permeability of the barrier cap material, when hydrated on a surface, can be controlled from 1×10?3 cm/sec to 1×10?8 cm/sec by varying blends of aggregate and composite particles.