Abstract: A method for restraining a chemical discharge comprising (a) deploying a binding agent into a receptacle containing a hazardous material in a liquid state upon the occurrence of at least one predetermined event that increases the risk of accidentally discharging or leaking the hazardous material from the receptacle; and (b) contacting the hazardous material with the binding agent to form a composition comprising at least a portion of the hazardous material and the binding agent and having at least one property selected from a solid or semisolid state, a viscosity greater than the viscosity of the hazardous material at ambient conditions, a vapor pressure lower than the vapor pressure of the hazardous material at ambient conditions, and a surface tension greater that the surface tension of the hazardous material.

Abstract: Compositions containing ferrate(VI) are disclosed. Also, methods are disclosed that utilize ferrate(VI).

Abstract: A method for detoxifying spent CCA (copper, chromium, arsenic) treated wood, from which CCA is efficiently removed from the wood, allowing both the CCA and the wood to be reused has been developed. The method comprises the steps of (1) microwave-enhanced acid extraction of CCA, (2) separation of the acid-containing CCA solution from the wood, (3) separation/precipitation of CCA from the acid extract, (4) recovery and regeneration of CCA-bearing precipitant for reuse in the wood preservation industry, (5) recycling recovered acid solution, (6) microwave-assisted liquefaction of the extracted wood, and (7) use of detoxified liquefied wood to form polymeric materials such as polyurethanes and phenolic resin adhesives. The recovered CCA may be used to treat wood. The recovered acids may be used to extract CCA from CCA-treated wood, and the liquefied wood may be used as phenolic or polyurethane resins.

Abstract: A novel use of delayed reactivity partly prehydrated lime (“DRQL”), which is comprised of 40 to 98% by weight of CaO and of 60 to 2% by weight of Ca(OH)2, preferably of 80 to 92% by weight of CaO and of 20 to 8% by weight of Ca(OH)2, and more preferably of 85 to 90% by weight of CaO and of 15 to 10% by weight of Ca(OH)2, in the field of the separation of solid matter from the liquid of a suspension. The invention also involves a novel method for treating a sludge, in which the solid matter is concentrated, dried and recovered using the delayed reactivity partly prehydrated lime. It additionally relates to, as a novel industrial product, the purified sludge obtained according to the method.

Abstract: A method of producing an adsorption medium to remove at least one constituent from a feed stream. The method comprises dissolving and/or suspending at least one metal compound in a solvent to form a metal solution, dissolving polyacrylonitrile into the metal solution to form a PAN-metal solution, and depositing the PAN-metal solution into a quenching bath to produce the adsorption medium. The at least one constituent, such as arsenic, selenium, or antimony, is removed from the feed stream by passing the feed stream through the adsorption medium. An adsorption medium having an increased metal loading and increased capacity for arresting the at least one constituent to be removed is also disclosed. The adsorption medium includes a polyacrylonitrile matrix and at least one metal hydroxide incorporated into the polyacrylonitrile matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for remediation of heavy metal contaminated substances. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition and method for remediating soil, paint chips, paint dusts, surfaces, and other substances contaminated with heavy metals by application of an aqueous suspension of phosphate compound. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to remediating soil, paint chips, paint dusts, surfaces, and other substances contaminated with lead by at least one application of an aqueous suspension of tricalcium phosphate, surfactant, thixotrope, and a chloride source.

Abstract: A method for treating a high water content sludge is disclosed, where the method includes mixing into the high water content sludge, an effective amount of an ash composition. The effective amount of the ash composition is sufficient to convert a portion of the sludge and the ash composition into a treated sludge including an amount of a solidifying matrix to impart properties to a depth of the sludge sufficient to support commercial construction equipment. A treated sludge and sludge pits are also disclosed as is the ash composition used to form the treated sludge.

Abstract: A novel method for remediating metals includes treating the metals with a mesoporous nanocomposite such as HMS, MCM-41 or MCM-48. The metal is preferably lead but can be at least one metal selected from Pb, Hg, Cd, Zn, Sn, As, Sb, In, Se, Ga, Te, Bi, Ni, Cu, Mo, Ni, Cu, Sr, Ba or Co. The treating is preferably performed at a pH of about 4 to about 12. In the invention, the treating can also include desorbing the metal from the mesoporous nanocomposite at a pH of about 2 or less.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing rates of in situ carbonation of peridotite are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: fracturing a volume of peridotite in situ; heating the volume of peridotite in situ; injecting carbon dioxide into the volume of peridotite in situ; and forming carbonate in situ with the volume of peridotite and the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A soil cleaning method (phytoremediation) of absorbing a contaminating substance contained in a contaminated soil by a plant to clean the soil. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of cleaning a contaminated soil which performs cleaning of a soil containing heavy metals in a shorter term than before and, at the same time, utilizes phytoremediation having little influence on the environment. The object is attained by absorbing heavy metals by a plant of Polygonaceae family, Fagopyrum genus, and, at the same time, adding a biodegradable chelating agent to a contaminated soil in order to assist the absorption. And, a biodegradable chelating agent having the high heavy metal dissolving out ability not only enhances the cleaning efficacy but also reduces secondary influence on the environment.

Abstract: A nanopore reactive adsorbent composite material, which may be a porous adsorbent comprising a chemically surface face modified gel, has a composition and micro structure, which integrals ion exchange components such as hydroxy apatite.

Abstract: A device for the removal of heavy metals and heavy metal complexes, such as thimerosal, from medications is provided wherein the device comprises a dosing device or a solid support having at least one substantially purified metallothionein protein associated therewith. Additionally, methods to remove thimerosal from medications are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for stabilization and treatment of heavy metal bearing materials and wastes subject to acid leaching tests or leach conditions and odor limits by addition of acid semi-soluble pulverized or fine particle DiCalcium Phosphate DiHydrate such that the leaching potential is inhibited to desired levels and odors are reduced to desired levels and the material or waste is free flowing, more permeable, less weight and permits immediate handling and disposal or reuse. The resultant material or waste after stabilization is deemed suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: Treatment of heavy metal-containing waste products including selenium- and arsenic-containing waste products, from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) treatment systems utilizing alternative alkali materials such as soda ash (Na2CO3), nahcolite (NaHCO3), trona (Na2CO3/NaHCO3), sodium sulfite (Na2SO3), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and the like in various combinations.

Abstract: The invention resides in a method for manufacturing a metallic hydroxide-based and metallic oxide-based powder, which is self-dispersing in water, characterized in that a metallic oxide powder is partially treated with a polymer in the form of an aqueous emulsion and/or solution, in such a way that the level of metallic hydroxide by dry weight within said treated powder is less than 99% of its total weight, and in that said polymer is a water-soluble homopolymer or copolymer containing at least one vinylic monomer. In one particular variant, the polymer is a water-soluble copolymer containing a vinylic monomer and a non-ionic monomer, and the metal is calcium and/or magnesium. The invention also pertains to the powders obtained, their uses in aqueous suspensions, in treating waste, as a chemical additive, or as a soil amendment.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating sludge from the mining or mineral industry, including before above-ground spreading, contacting the sludge with a flocculating agent that is a water-soluble, organic polymer having a molecular weight of from 5,000,000 to 25,000,000 g/mol and an anionicity of from 10 to 40 mol %, to produce contacted sludge, wherein the water-soluble organic polymer includes at least one anionic monomer having a carboxylic function or having a sulfonic acid function, at least one non-ionic monomer, and optionally one or more cationic monomers, where the flocculating agent is branched, and has from 0.02 to 2 mol % hydrophobic monomers.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide methods for reducing a concentration of a contaminant associated with a medium, which can be any substance or material, such as soil, water, air, and/or fluid. In one exemplary method, the medium is treated with a ferric chelate and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant.

Abstract: A method to remediate a release of one or more acidic materials, by supplying a powder composition comprising a polyacrylamide, and disposing that powder onto a liquid spill comprising one or more acidic materials.

Abstract: Decontamination formulations with an additive for enhancing mold remediation. The formulations include a solubilizing agent (e.g., a cationic surfactant), a reactive compound (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), a carbonate or bicarbonate salt, a water-soluble bleaching activator (e.g., propylene glycol diacetate or glycerol diacetate), a mold remediation enhancer containing Fe or Mn, and water. The concentration of Fe2+ or Mn2+ ions in the aqueous mixture is in the range of about 0.0001% to about 0.001%. The enhanced formulations can be delivered, for example, as a foam, spray, liquid, fog, mist, or aerosol for neutralization of chemical compounds, and for killing certain biological compounds or agents and mold spores, on contaminated surfaces and materials.

Abstract: Method for in situ reclamation of an area contaminated by organic compounds, comprising: introducing at least one chelating agent into said area; allowing said chelating agent to diffuse through said area; introducing at least one stabilizing agent; introducing an aqueous solution comprising at least one peroxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for extracting carbon dioxide (CO2) from a fluid stream and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments for utilization by a secondary process. Various extraction and delivery methods are disclosed specific to certain secondary uses, included the attraction of CO2-sensitive insects, the ripening and preservation of produce, and the neutralization of brine.

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: [Problems] To provide an inorganic electrolyte setting agent capable of blocking hazardous heavy metals almost permanently and further usable as resources, based on the geological balance of elements, and a treating method for utilization as resources using the same. [Means for Solving the Problem] There is provided an inorganic electrolyte setting agent capable of rendering heavy metal ions nonhazardous, including an aqueous solution as a main agent mixed with A below and also at least one of B and C below: (A) sulfuric acid, (B) at least one of aluminum sulfate and polyaluminum sulfate, (C) at least one of polyferric sulfate and ferric chloride; and an aqueous solution as a concomitant agent mixed with D below: (D) at least one of potassium silicate and sodium silicate.

Abstract: A method of treating a waste material or soil by contacting the waste material or soil with an effective amount of corn ash to lower metal leaching in a Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure test to below the hazardous waste characteristic criteria producing a treated waste material or soil, wherein the corn ash contains an effective amount of one or more orthophsophates. Preferably, the corn ash is substantially free of polyphosphates. The waste material or soil is a hazardous waste containing one or more metals being Cd, Pb and Zn. The waste material is generated by a foundry or steel mill.

Abstract: Methods for treatment a heavy metal-contaminated solid, semi-solid, liquid or gaseous matrix with magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfite, magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, magnesium hydroxide, and mixtures of any two or more of these. Methods for treatment of a solid or semi-solid waste containing unacceptable levels of leachable aluminum and reactive metallic aluminum-containing waste with magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfite, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium chloride, and mixtures of any two or more of these.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the safe and cost efficient storage, transport and disposal of mercury. A puncture resistant container is provided having an interior element comprising a mercury sequestering substance to permit the safe storage, transport or disposal of mercury containing light bulbs and to capture mercury vapor by chemical sequestration in the event that the bulb breaks during storage, transport or disposal. The mercury sequestering element may be removable to facilitate further processing and reclamation of sequestered mercury using various methods known in the art.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for stabilization and complexing of lead bearing material surfaces subject to acid and water leaching tests or leach conditions by addition of stabilizing and complexing agents such that leaching and mobility potential is inhibited to desired levels. The resultant material or waste after stabilization is deemed suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste, and has reduced Pb bioavailability and reduced groundwater solubility.

Abstract: A solid form of an inorganic peroxide product and associated process for the treatment, remediation, etc. of natural, man-made, industrial, municipal, etc., water bodies such as ponds, streams, lakes, canals, paddies, tanks, lagoons, pools, pipelines, etc, especially those that are contaminated, as well as in situ and ex situ treatment of sediment and soil.

Abstract: A method for treating a high water content sludge is disclosed, where the method includes mixing into the high water content sludge, an effective amount of an ash composition. The effective amount of the ash composition is sufficient to convert a portion of the sludge and the ash composition into a treated sludge including an amount of a solidifying matrix to impart properties to a depth of the sludge sufficient to support commercial construction equipment. A treated sludge and sludge pits are also disclosed as is the ash composition used to form the treated sludge.

Abstract: A method of removing metal scale from surfaces that includes contacting the surfaces with a first aqueous solution of a chelating agent, allowing the chelating agent to dissolve the metal scale, acidifying the solution to form a precipitant of the chelating agent and a precipitant of the metal from the metal scale, isolating the precipitant of the chelating agent and the precipitant of the metal from the first solution, selectively dissolving the precipitated chelating agent in a second aqueous solution, and removing the precipitated metal from the second solution is disclosed.

Abstract: A process of preparing a biogenic silica comprising the steps of incinerating a silica bearing organic source at a temperature up to 1200° C. and allowing the incinerated silica organic source to cool; adding the incinerated and cooled silica bearing organic source to an alkaline solution that has either been preheated to a temperature up to about 65° C. or to be heated with the added organic source to a temperature up to about 65° C., the alkaline solution being contained in a vessel and having a pH up to 14; applying heat so that the added organic source and the alkaline solution in the vessel are at a temperature between 100° C. and up to about 300° C. for 1 to 4 hours, thereby forming an aqueous biogenic silica and undissolved impurities derived from the added organic source; and extracting the aqueous biogenic silica from the vessel. The extracted silica can be solidified into a solid form.

Abstract: Methods for oxidizing organic compounds using hydroxyl radicals formed through redox cycling chelator-mediated Fenton chemistry are disclosed. The methods include generating a reactive oxygen species by contacting a redox cycling chelator with an oxygen containing oxidant and a transition metal species. By contacting the resulting reactive oxygen species with an organic compound, the organic compound is oxidized. The preferred transition metal species is a cationic transition metal, such as iron or copper. The disclosed methods may be used to degrade organic waste compounds and dyes, activate lignocellulosic materials for bonding and produce adhesive formulations.

Abstract: To treat an organotin compound in a liquid at low cost. Addition of iron oxide into a liquid containing an organotin compound allows trapping of the organotin compound in the liquid by the iron oxide, and reduction of the organotin compound concentration in the liquid. Various iron oxides such as FeO, Fe2O3(iron sesquioxide), and Fe3O4 (iron oxide black) may be used, but iron oxide black is preferred. Such the method of treating a liquid may be applied to polluted seawater at a harbor to allow reduction of the organotin compound concentration in the seawater and purification of the harbor.

Abstract: A nanopore reactive adsorbent composite material, which may be a porous adsorbent, has a composition and microstructure, which integrates adsorbency, reactivity and catalysis. Integration may be achieved by modifying nanopore surfaces with dense ligand groups and by embedding at least one reactant phase effective to accomplish a sequence of reactions of which at least one reaction may be catalyzed by the surface ligand groups. The solid reactant phase may include reactive metal particles, such as, Mg, Sn, Al, Fe, or Zn, or mixtures thereof, and may be effective as in-situ reducing agent. A macroporous adsorbent, may be formed from the composite material. Recovery of mercury from a contaminated liquid is described. A second reactive phase, which may comprise a sulfur polymer or another metal effective to immobilize liquid mercury in-situ, may be included in or with the composite.

Abstract: A reactive coating composition and method for treating a surface including heavy metals by applying the reactive coating composition to the surface. The surface can be, for example, a paint layer containing heavy metals. The reactive coating composition includes a stabilizing agent to stabilize the heavy metal and a permeability enhancing agent to increase the permeability of the paint layer, facilitating the reaction of the heavy metal with the stabilizing agent. The structure including the treated paint layer can be left in place or can be disposed in a non-hazardous landfill.

Abstract: Methods for the removal of lead from a metal silicate during the process of manufacturing of such a material are provided. With the reliance upon lower cost starting silicon dioxide starting materials that are known to exhibit elevated amounts of heavy metal therein for the purpose of producing metal silicates (such as sodium silicate, as one example), it has been realized that removal of significant amounts of such heavy metals is necessary to comply with certain regulatory requirements in order to provide a finished material that exhibits the same low level of heavy metal contamination as compared with finished materials that are made from more expensive, purer starting silicon dioxides. Two general methods may be followed for such decontamination purposes. One entails the introduction of a calcium phosphate material, such as dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, and/or hydroxyapatite, to a formed metal silicate solution but prior to filtering.

Abstract: A decontamination formulation and method of making that neutralizes the adverse health effects of both chemical and biological compounds, especially chemical warfare (CW) and biological warfare (BW) agents, and toxic industrial chemicals. The formulation provides solubilizing compounds that serve to effectively render the chemical and biological compounds, particularly CW and BW compounds, susceptible to attack, and at least one reactive compound that serves to attack (and detoxify or kill) the compound. The formulation includes at least one solubilizing agent, a reactive compound, a bleaching activator, a sorbent additive, and water. The highly adsorbent, water-soluble sorbent additive (e.g., sorbitol or mannitol) is used to “dry out” one or more liquid ingredients, such as the liquid bleaching activator (e.g., propylene glycol diacetate or glycerol diacetate) and convert the activator into a dry, free-flowing powder that has an extended shelf life, and is more convenient to handle and mix in the field.

Abstract: A decontamination formulation and method of making that neutralizes the adverse health effects of both chemical and biological compounds, especially chemical warfare (CW) and biological warfare (BW) agents, and toxic industrial chemicals. The formulation provides solubilizing compounds that serve to effectively render the chemical and biological compounds, particularly CW and BW compounds, susceptible to attack, and at least one reactive compound that serves to attack (and detoxify or kill) the compound. The formulation includes at least one solubilizing agent, a reactive compound, a sorbent additive, and water. A highly adsorbent sorbent additive (e.g., amorphous silica, sorbitol, mannitol, etc.) is used to “dry out” one or more liquid ingredients into a dry, free-flowing powder that has an extended shelf life, and is more convenient to handle and mix in the field.

Abstract: Methods of reducing smoke levels in smoke-affected areas, reducing the level of toxic compounds produced by fires, fire suppression, and increasing flame retardancy. In particular, methods according to the present invention comprise dispersing nanocrystalline particles in the areas affected by smoke for sorption of smoke particulates and toxic compounds produced from a fire. The nanocrystalline particles are also effective for use in methods of fire suppression and flame retardancy.

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: Aqueous decontamination formulations that neutralize biological pathogens for disinfection and sterilization applications. Examples of suitable applications include disinfection of food processing equipment, disinfection of areas containing livestock, mold remediation, sterilization of medical instruments and direct disinfection of food surfaces, such as beef carcasses. The formulations include at least one reactive compound, bleaching activator, inorganic base, and water. The formulations can be packaged as a two-part kit system, and can have a pH value in the range of 7-8.

Abstract: The humic-mineral agent from naturally occurring carbon-series humites and caustobioliths comprises humic acids and salts thereof, naturally hydrated humic acids, hydrolyzed humic acids, hydrated and hydrolyzed humic-mineral and mineral complexes of parent carbon-series humites and caustobioliths chemically bound to the naturally hydrated humic acids. The method for preparing a humic-mineral agent comprises crushing and disintegrating of carbon-series humites and caustobioliths and mixing them with an alkali. The carbon-series humites and caustobioliths are crushed and disintegrated when their moisture content is close to the natural level at which humic acids are in a naturally hydrated state, hot water is added to the. Next an alkali is added thereto and the mixture is hydrolyzed till obtaining the end product having consistency from viscous-flow to plastic and the pH value of from 6.5 to 8. The method for detoxication of polluted soil.

Abstract: Methods for the removal of lead from a metal silicate during the process of manufacturing of such a material are provided. With the reliance upon lower cost starting silicon dioxide starting materials that are known to exhibit elevated amounts of heavy metal therein for the purpose of producing metal silicates (such as sodium silicate, as one example), it has been realized that removal of significant amounts of such heavy metals is necessary to comply with certain regulatory requirements in order to provide a finished material that exhibits the same low level of heavy metal contamination as compared with finished materials that are made from more expensive, purer starting silicon dioxides. Two general methods may be followed for such decontamination purposes. One entails the introduction of a calcium phosphate material, such as dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, and/or hydroxyapatite, to a formed metal silicate solution but prior to filtering.

Abstract: A chemical process for detoxifying spent CCA (copper, chrome, arsenic)—treated wood, from which CCA and detoxified wood are recovered for recycling comprising the steps of (a) treating CCA-treated wood in the presence of a liquefying reagent such as an organic solvent at 100–250° C. with or without ferrous ions to form liquefied CCA-treated wood (b) adding water or an aqueous solution of an organic solvent to the liquefied CCA-treated wood with stirring to obtain an aqueous solution of liquefied CCA-treated wood (c) adding complexing or precipitating agents, such as phosphoric acid or calcium hydroxide to the aqueous solution of step (b) thereby precipitating insoluble heavy metal complexes or precipitates and forming a solution of detoxified CCA-treated wood (d) separating said heavy metal complexes or precipitates from the solution of detoxified liquefied CCA-treated wood and (e) isolating chromated copper arsenate from said heavy metal complex or precipitate.

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: 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 reactive coating composition and method for treating a surface including heavy metals by applying the reactive coating composition to the surface. The surface can be, for example, a paint layer containing heavy metals. The reactive coating composition includes a stabilizing agent to stabilize the heavy metal and a permeability enhancing agent to increase the permeability of the paint layer, facilitating the reaction of the heavy metal with the stabilizing agent. The structure including the treated paint layer can be left in place or can be disposed in a non-hazardous landfill.