Abstract: A pharmaceutical drug disposal kit includes a container for receiving pharmaceutical drugs. Water is added to the container to create an aqueous solution with the pharmaceutical drugs, and a constituent in the container makes the solution a basic aqueous solution. A visual and/or taste deterrent is disposed in the container, and an adsorbent or absorbent is also disposed in the container to provide at least partial solidification of the solution. A binding agent is also disposed in the container to bind the ingredients of the pharmaceutical drug, the deterrent, and the adsorbent/absorbent, thereby changing the physical state of the pharmaceutical drugs into a substance that is undesirable to consume, and which enables safe disposal of the pharmaceutical drugs.

Abstract: An oxidizing liquid (20), such as hydrogen peroxide, is vaporized (18) and the vapor is used to deactivate nerve gas, blistering gas, or other biologically active substances such as pathogens, biotoxins, and prions. A second chemical compound (42) in vapor, mist, or fog form is used in conjunction with the oxidizing vapor. In one embodiment, the second chemical preconditions the biologically active substances to be deactivated more efficiently by the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the second chemical boosts the reactivity of the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the other chemical reacts with the oxidizing vapor to form an intermediate compound that deactivates at least some of the biologically active substances.

Abstract: Methods for removing nuclear waste from a component are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of supplying oxalic acid to the nuclear waste on the component to form an oxalic acid/waste solution, feeding the oxalic acid/waste solution from the component, feeding an oxidant to the oxalic acid/waste solution to form carbon-dioxide, water and a precipitate, and separating the precipitate from the water. A system for removing nuclear waste is also provided.

Abstract: A two-component, water based micro encapsulation composition and method for the cleanup of hydrocarbon spills or contaminates on various surfaces and media. The two-part formulation includes a first solution including water in a predetermined ratio of a water soluble alkaline silicate solution having at least one alkali metal and a predetermined ratio of at least one water soluble surfactant; and a second solution including water, a predetermined ratio of water soluble acid, a predetermined ratio of water dispersible polymer, a predetermined ratio of water soluble hydrotrope, and a predetermined ratio of at least one water soluble flocculating agent. A method of using the two-part formulation includes preparing the two-part formulation, allowing the first solution to contact the hydrocarbon or chemical contaminate; allowing the second solution to contact the first solution and contaminate to form a homogeneous mixture; and removing the homogeneous mixture.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for stripping alumina which is particularly suitable for removal of fluoride from alumina and comprises washing said alumina with an aqueous acid or alkali at elevated temperature. The method may be used for removal of unreacted radiofluoride such as [18F]fluoride from alumina following a radiofluorination reaction. Automated synthesis apparatus and cassettes therefor, which are adapted to perform the method are also claimed.

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 eliminating pollutants contained in an elastomer part, the method including a step of extracting pollutants by immersing the part in a solvent, the solvent being ethanol.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treating a composition containing toxic materials or biosolids, wherein the apparatus has a hydraulically sealable top that can be opened to allow loading of the composition or closed to seal the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a reagent injection system for injecting a reagent into the apparatus, a mixing device for mixing the composition with the reagent, a heater system for heating the composition, or the mixture of the composition and the reagent, an internal vapor recovery system for recovering gases, vapors, and odors from the toxic materials or biosolids, or from the reagents, a reagent recovery system for recovering the reagent after it has been mixed with the composition, a discharge mechanism for discharging the treated composition, and a control panel comprising temperature and pressure measurements.

Abstract: A method of treating particulate biodegradable organic waste by thermal hydrolysis. The method includes subjecting a quantity of the particulate biodegradable waste to thermal hydrolysis at a temperature above about 130° C. and a pressure at or above the saturated water vapor pressure to produce a slurry. The slurry will include solubilized organic material and unhydrolyzed residual solids. The method further includes decreasing the pressure at which the slurry is maintained. Typically, the step of decreasing slurry pressure will occur in a flash tank, which allows the separation of an organic acid-rich steam from other hydrolysis products. The method further includes capturing the steam or other condensable gases released when pressure is decreased and condensing the steam or other condensable gases into a condensate. The captured condensate may then be added to a quantity of particulate biodegradable waste prior to thermal hydrolysis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for practicing the method described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for reducing mercury, which comprises a reagent comprising any of the sulfites of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, or any of the phosphates thereof, or a combination of them, as a main reagent of a catalyst component. And the present invention relates to the catalyst for reducing mercury, wherein the catalyst component is mixed with a different salt as an agent for inhibiting crystallization of the catalyst component.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for producing a safely disposable end product from waste matter containing undesirable materials, such as infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive elements. An apparatus is provided that immerses the biologically infectious waste material in a highly alkaline solvent which is then heated. The waste matter containing the undesirable materials is allowed to remain within the solvent until digested, thereby forming a solution void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing a decreased concentration of radioisotope.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system, method and apparatus is provided for chemically reducing waste. The apparatus includes a substantially alkaline-resistant vessel having a temperature sensor positioned in thermal communication therewith, a heater in thermal communication with the vessel, a substantially alkaline-resistant magnetic stir rod adapted to be positioned within the vessel, and a magnetic stirrer adapted to produce a rotating magnetic field within the vessel capable of spinning a magnetic stir rod positioned therein. The apparatus further includes a water inlet valve operationally connected to the vessel and a water outlet valve operationally connected to the vessel. An electronic controller is connected in electric communication to the heater, to the magnetic stirrer, to the water inlet valve, to the water outlet valve, and to the temperature sensor and is adapted to maintain the temperature of the substantially alkaline resistant vessel substantially at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remediate a release of caustic materials or acidic materials by supplying a poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) and disposing that poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) onto a liquid spill comprising caustic materials or acidic materials.

Abstract: A process for decontaminating a medium polluted with metals and hydrophobic organic compounds (HOC) includes providing an acidic slurry of water, acid, chloride salt, surfactant, and the polluted medium. Flotation is preformed on the acidic slurry to form a HOC-rich froth and an HOC-depleted slurry and the froth is recovered. The slurry is separated to obtain a treated solid and a liquid effluent rich in metallic ions. Preferably, the process also includes recuperating the metals by chemical precipitation and/or electrodeposition to produce a treated solution. Also provided are a decontaminant having an acid, a chloride salt, and a surfactant as well as a chemical kit for decontaminating the polluted medium including the decontaminant in which the acid, chloride salt and surfactant can be mixed with polluted medium in the presence of water before removing at least a portion of the metals and HOC from the polluted medium.

Abstract: A method of decomposing waste plastics, organics, and particularly medical waste composed of a varieties of plastics is described.

Abstract: The current invention encompasses a microemulsion having environmentally safe components, the microemulsion exhibiting optical clarity and stability over a wide range of temperatures. The microemulsion also forms a part of a decontaminant solution for treating chemical and biological contaminant agents, the solution preferably containing peroxycarboxylic acids generated from solids as the primary decontamination agent. The solution is a single phase emulsion that is both stable and effective over a broad range of temperatures, the range extending well below 0° C. There is also disclosed a microemulsion decontaminate solution having components that stabilize the included solid and peroxycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the solidification and stabilization of concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, characterized in that the following steps are carried out: a) a hydraulic binder containing blast furnace slag is mixed with said sodium hydroxide solution, in the presence of at least one additional source of calcium ions and/or magnesium ions and/or silica, to form a slurry, and b) the slurry is left to set to a solid product. The invention further relates to the solid product obtained by carrying out the process of the invention. The invention can be applied to the treatment of sodium hydroxide solutions that are radioactive or contaminated by other pollutants.

Abstract: A method of asbestos treatment in which an asbestos-containing waste material of arbitrary configuration can be detoxified completely and safely. The method of asbestos treatment comprises impregnating an asbestos-containing waste material with an acid so as to cause at least the asbestos at the surface of the waste material to be nonasbestous and further treating the treatment product in a cement production plant. In particular, the treatment in a cement production plant is a fusion treatment by means of a cement kiln. Therefore, not only can the asbestos-containing waste material be detoxified completely and safely but also a cement reusing the waste material can be produced.

Abstract: The current invention encompasses a microemulsion having environmentally safe components, the microemulsion exhibiting optical clarity and stability over a wide range of temperatures. The microemulsion also forms a part of a decontaminant solution for treating chemical and biological contaminant agents, the solution preferably containing peroxycarboxylic acids generated from solids as the primary decontamination agent. The solution is a single phase emulsion that is both stable and effective over a broad range of temperatures, the range extending well below 0° C. There is also disclosed a microemulsion decontaminate solution having components that stabilize the included solid and peroxycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: A method of asbestos detoxification in which an asbestos-containing waste material in any form is made harmless while preventing asbestos particles or dust from flying or scattering. The asbestos content can be easily reduced in a short time to 0.1 wt. % or lower, which is prescribed by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. The waste can be perfectly made harmless. Also provided is an aqueous solution for asbestos detoxification which is for use in the method.

Abstract: A self-decontaminating metal organic framework including an acid linked to a metal producing a metal organic framework configured for the sorption of chemical warfare agents and/or toxic industrial chemicals, the metal organic framework including reactive sites for the degradation of the agents and chemicals.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method of detoxifying highly toxic chemicals, and treating surfaces contaminated, or potentially contaminated, with toxic chemical agents such as chemical warfare agents and/or industrial toxins. The methods utilizes a novel sorbent compound which comprises Mn(VII) mineral which can be either solid supported or non-solid supported. The Mn(VII) mineral can be provided in a number of different forms including creams, lotions, powders, liquids, slurries and aerosols.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the extractive removal of phenols, alcohols, amines, phoshines, hydroxylamines, hydrazines, oximes, imines, water, carboxylic acids, amino acids, hydroxamic acids, sulfinic acids, sulfonic acids, peroxycarboxylic acids, phosphonous acids, phosphinous acids, phosphonic acids, phosphinic acids or phosphoric acids from aprotic solvents by means of ionic liquids of the formula [K]n+[A]n?, where n, [K]+ and An? are defined as in the description.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a formulation and associated method for neutralizing one or more toxic chemical and/or materials including toxic industrial chemicals and toxic industrial materials, such as irritants, heavy metals, radioactive metals, acids and acid irritants, pesticides, and various agricultural chemicals, (collectively referred to as toxic chemical, materials, or simply toxins) as well as decontaminating surfaces that have come into contact with these agents. As a result, the formulation of the present invention can be used for neutralizing a broad spectrum of toxic chemicals and materials. In one embodiment, the active ingredient comprises 2, 3, butanedione monoxime (also known as diacetyl monoxime (DAM)), and alkali salts thereof such as potassium 2,3-butanedione monoxime (KBDO). The formulation also typically includes a carrier in which the active ingredient is dispersed.

Abstract: Methods of using micronized particulate, reactive magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide to treat hazardous waste having high zinc content and hazardous levels of cadmium and lead. The reactive magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide has a median particle size in the range of 2-3 ?m. The hazardous waste material is generated by a foundry or steel mill.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for producing a safely disposable end product from waste matter containing undesirable materials, such as infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive elements. The method comprises the steps of providing a highly alkaline solvent, immersing the waste matter containing the undesirable materials within the highly alkaline solvent, and heating the solvent. The waste matter containing the undesirable materials is allowed to remain within the solvent until digested, thereby forming a solution void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing a decreased concentration of radioisotope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in connection with steel production for handling of hydroxide sludge formed in the neutralization of spent metal-contaminated pickling agents from a pickling step for steel, preferably stainless steel and for using calcium fluoride in the hydroxide sludge to replace the natural fluorspar as a fluxing agent in connection with steel production. Accordingly, the addition of the reactive neutralization medium is monitored by the pH electrodes operated in continuous fashion, and the pH value is adjusted at the range between 9.0 and 9.5.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system, method and apparatus is provided for chemically reducing waste. The apparatus includes a substantially alkaline-resistant vessel having a temperature sensor positioned in thermal communication therewith, a heater in thermal communication with the vessel, a substantially alkaline-resistant magnetic stir rod adapted to be positioned within the vessel, and a magnetic stirrer adapted to produce a rotating magnetic field within the vessel capable of spinning a magnetic stir rod positioned therein. The apparatus further includes a water inlet valve operationally connected to the vessel and a water outlet valve operationally connected to the vessel. An electronic controller is connected in electric communication to the heater, to the magnetic stirrer, to the water inlet valve, to the water outlet valve, and to the temperature sensor and is adapted to maintain the temperature of the substantially alkaline resistant vessel substantially at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for removing phosphate ion from an aqueous solution containing phosphate ion using a resin loaded with a hydrous oxide of an amphoteric metal ion. The resin loaded with a hydrous oxide of an amphoteric metal ion is produced by combining a resin with at least two bed volumes of an aqueous solution containing a salt of the amphoteric metal ion, and having a metal ion concentration of at least 5%, and then treating with an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution.

Abstract: A new and improved method for treating contaminated water or other contaminated media has been developed. Bioremediation enhancing agents (BEAs) such as yeast metabolites (YM) and other yeast derived products are used to facilitate microbial treatment of the contaminated material. Polysaccharides are also an effective BEA when used alone or in combination with the yeast derived products. The BEAs may work with microbes and electron donors to improve the rate of contaminant degradation and to increase the efficiency of electron donor utilization. A number of novel electron donors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition to control acid rock drainage is provided. The composition includes a slurry made from water and solids, the solids containing powders of limestone, clay and magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide. In some instances, the slurry is thixotropic and contains between 10 to 75 weight percent of solid powders. The solid powders can include between 40 to 75 weight percent limestone, 10 to 35 weight percent clay and 10 to 30 weight percent magnesium oxide or a proportional concentration of magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for optimal low cost stabilization of incinerator ash subject to acid and water leaching tests or leach conditions by addition of pH increasing agents, such that leaching of lead and cadmium is inhibited to desired levels. The resultant ash after stabilization is suitable for disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: A method of chemically and physically treating unconsolidated soils, over burden, fill and certain waste materials (the “ground”), or partly consolidated materials that can be excavated and broken up by normal earth moving and soil mixing equipment. This treatment results in the reduction of permeability in the ground, and as a result permits the prevention or control of contaminant migration from a site containing ground wastes of various types, thereby isolating these wastes.

Abstract: A reactive-adsorptive protective material having an activated carbon adsorbent for adsorbing chemical impurities, wherein nanoparticular entities are loaded into and onto a surface of said activated carbon adsorbent to further impart chemically reactive and biocidal properties onto the activated carbon for providing protection against chemical and biological agents in the atmosphere. Advantageously, a superior reactive-adsorptive material is provided having the ability to kill microorganisms in addition to the ability to neutralize and decompose chemical substances, while at the same time not diminishing the adsorptive/reactive capabilities and effectiveness of either the substrate carbon or the loaded nanoparticular entities used.

Abstract: An enhanced 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 enhanced formulation according to the present invention is non-toxic and non-corrosive and can be delivered by a variety of means and in different phases. 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 and water.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for stabilization of incinerator ash subject to acid and water leaching tests or leach conditions by adjustment of the facility acid gas scrubber excess lime and optional addition of stabilization agents, such that leaching of lead and cadmium are inhibited to desired levels. The resultant ash after stabilization is suitable for disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: A method is provided for heavy metal stabilisation comprising: mixing waste, comprising heavy metals, with molecular sieve with the proviso that carbon-based molecular sieve is excluded, and clay; and vitrifying the mixture. In particular, a method comprising the steps of: preparing a pre-stabilised mixture by mixing waste, comprising heavy metals, with the molecular sieve, and optionally other chemicals; mixing the pre-stabilised mixture with clay; and vitrifying the obtained mixture is provided. It also provides a product comprising heavy metals that have been stabilised into the structure of the clay-based ceramic matrix, wherein the product is a vitrified product of a mixture of at least waste, comprising heavy metals, molecular sieve (with the proviso that carbon-based molecular sieve is excluded) and clay.

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: Chlorine-containing waste is processed inside a heating device, an alkali metal compound and a calcium compound are given into the heating device while the temperature of a solid phase inside the heating device is maintained at 400 to 1500° C., chlorine that is contained in the chlorine-containing waste and that has not been bound by the alkali metal compound is bound in the solid phase by the calcium compound, and chlorine is converted into alkali metal chloride from calcium chloride generated in the course of the processing of the chlorine-containing waste.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for producing a safely disposable end product from waste matter containing undesirable materials, such as infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive elements. The method comprises the steps of providing a highly basic solvent, immersing the waste matter containing the undesirable materials within the highly basic solvent, and heating the solvent. The waste matter containing the undesirable materials is allowed to remain within the solvent until digested, thereby forming a solution void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing a decreased concentration of radioisotope.

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: The invention concerns a ligand comprising wherein n is an integer from 1 to 5, X represents —NO2, —NH2, —NCS, —NHCOCH2-Z. NHCO—W—COCNHS, —NH-Q, —NHCS-Q, —NHCOCH2-Q, or —NHCO(CH2)m ?-Q where Q is an hapten chosen from the group consisting of steroids, enzymes, proteins, monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antibodies, or fragments thereof or any activated linker ready for coupling reaction, Y is CO2H or PO3H2 W is —(CH2)m— m is an integer from 1 to 10.

Abstract: Decontamination formulations for neutralization of toxic industrial chemicals, and methods of making and using same. The formulations are effective for neutralizing malathion, hydrogen cyanide, sodium cyanide, butyl isocyanate, carbon disulfide, phosgene gas, capsaicin in commercial pepper spray, chlorine gas, anhydrous ammonia gas; and may be effective at neutralizing hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, methyl bromide, boron trichloride, fluorine, tetraethyl pyrophosphate, phosphorous trichloride, arsine, and tungsten hexafluoride.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ligand comprising (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 5 Y is CO2H or PO3H2T represents —X or -phenyl-X, wherein X represents NO2, NH2, NCS, NHCOCH2-Z, NHCO—W—COCNHS, —NH-Q, —NHCS-Q, —NHCOCH2-Q, or NHCO(CH2)m-Q where Q is a hapten chosen from the group consisting of steroids, enzymes, proteins, monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antibodies, or fragments thereof or any activated linker ready for coupling reaction, W is —(CH2)m- m is an integer from 1 to 10 Z is chloride, bromide or iodine

Abstract: A conventional method of pyrolytically decomposing plastic to make low-molecular compounds is poor in efficiency of use of energy due to high heating temperatures (at least 600° C. and 800° C. at maximum). The invention provides that a functional powder is heated to a predetermined temperature and pieces of plastic to be disposed are caused to be contacted with the heated powder, the functional powder including a powder which does in an aqueous solution state show alkalinity, and a photo-catalyst effect powder.

Abstract: A method of removing harmful components of a perfluorocarbon gas or a perfluorocompound including the step of mixing at least one of a hydrocarbon gas and NH3 gas with an exhaust gas containing a perfluorocarbon or a perfluorocompound discharged from manufacturing equipment. The method also includes the step of thermally decomposing the resulting mixed gas in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

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.