Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the lip-,e. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.

Abstract: A method and system for the reduction of contamination in soil and groundwater is provided. A clathrate of ozone and a cyclic oligosaccharide can provide for an extended zone of influence due to, for instance, the improved stability of the ozone. The clathrate can include cyclodextrin and ozone and can improve the oxidative destruction of organic and inorganic contaminants.

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: A flameless thermal oxidizer including a matrix bed containing media and an inlet tube extending into the matrix bed and having an outlet positioned to deliver reacting gases into the matrix bed is disclosed. The matrix bed defines a void proximal the outlet of the inlet tube. Also disclosed is a method of reducing pressure losses in a flameless thermal oxidizer including the step of introducing reacting gases from an inlet tube into a void defined by a matrix bed.

Abstract: A method of amending an aquifer having at least one contaminant comprising the steps of: mixing a sorbent material with a carrier to form a slurry, the sorbent material having one dimension of at least 1 micron; and introducing the slurry into the aquifer in a dispersed fashion within a pore space of the aquifer to promote permanent attenuation of the aquifer.

Abstract: Organic compounds are removed from contaminated soil, ground water and the like by treatment with a combination of a water soluble peroxygen compound, such as sodium persulfate, and a pH modifier capable of maintaining a pH greater than about 10, such as a metal hydroxide.

Abstract: A novel nanocatalyst is disclosed containing titanium oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide. The catalyst comprises a layer of iron oxide in the gamma form supported on a titanium oxide core. Addition of calcium cations helps to stabilize the iron oxide in the gamma form. The iron oxide layer is on the order of a few nanometers thick on the surface of the titanium oxide core, in an “egg-in-shell” structure. The nanocatalyst is highly active in promoting the oxidation of compounds such as hydroquinone, catechol, other hydrocarbons, chlorinated phenols, and carbon monoxide, even at moderately elevated temperatures. The catalyst remains active in a pyrolytic environment for extended periods of time, and possesses high redox cycling potential. The efficiency of the catalyst is not strongly affected by coking in a combustion environment.

Abstract: A method for detoxifying a filter including the step of subjecting a filter with a hardly decomposable substance adhering thereto to chemical decomposition without desorbing the hardly decomposable substance from the filter.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the detoxification of chemical agents including chemical warfare agents such as sulfur mustards, nitrogen mustards, nerve agents of G and V type, lewisite and adamsite by reacting the chemical agents with hydroxyl radicals at a pH greater than 7.0 to detoxify the agents and to render them suitable for disposal. The process can be used on-site and can be easily scaled to fairly large sizes.

Abstract: Contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds, are removed from an environmental medium, such as contaminated soil, rock, groundwater, waste water and the like, by treatment with a combination of a persulfate, such as a sodium persulfate, and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A supplemental fluid adjustable depth air sparging system which is used to remediate contaminants from groundwater within the soil. An adjustable depth air injection point injects compressed air mixed with a chemical oxidizer or nutrient into saturated or groundwater regions of the soil's subsurface to remove contaminants including chlorinated solvents from the soil's subsurface.

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 of sterilizing seeds comprises heating the seeds to substantially 95° C. or higher and maintaining same at that temperature for substantially 30 minutes. Preferably a combination of steam and microwaves is used to maintain the temperature. Dampening the seeds with steam and water at the start of the process helps the microwaves work more efficiently in maintaining temperature. The method further comprises treating the seeds with ozone which functions both to sterilize seeds as well as to sterilize pathogenic organisms and to degrade residual herbicides, pesticides and like chemicals that may be present in a seed sample. An auger conveyor (7) carries the seed through the process. Temperature sensors (13) monitor the temperature of the seeds and control the speed of the auger so that the seeds are maintained at substantially 95° C. for substantially 30 minutes prior to exiting the output end of the auger conveyor (7).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and a reactor for safely destroying containers having toxic chemical and biological materials contained therein. The reactor comprises a pressure vessel having an internal reaction chamber and at least one heater disposed on an exterior of the pressure vessel. A fragment-suppression system is also disposed within the internal reaction chamber. The fragment-suppression system is adapted to receive a container therein, such as an energetic chemical munition, and is adapted to receive a charge for opening the container. An injection port is also provided so that oxidants can be injected into said reaction chamber to neutralize the chemical and biological materials after the container has been opened.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing hazardous wastes directly from 55-gallon drums through the use of pyrolysis and steam reforming. The method is based on a pyrolyzer using heat to vaporize organics that are present in the hazardous wastes. The waste is heated in the original drums to avoid the bulk handling of alpha radionuclides and to ensure criticality control. At pyrolysis temperatures, all liquids and organics in the drums will evaporate and volatize. The resulting waste in the drums is a dry, inert, inorganic matrix with carbon char containing radioactive metals. The off-gas produced by pyrolysis mainly consists of water vapor, volatized organics, and acid gases from the decomposition of various plastics and other organics present in the waste drums. The off-gas produced by the pyrolysis is then collected and fed into an off-gas treatment system that is in fluid communication with pyrolyzer operated under oxidizing conditions.

Abstract: Hazardous gas abatement apparatus combines and directly couples a chemical agent treatment tank and a dynamic oxidation chamber with a quick connect clamp. Cleaning the chamber and filter and emptying and replacing the chemical agent take place without disconnecting or otherwise disturbing gas, air and exhaust connections.

Abstract: A dissolved oxygen releasing blend is disclosed utilizing magnesium peroxide blended with powdered Bentonite and/or vegetable oil. The Bentonite (or other clay material) reduces the hydraulic conductivity of magnesium peroxide, thereby reducing the rate of magnesium peroxide disassociation.

Abstract: An encapsulated reactant(s) having at least one encapsulant and at least one reactant. An outermost encapsulant is substantially nonreacting, impermeable and nondissolving with water. The reactant(s) contribute to at least one reaction with contaminants in environmental media rendering the environmental media less harmless. Processes for using the encapsulated reactant in environmental media is also hereby claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the in situ and ex situ oxidation of organic compounds in soils, sludges, ground-water, process water and wastewater and especially relates to the in situ oxidation of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, pesticides and herbicides, and other recalcitrant organic compounds, in soil and groundwater using percarbonate activated persulfate.

Abstract: An improved method and compositions for treating organic compounds present in soil, groundwater and other environments is disclosed. The method involves the use of a composition comprising a solid state, water soluble peroxygen compound and zero valent iron.

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 of performing soil decontamination including mechanically mixing the soil with solid oxidant prior to any addition of water and until an exothermic reaction between the oxidant and contaminants within the soil occur, adding only necessary water to obtain an homogeneous mix between the soil and the oxidant, and mechanically mixing the soil with the oxidant and the water for a predetermined period of time to allow the oxidant to at least partially oxidize the contaminants.

Abstract: A method for in-situ reduction of contaminants in soil.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treatment of arsenic-contaminated soil, said method being capable of insolubilizing arsenic compounds (in organic form or tri- or pentavalent inorganic form), thereby reducing their leaching level below the environmental standard value for soil. The method consists of heating arsenic-contaminated soil at 200 to 700° C. and mixing the heated soil with a calcium compound and water. The method also consists of mixing arsenic-contaminated soil with a calcium compound, heating the mixed soil at 200 to 700° C., and mixing the heated soil with water.

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: A method for in-situ soil remediation is provided. Electrodes are placed below the ground surface extending horizontally. The electrodes are positioned such that a first electrode is positioned above a second electrode and the electrodes surround a region of soil containing contaminants. A plurality of electrodes can be placed in an upper plane corresponding with a plurality of electrodes placed in a lower plane. By passing a current between the electrodes contaminants are mobilized towards the electrodes where the contaminants can be extracted. The electrodes are constructed by boring substantially horizontal bore holes, inserting a well screen in the bore hole and packing an annulus formed between the well screen and the bore hole with electrically conductive particulate matter.

Abstract: A method of waste stabilization by mineralization of waste material in situ in a treatment container (24) suitable for treatment, transit, storage and disposal. The waste material may be mixed with mineralizing additives and, optionally, reducing additives, in the treatment container or in a separate mixing vessel. The mixture is then subjected to heat in the treatment container (24) to heat-activate mineralization of the mixture and form a stable, mineralized, monolithic solid. This stabilized mass may then be transported in the same treatment container (24) for storage and disposal.

Abstract: Processes for treating hazardous wastes, such as impacted soils containing hexavalent chromium, to simultaneously both reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and control leaching of chromium in soil or disposed waste. The processes includes a one-step reagent addition that results in treatment of the impacted materials in a single pass. The processes generally may include mixing the solid waste material containing hexavalent chromium to ensure a homogeneous mixture followed by treating the impacted material with a suitable treatment additive including sodium/calcium polysulfide. The processes result in a reduction of total concentration and leachable levels of chromium in the impacted material.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing air-stable nano-scale zero-valent iron (NZVI) particles at room temperature is provided. Also, a method of treating environmental pollutants using nano-scale zero-valent iron synthesized by the above method is provided. According to the method, air-dried NZVI is very effective in removing pollutants such as arsenic, and the method is simple, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and can stabilize the NZVI in air for more than 10 months.

Abstract: A novel nanocatalyst is disclosed containing titanium oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide. The catalyst comprises a layer of iron oxide in the gamma form supported on a titanium oxide core. Addition of calcium cations helps to stabilize the iron oxide in the gamma form. The iron oxide layer is on the order of a few nanometers thick on the surface of the titanium oxide core, in an “egg-in-shell” structure. The nanocatalyst is highly active in promoting the oxidation of compounds such as hydroquinone, catechol, other hydrocarbons, chlorinated phenols, and carbon monoxide, even at moderately elevated temperatures. The catalyst remains active in a pyrolytic environment for extended periods of time, and possesses high redox cycling potential. The efficiency of the catalyst is not strongly affected by coking in a combustion environment.

Abstract: To provide a decomposition apparatus and a decomposition system which can prolong the catalyst life and which can efficiently decompose a large amount of waste plastics and organics. The inventors of the present invention established a decomposition apparatus and a decomposition system which allow the catalyst to circulate therein, thus perfected the present invention.

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

Abstract: A highly reliable detoxifying method of the cyano matters is provided. The waste-liquor, which contains at least one of free cyano material, a cyano complex and a reducing compound exhibiting volatility in alkaline aqueous solution, is heated under an alkaline condition to a temperature range, which lies within a range of from room temperature to the boiling point, and which includes a high temperature range of 80° C. or more, followed by holding the temperature; oxidation-reduction potential of the waste liquor is measured from the room temperature; and, hypochlorite is intermittently or continuously added to the waste liquor from the room temperature, until the oxidation-reduction of the hypochlorite is detected.

Abstract: Methods and equipment are provided for making polybichlorophenyl non-toxic. Methods include a first oxidation step, in which polybichlorophenyl is burned, and a second oxidation step, in which exhaust gas from the first oxidation step is oxidized by contact with metallic phthalocyanines or metallic phthalocyanine derivatives and with an oxygen supply compound. Equipment includes a first furnace for burning a polybichlorophenyl-containing oil with an auxiliary fuel and a second oxidation reaction unit. The second oxidation reaction unit connects to the first furnace under seal, and includes metallic phthalocyanine or metallic phthalocyanine derivative solution supply source and an oxygen supply compound supply source.

Abstract: Decontamination apparatus and methods involve catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to drive additional hydrogen peroxide to a contaminated location.

Abstract: A method for transforming a waste product containing or completely formed of amiantus comprising subjecting the waste product to several working phases and adding of components such as calcined alumina, clay and material having a given porosity so to produce a final manufactured product free of any amiantus.

Abstract: A supercritical oxidation process carried out in water is capable of oxidizing “organics” in precious metal organic compositions such as heterogeneous (Pt/C) or homogeneous precious metal catalysts and producing a precious metal oxide with few by-products and low losses of precious metal.

Abstract: Polyoxometalate topical compositions for removing contaminants from an environment and methods of use thereof are disclosed. An embodiment of the polyoxometalate topical composition includes a topical carrier and at least one polyoxometalate, with the proviso that the polyoxometalate is not H5PV2Mo10O40; K5Si(H2O)MnIIIW11O39; K4Si(H2O)MnIVW11O39; or K5CoIIIW12O40. Another embodiment relates to a method for removing a contaminant from an environment, including contacting the polyoxometalate topical composition with the environment containing the contaminant for a sufficient time to remove the contaminant from the environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for neutralizing biological and/or chemical warfare agents using an ozone-containing solution. The ozone-containing solution is produced by combining ozone-containing gas with an ozone vehicle, such as an organic solution. The ozone-vehicle prolongs the shelf life of the ozone to allow for extended periods of storage. A storage container is used to store the ozone-containing solution and facilitate its transportation to an environment contaminated by the biological and/or chemical warfare agents, or near a potential site for biological or chemical attack. The ozone-containing solution is drawn out of the storage container to apply it to a contaminated environment.

Abstract: A method for chemically decontaminating radioactive material. The method includes reducing-dissolving step for setting surface of radioactive material in contact with reducing decontamination liquid including mono-carboxylic acid and di-carboxylic acid as dissolvent; and oxidizing-dissolving step for setting the surface of the radioactive material in contact with oxidizing decontamination liquid including oxidizer. The method may include repeated pairs of steps, each pair including the reducing-dissolving step and the oxidizing-dissolving step. The mono-carboxylic acid may include formic acid, and the di-carboxylic acid includes oxalic acid. The oxidizer may be ozone, permanganic acid or permanganate.

Abstract: A microemulsion composition having a solid source of peroxycarboxylic acid and germinant is used for chemical and biological warfare decontamination. A process for decontaminating uses the microemulsion composition.

Abstract: A continuous and regenerative process for removal and destruction of VOC from effluents is disclosed. The process employs two fixed bed reactors in series filled with adsorbent/catalyst. The VOC containing effluent is passed over the first reactor for adsorbing VOC, while the second reactor, which is loaded with VOC from the previous cycle is regenerated with part of the treated gas made up with an appropriate amount of air. Just before the VOC breakthrough occurs at the first reactor, the roles of the two reactors are switched. The process is characterized by simple design, high VOC removal efficiency, no external heat requirement and low operation cost.

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 process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an alkali scrubbing solution, and removing any alkali aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to oxidized mercury and removing it in the scrubbing solution and wet electrostatic precipitator. Alkali sulfates, which are valuable fertilizers, can be withdrawn from the rubbing solution.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, alkali hydroxide or carbonate scrubbing solution, regenerating the scrubbing solution with limestone, and removing any particulate matter and aerosols generated by the scrubbing step in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to oxidized Hg and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. The scrubbing solution is preferably regenerated with limestone or magnesium, and results in a Group II sulfite or sulfate that can be recovered and sold, or landfilled.

Abstract: Formation of solid-water detoxifying reagents for chemical and biological agents. Solutions of detoxifying reagent for chemical and biological agents are coated using small quantities of hydrophobic nanoparticles by vigorous agitation or by aerosolization of the solution in the presence of the hydrophobic nanoparticles to form a solid powder. For example, when hydrophobic fumed silica particles are shaken in the presence of IN oxone solution in approximately a 95:5-weight ratio, a dry powder results. The hydrophobic silica forms a porous coating of insoluble fine particles around the solution. Since the chemical or biological agent tends to be hydrophobic on contact with the weakly encapsulated detoxifying solution, the porous coating breaks down and the detoxifying reagent is delivered directly to the chemical or biological agent for maximum concentration at the point of need.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for energy efficient remediation of soil contaminated with hydrocarbons, including desorbing the hydrocarbon contaminants from a bed of the soil by thermal desorption in a treated desorption chamber (20) and thereafter combusting the contaminants in a thermal oxidiser (30). The combustion air for the desorption chamber and the thermal oxidiser, and the desorbed contaminants prior to admission to said thermal oxidiser, are preheated by heat exchange (40) with offgases from the thermal oxidiser. The offgases are then rapidly quenched at below 200° C.