Abstract: A method is provided for reducing emissions of a volatile organic compound (“VOC”) from a source of the VOC. The method includes the steps of: (A) operatively positioning a VOC-absorbing material between the source of the VOC and the atmosphere, wherein the VOC from the source of the VOC must pass through the VOC-absorbing material before being vented to the atmosphere, and wherein the VOC-absorbing material comprises: (i) a permeable substrate; and (ii) a stripper for the VOC; and (B) exposing the stripper of the VOC-absorbing material to bacteria, wherein the bacteria is selected for being capable of converting the VOC to another compound. A method for pumping a fluid from a low-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid outlet and a method for storing or transporting a fluid are also provided, wherein the fluid comprises a VOC.

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: A method for removing dissolved solids from a waste stream, such as that produced in flue gas scrubbing, through an evaporation-crystallization process operated at relatively low temperature. A waste stream is directed into an evaporator and heated at a temperature of less than 60° C. at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. The waste stream is concentrated through the evaporation process and forms a slurry stream having crystallized solids. At the low temperature of evaporation, the solids crystallize at substantially lower temperature and the solution has a substantially lower boiling point elevation than at atmospheric pressure. The slurry stream is directed to a solid-liquid separator where the crystallized solids in the slurry stream are separated, producing a solid cake and mother liquor.

Abstract: Method and composition for decomposing and detoxifying chemical warfare agents, organic toxic compounds (e.g., pesticides), and for removal of contaminants in materials including fuels. The method and composition are based on ferrate (VI). The ferrate is typically applied to a contaminated surface or volume with a phase transfer catalyst and/or with a carrier.

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: Process for recovering metals from metal-containing wastes and materials, characterized in that the metal-containing waste is preferably introduced continuously into a process chamber, treated thermally with continuous intensive mixing, the organic components are continuously removed and subsequently oxidized and the metal-containing components, preferably as metal conglomerates, and the further inorganic metal-free components are discharged essentially continuously from the process chamber and a plant for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Exemplary compositions, methods, and systems are disclosed that can be useful 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 Fe-MDGA and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant.

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: An improved oxidization process may be used to oxidize a wide variety of feedstocks. Oxidation takes place in a reactor where the feedstock is mixed with an oxidizing acid, such as nitric acid. The reaction mixture may also include a secondary oxidizing acid such as sulfuric acid as well as water and/or dissolved and mechanically mixed oxygen gas. The reactor may be maintained at an elevated pressure such as at least approximately 2070 kPa or desirably at least approximately 2800 kPa. The temperature of the reaction mixture may be maintained at no more than 210° C.

Abstract: Exemplary compositions, methods, and systems are disclosed that can be useful 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 Fe-MDGA and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: An improved oxidization process may be used to oxidize a wide variety of feedstocks. Oxidation takes place in a reactor where the feedstock is mixed with an oxidizing acid, such as nitric acid. The reaction mixture may also include a secondary oxidizing acid such as sulfuric acid as well as water and/or dissolved and mechanically mixed oxygen gas. The reactor may be maintained at an elevated pressure such as at least approximately 2070 kPa or desirably at least approximately 2800 kPa. The temperature of the reaction mixture may be maintained at no more than 210° C.

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: 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 styrene reduction agent that effectively and economically reduces styrene emissions in Cured-In-Place Pipe, closed molding processes. The reduction agent generally comprises a calibrated mixture of salts including sodium chloride plus three persulfate salts: ammonium (APS), potassium (KPS), and sodium (NPS). These ingredients are combined in powder form and are compressed into soluble capsules containing calibrated amounts of the mixture. The capsule(s) may be prescribed through the use of software. Capsule(s) are added to the cure water prior to starting the boiler equipment for the Cured-In-Place Pipe process in order to reduce the residual monomer content in either process or waste streams.

Abstract: Even an organic waste having a high water content ratio can be caused as it is to undergo accelerated microbial degradation and be composted or reduced in volume, without the need of drying with heat energy or air blowing as in conventional techniques or of adding an agricultural by-product such as sawdust. The method is for reaction treatment including: an organic waste in which oxygen is difficult to penetrate and in which a biochemical reaction by microbe is difficult to occur. This method includes: forcedly supplying oxygen to inner parts of the organic waste to elevate, by biochemical reactions, the temperature of the inner parts of the organic waste to which oxygen has been supplied; and maintaining the elevated temperature to continue the biochemical reactions and thereby compost the organic waste.

Abstract: Degradation of phosphate esters, particularly neurotoxins and pesticides, is performed using metallocene derivatives, more particularly molybdocene and tungstocene derivatives. A metallocene derivative is hydrolyzed and then reacted with a phosphate ester. The preferred metallocene derivatives are molybdocene and tungstocene derivatives. The phosphate esters can include, but are not limited to, VX, VE, VG, VM, GB, GD, GA, GF, parathion, paraoxon, triazophos, oxydemeton-methyl, chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion and pirimiphos-methyl, representing both chemical warfare agents as well as pesticides and insecticides.

Abstract: There are provided a method of treating organic waste, which is excellent in the smooth temperature elevation in the early stage of the treatment and satisfactory in temperature-maintenance in a high temperature range, and by which the stable treatment of organic waste is achieved and the evaporation of moisture is promoted, thereby a stable effect of treating organic waste and an increased treatment scale being achieved; an agent for treating organic waste; and microorganisms to be used therein. The method is characterized by the use of a mesophilic bacterium showing its activity at 15 to 50° C. and a thermophilic bacterium showing its activity at 50 to 70° C. in the organic waste. As the mesophilic bacteria, bacteria which have an exothermic action and form spores under a temperature of 50° C. or higher are preferable and Bacillus subtilis is more preferable. Among these bacteria, a C-3102 strain (FERM BP-1096) is especially preferable.

Abstract: Ozone and, if necessary, water is added to an exhaust gas, such as air, containing hydrogen- and carbon-containing molecules of a pollutant. The exhaust gas is then continually flowed into one or more oxidizing reaction chamber modules. In the reaction chamber(s) the ozone- and water-containing gas is subjected to intense ultraviolet radiation (wavelength of 254 nm) to promote the formation of hydroxyl radicals to oxidize the pollutant molecules to carbon dioxide and water. The continually discharged gas is analyzed for residual ozone and hydrocarbon content and the analytical data used in feedback control of ozone addition and UV radiation intensity.

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: Disclosed herein is a method for biopile-based bioremediation of hydrocarbon waste with high aromatic content. The method comprises of isolating specific microorganisms and preparing microbial blend, preparing biopile, adding the microbial blend into the biopile, providing nutrient, aeration and watering of biopile.

Abstract: A combination of a styrene reduction agent and a catalyst that effectively and economically reduces styrene emissions in Cured-In-Place Pipe, closed molding processes. The reduction agent generally comprises a calibrated mixture of salts including sodium chloride plus three persulfate salts: ammonium (APS), potassium (KPS), and sodium (NPS). These ingredients are combined in powder form and are compressed into soluble capsules containing calibrated amounts of the mixture. The capsule(s) may be prescribed through the use of software. The catalyst is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). A calibrated amount of the styrene reduction agent capsule(s) are added to the cure water prior to starting the boiler equipment for the Cured-In-Place Pipe process, and this is followed by a calibrated amount of the H2O2 catalyst in order to reduce the residual monomer content in either process or waste streams.

Abstract: A Bayer process is disclosed. The Bayer process includes a step of treating any one or more of: (a) Bayer liquor or liquors produced in the process, (b) precipitated aluminium trihydrate particles produced in the process, and (c) other solids added to or produced in the process, with ultrasonic energy and destroying organics in the liquor or liquors, on the precipitated aluminium trihydrate particles, and on the other solids.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.

Abstract: A method of removing organic contaminants from surfaces of solid wastes is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a TiO2 sol; mixing the solid wastes and the TiO2 sol by stirring. Furthermore, the mixture undergoes photo-catalytic remediation under illumination of a UV source prior to a solid-liquid separation process of the illuminated TiO2 sol and solid wastes.

Abstract: A method, using a photocatalyst, to accelerate the reduction of semivolatile organic chemicals absorbed into porous, solid materials. The porous, solid material having absorbed one or more semivolatile organic contaminants. The photocatalytic material located on the surface of the porous, solid material is exposed to a light source, under aerobic conditions, which excites the photocatalyst and results in the reduction of the absorbed semivolatile organic chemical contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and a system for the complete recycling of municipal solid wastes with minimal environmental impact and with the exploitation of the wasted solid recovery fuel (WSRF) for the production of electric energy and/or hydrogen. Those results are achieved by means of the gasification of the WSRF in a reactor where the volatile and the inorganic components are combusted separately thus allowing contemporary the further treatment of the synthesised gas and the recovery of mineral and metallic molten granulates.

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: Exemplary compositions, methods, and systems are disclosed that can be useful 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 Fe-MDGA and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing emissions of a volatile organic compound (“VOC”) from a source of the VOC. The method includes the steps of: (A) operatively positioning a VOC-absorbing material between the source of the VOC and the atmosphere, wherein the VOC from the source of the VOC must pass through the VOC-absorbing material before being vented to the atmosphere, and wherein the VOC-absorbing material comprises: (i) a permeable substrate; and (ii) a stripper for the VOC; and (B) exposing the stripper of the VOC-absorbing material to bacteria, wherein the bacteria is selected for being capable of converting the VOC to another compound. A method for pumping a fluid from a low-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid outlet and a method for storing or transporting a fluid are also provided, wherein the fluid comprises a VOC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a near-universal non-corrosive, non-toxic, environmentally safe and user friendly decontaminant capable of detoxifying organophosphorus (OP)-based G-type, V-type neurotoxic chemical warfare, sulfur-mustard, and related OP based hazardous industrial materials in a dry powder form. The decontaminant contains OPH enzyme, OPAA enzyme, DFPase enzyme, dehalogenase enzyme, quaternary ammonium salt, a pH control reagent, a fire-fighting agent, and a foaming agent. The decontaminant is mixed with available water for use.

Abstract: A method for treating bottom ash from a waste incineration plant. The invention relates in particular to a method for treating bottom ash from a domestic waste incineration plant. In accordance with the invention bottom ash having a size ranging up to 2 mm is treated by removing a previously determined component. The treatment comprises at least one of the following steps: the removal of organic components, the removal of heavy metals, the removal of ions and the removal of a fraction having a size of up to 50 ?m. It is preferred for the nonferrous heavy metals to be removed and the ferrous metals to remain in the fraction. Most preferably at least one of the treatment steps comprises a wet treatment.

Abstract: Compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the composition includes a metal nitrate selected from d-block metal nitrates and f-block metal nitrates and a metal salt having weakly bound counter anions. The metal of the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. Another embodiment of the composition includes a first polyoxometalate having a first metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal and a second polyoxometalate having a second metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. The first metal being an open coordinate site of the first polyoxometalate. In addition, the first metal has a nitrate terminal ligand. The second metal being an open coordinate site of the second polyoxometalate. In addition, the second metal has a halide terminal ligand.

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: 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: Methods are provided for remediating contaminated soil. The methods may include collecting contaminated soil at a plurality of treatment sites. The contaminated soil at one or more of the plurality of treatment sites may be at least partially contained. Vapors produced from heating soil at one site may be used to heat contaminated soil at another site. A fluid directed to a portion of heated contaminated soil may accelerate heat transfer through the site of contaminated soil or through another site of contaminated soil. A method may include heating contaminated soil from more than one site at substantially the same time. Heating contaminated soil from more than one site at substantially the same time may include in situ and ex situ treatment at a common location.

Abstract: A method for gasification of carbonic materials using CO2 is disclosed where materials having at least some carbon content are subjected to a high-temperature environment, for example, inside a reactor vessel in which a plasma are a plasma torch or the like is energized. CO2 is injected into such an environment in a substantially stoichiometric amount with respect to the amount of carbon within the carbonic components.

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: An erosion control barrier for installation in a drainage path in a service environment. The erosion control barrier includes a unitary permeable sheet which is bent along a longitudinal axis to provide an upslope side, a downslope side and a longitudinally extending apex. The permeable sheet is constructed of a degradable material so that the erosion control barrier has a design service life in the service environment and a design material life in the service environment. The design material life is longer than the design service life. The permeable sheet is designed to be sufficiently transversely stiff and resilient during the design service life to enable the erosion control barrier to be self-supporting. The permeable sheet is designed to substantially disintegrate within the design material life.

Abstract: A waste stream is treated in a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, connected below a zero-valent metal column reactor incorporating a metal with reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0); the combination preferably configured as a single unit. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Most of the Fe0 is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), mixed with the reduced product, and fed to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. The output is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. The system is monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating and neutralizing solid residue remaining in a munition shell of an abandoned chemical weapon includes the steps of dissolving the solid residue using an organic solvent to obtain a solid residue solution, and neutralizing the solid residue solution with an alkaline solution and an oxidant.

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: It is a system to absorb the CO2 and release the oxygen (O2). We construct the mechanical and electrical instrument. We use solar panel to produce electrical power in DC. We add DC motors attached with rechargeable battery and solar panel. The motor will generate the current and bubbles to make air contact with sea water with dead zone in ocean (desert in ocean). We define the module which is independent platform will have the solar panel, rechargeable battery, 12 or 24 voltage, dc motor, anchor and current guide, bubbles generator. By this platform we can perform the photosynthesis to diminish CO2 and release the oxygen (O2). We can build many platforms to diminish CO2 and we are able to control global warming. We also establish the communication center to locate the position of the platforms.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.

Abstract: A purifying agent for purifying soil or ground water which comprises a water suspension containing iron composite particles comprising ?-Fe and magnetite, and having an average particle diameter of 0.05 to 0.50 ?m, an S content of 3500 to 10000 ppm and an Al content of 0.10 to 1.50% by weight, and polyaspartic acid or a salt thereof. The purifying agent is capable of decomposing aliphatic organohalogen compounds or aromatic organohalogen compounds contained in the soil or ground water in an efficient, continuous and economical manner.

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 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: Methods and systems for treating a waste stream in a waste treatment system involve performing a unit process of the waste treatment system by contacting the waste stream with oxyhydrogen-rich gas generated on-site by an oxyhydrogen gas generator that implements water dissociation technology. In a preferred embodiment, the oxyhydrogen gas generator involves applying a pulsed electrical signal to a series of closely-spaced electrodes that are submerged in the waste stream to produce oxyhydrogen-rich gas from a water component of the waste stream. Operation of the oxyhydrogen gas generator in the waste stream may accomplish one or more unit processes for waste treatment, such as conditioning, stabilization, thickening, and dewatering, among others. At least a portion of the oxyhydrogen-rich gas can be conveyed for a second use in the waste treatment system, such as a source of combustible fuel for incineration or power generation, for example.

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 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 bed of calcium oxide and/or barium oxide in particulate form is continuously moved through a contact reaction zone such that it enters into countercurrent reaction with the feedstock and the reaction is performed in a reaction column equipped with an agitating/moving device by which the halide which is the product of reaction between the organic halide and the oxide is continuously discharged to the outside of the reaction zone.