POLLUTING TEXTILE LAYER AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Abstract

TEXTILE DEPOLLUTING LAYER AND IMPLEMENTATION METHOD A textile depolluting layer (1) comprises a first textile film (2) and a second textile film (3) attached to the first textile film (2). The first textile film (2) is permeable to water in a direction that passes through both the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3). At least one fungal species (4) is positioned between the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3) and / or attached to at least one of the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3). At least one nutrient (5) is positioned between the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3) and / or positioned between the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3).

Description

Title of the invention: POLLUTING TEXTILE LAYER AND METHOD OF APPLICATION Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a pollution-reducing textile layer and to a method of implementing the pollution-reducing textile layer. Previous technique

[0002] Conventionally, green spaces are bordered by parking areas, or parking areas are enhanced with islands of greenery. When parked, some vehicles release hydrocarbons in the form of an oil leak or a fuel leak.

[0003] Following rainfall, hydrocarbons migrate along the water flow path. It is common for some of the water that has flowed over a concrete area to not be directly collected by a wastewater drainage system, but rather to pass through a certain thickness of living soil. Some of the water and hydrocarbons then come into contact with the soil, resulting in varying degrees of soil pollution. Once the soil is polluted, the pollution spreads to nearby plants and trees. Animals can also be contaminated when they feed on plants that have absorbed the pollution.

[0004] Pollution also occurs when waste is deposited on the ground and some of the constituents of this waste run off into the ground as rain soaks the mound of pollution.

[0005] To decontaminate soil, the standard practice is to excavate the soil to remove the polluted soil and replace it with decontaminated soil. This solution requires significant handling and is implemented after the pollution has been detected. The removed soil is then either decontaminated or stored. Object of the invention

[0006] An object of the invention consists of providing a pollution-reducing textile layer which is capable of capturing at least part of the pollution as it sinks into the ground or rises from a deeper source.

[0007] This problem is addressed by means of a pollution-absorbing textile layer comprising: - a first textile film and a second textile film fixed to the first textile film, the first textile film being permeable to water along a stacking direction which passes through the first textile film and the second textile film; - at least one fungal species located between the first textile film and the second textile film and / or installed in at least one of the first textile film and the second textile film; - at least one nutrient fixed to at least one of the first textile film and the second textile film and / or disposed between the first textile film and the second textile film; - a pollution-removing material capable of capturing and / or degrading pollution, the pollution-removing material being formed by at least one chelating material and / or at least one fungal species.

[0008] Advantageously, at least one chelating material is installed in at least one of the first textile film and the second textile film and / or disposed between the first textile film and the second textile film.

[0009] In a particular configuration, at least one of the first textile film and the second textile film is a looped film. The fungal species is arranged inside the loops.

[0010] In an advantageous development, the first textile film and / or the second textile film are porous films defining a percolating network with through holes along one or more directions perpendicular to a stacking direction passing through the first textile film and the second textile film.

[0011] Preferably, the second textile film is permeable to water along the direction passing through the first and second textile films. The second textile film has a permeability along a stacking direction passing through the first and second textile films that is less than 1001 / m² / s.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first textile film has a permeability along the stacking direction that is less than the permeability of the second textile film, the permeability ratio being less than 0.9.

[0013] In an advantageous development, the second textile film is waterproof according to the stacking direction.

[0014] Preferably, the pollution-removing textile layer comprises at least one pipe having one end fixed to at least one of the first textile film, the second textile film or a third textile film, the pipe having a second end connected to a reservoir for injecting nutrients, a fungal species, a chelating material or a mixture of these.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the fungal species is encapsulated in a water-degradable shell.

[0016] In a preferred configuration, the pollution-removing material comprises a pollution-removing fungal species.

[0017] The invention also relates to a pollution control method that uses a pollution-controlling textile layer. The method is advantageous because it allows for pollution control passively allows water to circulate in the soil, thus enabling depollution as pollution arrives.

[0018] This result is to be achieved by means of a soil treatment process comprising the following steps: - to dig a hole in the ground formed by a layer of earth; - install the pollution-reducing textile layer according to any of the previous configurations at the bottom of the hole; - plug the hole using a water-permeable material.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method of using a pollution-reducing textile layer that is more easily configurable than textile layers of the prior art.

[0020] This result is to be achieved by means of a method using a pollution-reducing textile layer according to a previous configuration placed in soil and comprising at least one of the following steps: - injecting nutrients, a fungal species, a chelating material or a mixture of these in response to a report of pollution near the pollution-removing textile layer; - injecting nutrients, a fungal species, a chelating material or a mixture of these in response to the detection of a decrease in the depollution efficiency of a textile depollution layer; - injecting a chelating material and a fungal species in response to a report of pollution near a textile depolluting layer, the fungal species having no or minimal effect on the pollution Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] [Fig.l]: schematically illustrates a layer of pollution-reducing textile;

[0023] [Fig.2]: schematically illustrates a layer of pollution-absorbing textile installed in the ground ;

[0024] [Fig.3]: schematically illustrates a layer of pollution-reducing textile installed in the ground and equipped with feed channels. Description of the implementation methods

[0025] Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate a depolluting textile layer 1, that is to say a layer capable of capturing and retaining all or part of the pollution present in a soil. Pollution is understood to mean pollution by hydrocarbons, pollution by heavy metals or by other compounds, for example herbicides or pesticides.

[0026] The pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 has a first textile film 2 and a second textile film 3. The first textile film is fixed to the second textile film 3. Preferably, the first textile film 2 is fixed to the second textile film 3 in a non-removable manner. Separation of the first textile film 2 from the second textile film 3 results in the degradation of at least part of the first textile film 2 and the second textile film 3. The first textile film 2 is fixed to the second textile film 3 by any suitable means, for example by a layer of adhesive or by partial fusion of the first textile film 2 and / or the second textile film 3.

[0027] Preferably, the first textile film 2 and the second textile film 3 are each water-permeable. When the soil is moistened, for example by rain, a downpour, watering, or flooding, the water flows through the soil from top to bottom until it reaches the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1. Pollution present on the soil surface or in the upper part of the soil is displaced to the subsoil. The pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 prevents the migration of pollutants beyond the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1. A similar problem arises when there is upwelling of water from the depths of the soil to the surface. When the water source is polluted, the pollution diluted in the water or carried by the water flow can rise to the surface.

[0028] The use of a permeable, pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 is preferable to the use of an impermeable layer. An impermeable layer prevents the circulation of water, which can result in the destruction of living organisms that are separated from the water source by the impermeable layer.

[0029] In order not to harm the life of these living organisms present in the soil, the pollution-removing textile layer 1 captures all or part of the pollution which is intended to pass through the pollution-removing textile layer 1.

[0030] The pollution-removing textile layer 1 has at least one fungal species 4 disposed between the first textile film 2 and the second textile film 3 and / or attached to at least one of the first textile film 2 and the second textile film 3.

[0031] The pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 comprises a pollution-absorbing material, that is to say, a material capable of capturing and / or degrading pollution. Pollution is preferably understood to mean heavy metals, hydrocarbons, oils, bituminous compounds, gasoline, diesel, and bituminous sludge. The pollution-absorbing material may be formed by the fungal species and / or another material, for example, a chelating agent.

[0032] The fungal species 4 may comprise one or more different species of fungi in order to be able to capture different types of pollutants by means of a same textile layer. Fungal species 4 may include one or more Trichoderma strains. Fungal species 4 allows for mycoremediation.

[0033] In addition to the fungal species 4, the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 contains a nutrient 5 chosen to provide food for the fungal species 4. When the soil is polluted, organisms naturally present in the soil may die, depriving the fungal species 4 of a source of sustenance. It is therefore particularly advantageous to combine the fungal species 4 with nutrients so that the fungal species 4 can survive in the period following its establishment in the soil, especially in nutrient-poor soil. The nutrients may include alginates, sugars (for example, beet sugars), enriched humus concentrate, and / or various plant-based complexes, including wet acid.

[0034] It is advantageous for the fungal species 4 to be encapsulated and for its protective capsule to be soluble or degradable in water or to decompose in the presence of water. The capsule protects the fungal species during the manufacture of the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1. Once the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 is installed in the soil, it is subjected to moisture which weakens or dissolves the capsule, allowing the fungal species to become active once established in the soil and / or colonize the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 or even beyond. The capsule can be made of clay or plant material, for example, algae.

[0035] The nutrient 5 can be in various forms, for example as a film, particles, a gel, or capsules filled with a powder. The nutrient 5 is attached to the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 so as to be positioned in the immediate vicinity of the fungal species 4 to facilitate the feeding of the fungal species 4 and its proliferation in and around the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 has a chelating material 6 that allows it to capture a different type of pollutant than those captured by the fungal species 4, or to capture pollutants differently. The chelating material 6 will capture and retain the pollutant. For example, the chelating material 6 is activated carbon. The chelating material 6 is particularly suitable for capturing heavy metals.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the first textile film 2 and the second textile film 3 is a porous film, and more preferably a looped film, that is, a film that forms loops on at least one of its surfaces. The porous film may be in the form of a felt or a fabric with loops. The first fabric is presented, and the fungal species 4 is deposited on the surface of the first fabric. The fungal species 4 becomes trapped in the loops, and a second fabric is attached to the first fabric to trap the fungal species 4 between the two fabric layers. Preferably, the thickness of the porous film is used to install at least part of the fungal species 4 in the loops.

[0038] The use of a porous material is particularly advantageous, because the pores receiving fungal species 4 and / or near fungal species 4 allow a significant amount of water to be retained by capillarity, which promotes the feeding and growth of fungal species 4.

[0039] It is advantageous that the nutrients 5 are uniformly distributed on the surface of the pollution-reducing textile layer 1 so as to encourage the fungal species 4 to colonize the surface of the pollution-reducing textile layer 1 and thus create a mycelial network which occupies the entire surface of the pollution-reducing textile layer 1 and / or which extends beyond the pollution-reducing textile layer 1.

[0040] The pore size allows the fungal species to be retained within the layer. The average pore size is preferably less than 120 microns.

[0041] Preferably, the first textile film 2 and / or the second textile film 3 are porous films defining a percolating network with holes running through it in one or more directions perpendicular to a stacking direction that runs through the first textile film 2 and the second textile film 3. In addition to having permeability along the thickness direction of the pollution-removing textile layer 1, it is advantageous to take advantage of holes or channels that extend in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0042] The channels extending along the length and / or width allow water to flow over the surface or within the pollution-removing textile layer 1, thus diffusing the polluted water over the entire surface of the pollution-removing textile layer 1. This configuration also allows the water to be distributed over the entire surface of the pollution-removing textile layer 1 to promote the growth of the mycelial network over the entire surface of the pollution-removing textile layer 1 and to promote the capture of pollution over the entire surface of the pollution-removing textile layer 1.

[0043] Advantageously, the second textile film 3 has a permeability along a stacking direction passing through the first textile film 2 and the second textile film 3 that is between 0 and 1001 / m² / s. The water permeation rate within the pollution-removing textile layer is chosen so as to have a contact time between the water and the fungal species that is greater than a threshold time that allows the capture of the pollution. The permeation rate of the pollution-removing textile layer 1 is defined by the soil permeation rate and by the average amount of water received by the soil to be decontaminated. Pollution capture is understood to mean the assimilation of the pollutant within the fungal species or the interaction between the fungal species and the pollutant that allows the pollutant to be degraded.

[0044] By limiting the flow velocity along the thickness direction, a contact time between the fungal species and the water displacing the pollution is defined. Limiting the flow velocity along the thickness direction promotes water circulation in directions perpendicular to the thickness direction. By limiting the flow velocity, it becomes possible to promote contact between the fungal species 4 and the water displacing the pollution in order to promote decontamination over the entire surface of the decontaminating textile layer 1. It is advantageous for the flow velocity along the thickness direction to be lower than the vertical flow velocity in the soil receiving the textile layer, preferably at least 15% lower, more preferably at least 30% lower, and even more preferably at least 50% lower.

[0045] In an advantageous configuration, the first textile film 2 has a permeability along a stacking direction that is lower than the permeability of the second textile film 3, the permeability ratio being less than 0.9. The first textile film 2 is more permeable than the second textile film 3. Preferably, the first textile film 2 is more permeable than the second textile film 3. Even more preferably, the first textile film 2 is arranged above the second textile film 3.

[0046] Water from the surface penetrates more easily through the top of the pollution-removing textile layer 1 and is blocked in the textile layers for a period of time which is a function of the permeability ratio between the two textile films for a given flow of water.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the second textile film 3 is impermeable to water flow. The use of a layer impermeable to water flow can be advantageous when it is desired to increase the transit time of water in contact with the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1. When an impermeable layer is used, it is advantageous to install the pollution-absorbing textile layer flat and horizontally or slightly inclined so that the water can penetrate deep into the soil. More preferably, the water discharged by the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 is collected by an additional permeable textile film that extends continuously under and beyond the impermeable pollution-absorbing textile layer so as to hydrate the soil beneath the impermeable layer.

[0048] It is particularly advantageous that the first film 2 and the second film 3 be formed by porous layers whose average pore diameter is greater than 50 microns in order to allow easy colonization of the volume of the films by a mycelial network from the fungal species 4.

[0049] Once the fungal species 4 has colonized the interior of the first textile film 2 and the second textile film 3, the fungal species 4 is better protected against attacks exterior. As mentioned above, the porous structure allows moisture to be retained for longer inside the pollution-absorbing textile layer.

[0050] The pollution-reducing textile layer 1 is flexible so as to adapt to the terrain profile.

[0051] As polluted water comes into contact with the pollution-removing textile layer 1, the fungal species 4 and / or the chelating material 6 partially or totally capture the pollution which flows with the water through the textile layer.

[0052] The chelating material 6 is configured to capture a predetermined quantity of a pollutant. Once this quantity is reached, the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 is no longer able to capture pollutants. For example, under or in the immediate vicinity of a vehicle parking area, there may be a continuous or near-continuous supply of pollutants. The quantity of the fungal species 4 is adapted to the quantity of pollutants that will be supplied during the entire service life of the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1, which advantageously corresponds to the service life of the structure.

[0053] The combination of the chelating material 6 and the fungal species 4 is particularly advantageous because it has been observed that during the migration of the fungal species 4 to channel the porous volume of the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 and to extend into the soil beyond the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1, the fungal species carries with it some of the chelating material. The distribution of chelating material 6 changes as the fungal species 4 migrates. The chelating material 6 preferentially has dimensions smaller than the pore dimensions so that it can migrate within the pollution-absorbing textile layer. For example, the chelating material is in the form of activated carbon microparticles.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the operating conditions of the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 are aggressive, which can lead to a decrease in the activity of the fungal species 4. For example, the structure may be subjected to fungicidal pollution. It also happens that during its operation, the pollution changes; for example, the concentration of hydrocarbon pollutants increases or decreases, and the concentration of heavy metal pollutants changes in the same or opposite directions. Furthermore, the pollution-absorbing textile layer may be placed under a structure with a long service life, for example, more than 50 years, more than 75 years, or more than 100 years. It is not guaranteed that the fungal species 1 will remain equally effective throughout the entire service life or that the fungal species will be adapted to the changes in the pollution.It is therefore advantageous to be able to adapt the content of fungal species 4 and / or chelating material 6 over time.

[0055] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 is provided with a channel 7, one end of which is intended to be attached to a reservoir containing a liquid. The liquid may contain nutrients, chelating material 6, a fungal species 4 or a mixture of these.

[0056] For example, after a period of drought or exposure to a fungicide, part of the fungal species may be weakened or have disappeared. The reservoir may contain nutrients that will be injected into the pollution-absorbing textile layer via the piping. The nutrients will help the fungal species 4 to regenerate. If the content of fungal species 4 is too low, a liquid containing fungal species 4 is injected, preferably accompanied by the nutrients.

[0057] After detecting an increase in heavy metal content, it is advantageous to inject a liquid containing the chelating material 6 to improve the performance of the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 with respect to this new pollution. It is also possible to inject a fungal species 4 that is different from the fungal species 4 already present in the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 in order to adapt the pollution-absorbing performance of the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 to the new pollution applied.

[0058] It is advantageous to inject the fungal species 4 and / or the chelating material 6 by means of a liquid which contains nutrients.

[0059] In one embodiment, the tank is permanently positioned at the other end of the pipeline. Advantageously, the tank is removable at the other end of the pipeline. The tank is attached to the pipeline only during the liquid injection phases.

[0060] Preferably, the channel 7 is arranged between the first textile film 2 and the second textile film 3. Alternatively, the pollution-removing textile layer 1 has a third textile layer 8, and the channel 7 is arranged between the third textile layer 8 and the second textile layer 3. The channel 7 is porous in the area in contact with the second textile film 3 or the first textile film 2 to allow the supply of nutrients, fungal species 4, and / or chelating material 6. The third textile film 8 is attached to the second textile film 3 on the side opposite the first textile film 2.

[0061] Even if the fungal species 4 is capable of extending beyond the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1, it is expected that the fungal species 4 will remain confined around the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1, whose porous configuration is more favorable than that of the soil. It is then possible to assess the quantity of pollution capable of being captured by the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 and to plan its regular replacement.

[0062] In an advantageous embodiment, the fungal species 4 is in the form of particles encapsulated by a casing made of a water-soluble material. The fungal species 4 is protected as long as the casing is present. Encapsulation by a chamber allows the fungal species to be protected during the fixation between the first textile film 2 and the second textile film 2.

[0063] The same is advantageously true for nutrients 5 which can be encapsulated with the same material as that of the fungal species 4.

[0064] The pollution-controlling textile layer 1 is intended to be installed in water-permeable soil, for example in earth or sand.

[0065] It is particularly advantageous to create a hole in the ground and then install the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 at the bottom of the hole. The pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 is substantially flat. The pollution-absorbing textile layer 1 is positioned along an average plane that is horizontal or slightly offset from the horizontal plane in order to ensure significant contact between the flowing water and the pollution-absorbing textile layer 1.

[0066] In a particular mode of use, after detecting a decrease in the pollution-removing efficiency in a reference area, nutrients are injected, of the same fungal species as that present in the pollution-removing textile layer 1, a different fungal species than that of the pollution-removing textile layer 1 and / or a chelating material.

[0067] It is also possible to inject nutrients, of the same fungal species as that present in the textile depollution layer 1, a different fungal species than that of the textile depollution layer 1 and / or a chelating material after reporting of pollution at the level of the structure associated with the textile depollution layer 1.

[0068] In a particular application, in response to a report of heavy metal pollution or the detection of a decrease in heavy metal removal efficiency in a reference area, it is advantageous to inject chelating material. If the pollution is located in the immediate vicinity of the pollution-removing textile layer, it is advantageous to inject the chelating material in combination with a fungal species, including one whose heavy metal removal effect is negligible or weak, since the chelating material is transported by means of the fungal species' migration. This mode of propagation can even be used when the pollution has a fungicidal effect. In this case, the pollution-removing textile layer may lack a fungal species capable of capturing the pollution. The fungal species 4 acts solely to transport the chelating material.The fungal species is smaller than the pore size of the first or second textile layer to move inside the first or second textile layer and eventually out of the textile layer to colonize around the textile layer.

Claims

Demands

1. Pollution-absorbing textile layer (1) comprising: - a first textile film (2) and a second textile film (3) fixed to the first textile film (2), the first textile film (2) being permeable to water along a stacking direction which passes through the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3); - at least one fungal species (4) disposed between the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3) and / or installed in at least one of the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3); - at least one nutrient (5) fixed to at least one of the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3) and / or disposed between the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3); - a pollution-removing material capable of capturing and / or degrading pollution, the pollution-removing material being formed by at least one chelating material (6) and / or at least one fungal species (4); characterized in that the second textile film (3) is permeable to water along the stacking direction and the first textile film (2) has a permeability along the stacking direction that is lower than the permeability of the second textile film (3), the permeability ratio being less than 0.9; or the second textile film (3) is waterproof according to the stacking direction.

2. Depolluting textile layer (1) according to claim 1 in which at least one chelating material (6) is installed in at least one of the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3) and / or disposed between the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3); in which at least one of the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3) is a looped film and the fungal species (4) is arranged inside the loops; wherein the first textile film (2) and / or the second textile film (3) are porous films defining a percolating network with through holes along one or more directions perpendicular to the stacking direction, the first textile film (2) and the second textile film (3) having an average pore diameter greater than 50 microns, the chelating material (6) having dimensions smaller than the pore dimensions to allow migration to the interior of the depolluting textile layer (1) by means of the fungal species (4).

3. Depolluting textile layer (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2 wherein the second textile film (3) has a permeability along the stacking direction which is less than 1001 / m2 / s.

4. A pollution-reducing textile layer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising at least one channel (7) having one end fixed to at least one of the first textile film (2), the second textile film (3) or a third textile film (8), the channel (7) having a second end connected to a reservoir for injecting nutrients, a fungal species (4), a chelating material (6) or a mixture thereof.

5. Depolluting textile layer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the fungal species (4) is encapsulated in a water-degradable shell.

6. Depolluting textile layer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the depolluting material comprises a depolluting fungal species.

7. A method for treating soil comprising the following steps: - digging a hole in the soil formed by a layer of earth; - installing the depolluting textile layer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in the bottom of the hole; - plugging the hole with a water-permeable material.

8. A method of using a pollution-absorbing textile layer (1) according to claim 4 disposed in a soil and comprising at least one of the following steps: - injecting nutrients, a fungal species (4), a chelating material (6) or a mixture thereof in response to a report of pollution near the pollution-absorbing textile layer (1); - injecting nutrients, a fungal species (4), a chelating material (6) or a mixture thereof in response to a detection of a decrease in the pollution-absorbing efficiency of the pollution-absorbing textile layer (1); - injecting a chelating material and a fungal species in response to a report of pollution near the pollution-absorbing textile layer (1), the fungal species (4) having no or little effect on the pollution.

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