Remediation Composition for Chlorinated Solvent Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remediation methods for contaminated sites, particularly those with chlorinated solvents, metals, and other pollutants, face challenges due to the hydrophobicity and high density of contaminants, limited distribution of remediation agents, and high costs associated with conventional methods.
Innovation Solution
Compositions containing fermentable compounds, metals, and sulfur compounds are introduced into contaminated sites, either alone or in combination, to facilitate degradation and immobilization of contaminants, utilizing naturally occurring microorganisms and chemical processes to convert pollutants into innocuous derivatives, with the composition being in the form of a liquid, granular solid, or powder for effective distribution and contact with contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional remediation methods are used for chlorinated solvents, then contamination can be addressed, but the methods are expensive and face limited distribution effectiveness due to hydrophobicity and high density of contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the remediation system by introducing a specific composition containing ferrous gluconate, sodium thiosulfate, and sodium lactate. This composition modifies the redox potential and chemical environment to enhance reductive dechlorination, transforming the remediation process from conventional expensive methods to a more cost-effective approach while maintaining reliability in degrading chlorinated solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite remediation composition combining multiple chemicals (ferrous gluconate, sodium thiosulfate, sodium lactate) that work synergistically. This composite approach enhances the degradation of chlorinated solvents through combined reductive dechlorination and anaerobic processes, achieving effective remediation at lower costs compared to conventional single-agent methods
2Reliability
If conventional remediation agents are applied, then contamination can be treated, but distribution is limited due to hydrophobicity and high density of contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the remediation composition to improve distribution. The aqueous-based composition with specific solubility characteristics allows better penetration into contaminated soils and groundwater compared to conventional hydrophobic agents, enhancing contact with contaminants while maintaining degradation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sodium lactate as a fermentable carbon source that acts as an intermediary to stimulate microbial activity. This intermediary substance facilitates the anaerobic degradation process by providing energy for microorganisms, thereby improving the overall distribution and effectiveness of the remediation system in reaching and degrading contaminants
3Productivity
If reductive dechlorination and anaerobic degradation processes are enhanced, then contaminant conversion efficiency increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs naturally occurring microorganisms that perform reductive dechlorination and anaerobic degradation autonomously. The composition provides necessary nutrients and electron donors (ferrous gluconate, sodium thiosulfate, sodium lactate) but does not require complex external control systems, pumping equipment, or aeration mechanisms, thereby maintaining high productivity while minimizing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical remediation systems (such as pump-and-treat systems, air sparging, or chemical injection systems requiring monitoring and control) with a biological/chemical process that occurs naturally in the subsurface. The composition enables contaminants to be degraded through microbial metabolism and chemical reduction without requiring complex mechanical infrastructure, thus achieving high contaminant conversion efficiency with minimal system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed solution achieves significant conversion of contaminants into harmless products, such as carbon dioxide, water, and salts, with efficiencies ranging from 20% to 99%, addressing the limitations of existing methods by enhancing reductive dechlorination and anaerobic degradation processes while ensuring cost-effectiveness and broad applicability.
Implementation Method 1
The composition may contain at least one fermentable compound and at least one metal or metal containing compound... Examples of suitable fermentable compounds may include but are not limited to carbohydrates, alcohols, esters, polymers, fats, oils, organic acids, salts of organic acids, carboxylates, aromatic hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, sugars
Implementation Method 2
Recent advances in the understanding of biodegradation processes involving chlorinated solvents permit remediation of residual contamination source areas... One example of such development is provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/049,959... at least one fermentable compound and at least one metal or metal containing compound... to facilitate degradation of certain non-aqueous and aqueous halogenated organic compounds
Implementation Method 3
enhancing reductive dechlorination and anaerobic degradation processes... convert pollutants into innocuous derivatives... at least a portion of the amount of contaminant is converted into an innocuous derivative thereof such as carbon dioxide, water, salts or minerals
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods for remediation of contaminated materials, such as contaminated water, are provided. The composition may include at least one fermentable compound and at least one metal or metal containing compound to promote conversion of the contaminants into non-toxic substances through abiotic and/or biotic processes. The composition may further include sulfur or a sulfur containing compound, and/or microorganisms or derivative thereof.