In situ biodegradation of subsurface contaminants by injection of phosphate nutrients and hydrogen
US7645606B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB09C2101/00
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and gaseous composition for the in situ bioremediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with organic compounds, including halogenated hydrocarbons. The gaseous composition, which readily permeates a subsurface region, comprises hydrogen (H2) and one or more volatile phosphates, such as triethylphosphate (TEP) and tributylphosphate (TBP). The volatile phosphates serve as nutrients that stimulate the growth and activity of indigenous microbes that are capable of degrading the contaminants. The addition of hydrogen facilitates the direct reductive dehalogenation of highly halogenated contaminants. The gaseous composition may optionally contain one or more of a volatile alkane and nitrous oxide as additional supports for microbial growth, and carbon dioxide to lower the pH of remediation sites that are highly alkaline.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.