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Title: Apparatus and method for phosphate-accelerated bioremediation

Patent ·
OSTI ID:644365

An apparatus and method are provided for supplying a vapor-phase nutrient to contaminated soil for in situ bioremediation. The apparatus includes a housing adapted for containing a quantity of the liquid nutrient, a conduit in communication with the interior of the housing, means for causing a gas to flow through the conduit, and means for contacting the gas with the liquid so that a portion evaporates and mixes with the gas. The mixture of gas and nutrient vapor is delivered to the contaminated site via a system of injection and extraction wells configured to the site and provides for the use of a passive delivery system. The mixture has a partial pressure of vaporized nutrient that is no greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid. If desired, the nutrient and/or the gas may be heated to increase the vapor pressure and the nutrient concentration of the mixture. Preferably, the nutrient is a volatile, substantially nontoxic and nonflammable organic phosphate that is a liquid at environmental temperatures, such as triethyl phosphate or tributyl phosphate. 8 figs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,753,109/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-579,910
OSTI ID:
644365
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 19 May 1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English