Method for phosphate-accelerated bioremediation
An apparatus and method are disclosed 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 fluid 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. 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. 4 figs.
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,480,549/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-186,065
- OSTI ID:
- 170466
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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