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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

In-situ clay modification for environmental remediation

Conference ·
OSTI ID:370029
 [1]
  1. Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI (United States)
Organoclays are formed by replacing native inorganic exchange cations of 2:1 layer silicates with organic cations such as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). These modified clays are effective sorbents for removing common organic contaminants from water. An in-situ subsurface remediation approach based on the conversion of soil clays to organoclays is being developed. This approach involves injections of QAC solutions to create sorptive zones that can intercept and immobilize contaminant plumes. Aspects of this technology will be discussed including binding of QACs to soil clays, hydraulic properties of modified subsoils, sorption of contaminants by modified clays, toxicity of QACs to soil microorganisms, and bioavailability of sorbed contaminants to pollutant degrading bacteria.
OSTI ID:
370029
Report Number(s):
CONF-960376--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English