Advanced biochemical processes for geothermal brines: Annual operating plan, FY 1995

Technical Report · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/61071· OSTI ID:61071

Premuzic, E T

An R and D program to identify methods for the utilization and/or low cost of environmentally acceptable disposal of toxic geothermal residues has been established at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Laboratory work has shown that a biochemical process developed at BNL, would meet regulatory costs and environmental requirements. In this work, microorganisms which can convert insoluble species of toxic metals, including radionuclides, into soluble species, have been identified. These organisms serve as models in the development of a biochemical process in which toxic metals present in geothermal residual sludges are converted into water soluble species. The produced solution can be reinjected or processed further to concentrate and recover commercially valuable metals. After the biochemical detoxification of geothermal residual sludges, the end-products are non-toxic and meet regulatory requirements. The overall process is a technically and environmentally acceptable cost-efficient process. It is anticipated that the new biotechnology will reduce the cost of surface disposal of sludges derived from geothermal brines by 25% or better.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH00016
• OSTI ID: 61071
• Report Number(s): BNL--61534; ON: DE95010418
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
BIODEGRADATION
BRINES
DETOXIFICATION
DISSOLUTION
ECONOMICS
FLOWSHEETS
GEOTHERMAL FLUIDS
Geothermal Legacy
MATERIALS RECOVERY
METALS
SLUDGES