Geothermal waste treatment biotechnology

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:7369670

Premuzic, E T; Lin, M S; Jin, J Z ^[1]

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1. Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States)

An ongoing R D program at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has identified technologies for a low cost, environmentally acceptable disposal of toxic geothermal residues. Laboratory work has shown that a biochemical process would meet the cost requirements. In this work, microorganisms which can interact with toxic metals (including trace radionuclides) found in geothermal residual brine sludges and which can convert them into soluble species for subsequent reinjection or concentration have been identified. The biochemical activities of these organisms served as models for the development of technically and economically feasible detoxification processes leading to advanced biotechnology for geothermal waste treatment. Process variables have been identified and optimization studies have been carried out using a prototype laboratory scale pilot-plant for detoxification processing. A concurrent process for the concentration and recovery of valuable metals is also being developed. In this process a better than 80% removal of toxic metals is achieved in short periods of time. The fast rates of metal removal, with residence time in the bioreactor of 4 to 25 hours, have been achieved at pH 1-2 and temperatures of 55-60[degrees]C. A secondary biochemical process for the removal of trace radionuclides, particularly radium is currently being developed and tested. A complimentary process for concentration of metal from the process byproducts, i.e., the aqueous phase, produces a water effluent which meets drinking water standards.

• OSTI ID: 7369670
• Report Number(s): CONF-930484--; ON: DE94001714; CNN: AM-35-10
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150700 -- Geothermal Energy-- Products & By-Products
154000* -- Geothermal Energy-- Waste Management-- (1990-)
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOTECHNOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
DETOXIFICATION
ELEMENTS
EXTRACTION
GEOTHERMAL INDUSTRY
Geothermal Legacy
INDUSTRY
ISOTOPES
MANAGEMENT
METALS
MICROORGANISMS
PROCESSING
RADIOISOTOPES
REINJECTION
RESIDUES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING