In situ remediation of contaminated groundwater
AssigneeDelta Environmental Consultants, Inc.
InventorJames Cuthbertson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In situ treatment of contaminated groundwater includes identifying a site contaminated with a pollutant susceptible to degradation by in situ, sulfate-reducing microorganisms. An amount of sulfate needed to support metabolization of the contaminants is estimated. The estimated amount of sulfate is applied to the site. In various alternatives of embodiments of the invention, the sulfate may be applied is a dry state or as a solution with water. The sulfate concentration in solution is in excess of 1000 ppm and may be as high as a near-saturation concentration.
Claims21
1-10. (canceled)
A method for treating contaminated groundwater in situ, said method comprising:
- a. identifying a site contaminated with hydrocarbon contaminants;
- b. estimating an amount of water contained within a contaminated plume of said site;
- c. calculating an amount of sulfate that can be diluted by said estimated amount to remain below a fully-diluted sulfate contamination limit;
- d. preparing a solution of water and an amount of sulfate less than said calculated amount and wherein a resulting concentration of sulfate in the solution is in excess of 1000 ppm;
- and
- e. applying said prepared solution in a manner selected for said prepared solution to enter said contaminated plume.
A method for treating contaminated groundwater in situ, said method comprising:
- a. identifying a site contaminated with hydrocarbon contaminants and having, in situ, sulfate-reducing microorganisms known to degrade hydrocarbon contaminants in anaerobic conditions;
- b. preparing a solution of water and sulfate with a sulfate concentration in excess of defined pollutant limits of sulfate contamination for water and wherein a resulting concentration of sulfate in the solution is in excess of 1000 ppm;
- and
- c. applying said prepared solution in a manner selected for said prepared solution to enter said contaminated plume.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.