Abstract:
The present invention relates to a consortium of microorganisms useful for the bioremediation of bodies of water contaminated with 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA). In particular, the present invention relates to a consortium of microorganisms able to degrade 1,2-DCA to ethylene, substantially without producing toxic halogenated intermediates, said consortium, when present in an aqueous liquid, preferably under anaerobic conditions, being tolerant to a concentration of 1,2-DCA in solution in said aqueous liquid greater than or equal to 1000 mg/L, preferably comprised between 1000 mg/L and 4000 mg/L, and more preferably comprised between 2000 mg/L and 4000 mg/L. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for the bioremediation of a body of water contaminated by 1,2-DCA, where in said body of water the concentration of 1,2-DCA may be greater than or equal to 1000 mg/L, preferably comprised between 1000 mg/L and 4000 mg/L and more preferably comprised between 2000 mg/L and 4000 mg/L, which comprises placing in contact with said body of water, preferably under anaerobic conditions, the aforementioned consortium of microorganisms able to degrade the 1,2- DCA.
Abstract:
There is provided a method of treating persistent organic pollutants such as waste agrichemicals through indirect heating, according to which the pollutants decomposition efficiency can be improved, the burden on exhaust gas treatment can be greatly reduced, and treatment can be carried out safely, reliably, and at low cost. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating a persistent organic pollutants comprising mixing together the organic pollutants, a solid medium, an alkali, and a high-boiling-point polar solvent. Moreover, another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating a persistent organic pollutants contained in a solid medium comprising mixing together the organic pollutants in the solid medium, an alkali, and a high-boiling-point polar solvent.
Abstract:
The present invention is a method and apparatus for altering a carbon-containing compound in an aqueous mixture. According to a first aspect of the present invention, it has been discovered that for an aqueous mixture having a carbon containing compound with an ozone reaction rate less than the ozone reaction rate of pentachlorophenol, use of corona discharge in a low or non-oxidizing atmosphere increases the rate of destruction of the carbon containing compound compared to corona discharge an oxidizing atmosphere. For an aqueous mixture containing pentachlorphenol, there was essentially no difference in destruction between atmospheres. According to a second aspect of the present invention, it has been further discovered that an aqueous mixture having a carbon-containing compound in the presence of a catalyst and oxygen resulted in an increased destruction rate of the carbon containing compound compared to no catalyst.
Abstract:
A method of treating a fluorocarbon feedstock includes heating, by means of radio frequency induction, a heating zone to a high temperature, allowing a fluorocarbon feedstock, comprising at least one fluorocarbon compound, to heat up in the heating zone so that the fluorocarbon compound dissociates into at least one fluorocarbon precursor or reactive species, and cooling the fluorocarbon precursor or reactive species, thereby forming, from the fluorocarbon precursor or reactive species, at least one more desired fluorocarbon compound.
Abstract:
The aim of the invention is to obtain a decontamination composition which is toxically less hazardous than conventional detoxicant compositions, is provided with a higher fire point than said conventional compositions and forms a closed cover for the surface when being applied to said surface as a layer for decontamination, whereby said surface has to be decontaminated. According to the invention, the decontamination composition contains an active agent, a neutral salt, a solvent and an emulsifier as well as one or more natural fatty acids and/or the derivatives thereof in said solvent.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a polyoxometalate topical composition for removing a contaminant from an environment, comprising a topical carrier and at least one polyoxometalate, with the proviso that the polyoxometalate is not H5PV2Mo10O40; K5Si(H2O)Mn W11O39; K4Si(H2O)Mn W11O39; or K5Co W12O40. The invention further relates to a method for removing a contaminant from an environment by the composition and contacting a polyoxometalate powder or a polyoxometalate coating with the environment. It further relates to a modified polyoxometalate, comprising the admixture of (1) a polyoxometalate and (2) a cerium, a silver, a gold, a platinum compound, or a combination thereof. The invention further relates to a method for removing a contaminant from an environment by contacting a modified material comprising (1) a material and (2) a metal compound comprising a transition metal compound, an actinide compound, a lanthanide compound, or a combination thereof, wherein the metal compound is not a polyoxometalate. The modified material comprises (1) a material comprising a topical carrier, a powder, a coating, or a fabric, and (2) a metal compound comprising a transition metal compound, an actinide compound, a lanthanide compound, or a combination thereof, wherein the metal compound is not a polyoxometalate. The invention further relates to an article comprising the modified material.
Abstract:
The invention concerns the use of an acid selected among the C2-C4 percarboxylic acids for decontaminating materials soiled by organophosphorous and/or organosulphurous compounds. The percarboxylic acid is in particular in the form of an anhydrous or substantially anhydrous organic solution of said percarboxylic acid, such as is obtained by reacting an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution with the corresponding carboxylic acid miscible in water, in the presence of a catalyst and an organic solvent optionally the one whereby water has been continuously eliminated from the reaction medium by azeotropic distillation.
Abstract:
Halogenated carbon compounds can be thermally decomposed using a combustion gas, oxygen or air and optionally water vapour, if the decomposition is carried out in a pore burner. According to the invention, it is advantageous if the decomposition temperature is lower than usual, if the decomposition can be easily controlled and can be carried out in a quantitative manner and if it produces nitrogen oxide, at most in minimal quantities.