Methods of remediation of chemical contaminants dispersed in geologic media

• US 6,204,429 B1
• Filed: 04/02/1999
• Issued: 03/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/03/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Washington State University
• Original Assignee: Washington State University
• Inventors: Gupta, Yogendra M., Mahalingham, Ramamurthi
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Edna
• Application Number:
  US09/285,507
• Time in Patent Office: 718 Days
• Field of Search: 204/157.15, 588/17, 588/227, 405/128
• US Class Current: 405/128.45
• CPC Class Codes: B09C 1/08 chemically
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/003 Vibrating earth formations

Abstract

Chemically contaminated soil samples are subjected to a shock wave sufficient in amplitude and duration to induce polymerization and/or decomposition of the contaminant chemicals.

Claims

1. A method of treating soil comprising:

(a) determining that soil is contaminated with at least one chemical contaminant; and

(b) administering to the soil a shock wave of sufficient amplitude and duration to induce chemical degradation and/or polymerization of the at least one chemical contaminant.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the shock wave has an amplitude sufficient to result in a peak stress on the soil of about 0.1 to about 50 Gpa.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the shock wave has an amplitude sufficient to result in a peak stress on the soil of about 2 to about 15 Gpa.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the shock wave has a duration of about 0.5 to about 500 μ

s.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the shock wave has a duration of about 2 to about 20 μ

s.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein a shock wave is administered two or more times.