TEMPE, AZ, Jan. 21, 2014 -- A new remediation process designed to remove contamination from groundwater has been issued U.S. Patent 8,580,114 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The newly-patented technology, provided by Kleinfelder -- a global architecture, engineering and science consulting firm -- is applicable to areas where large dissolved plumes of contaminants (e.g., nitrates, perchlorate, metals, and other chemicals) are affecting groundwater.
The process relies on an underground treatment system consisting of a network of injection and extraction wells with pre-emplaced emulsified vegetable oil or other appropriate reagent. Untreated groundwater is conveyed through the treatment system whereby contaminants undergo bioremediation (or chemical oxidation, depending on reagent selection). The treatment system is smaller in area than the plume and can be located in easy-to-access areas with appropriate soil types and at convenient depths.
"Groundwater contamination is often widespread, difficult to access through traditional remediation technologies, and expensive," said Edward (Ted) Tyler, a principal professional at Kleinfelder and inventor of the new process. "The remediation process was developed to work around many of these constraints while providing an effective means of remediating large dissolved plumes of contamination. This solution helps reduce client remediation costs, protects human health and preserves the environment."
About Kleinfelder
Kleinfelder is an employee-owned architecture, engineering, and science consulting firm providing solutions to meet our world's complex infrastructure and natural resource challenges. A global firm with nearly 2,000 employee-owners, Kleinfelder provides planning, engineering, scientific, technical and management solutions. With 50 years of experience, Kleinfelder's reputation of providing innovative, commonsense solutions to the most complex challenges has solidified its status as a trusted partner to its clients and a leader in the industry. Working as a team, our bright people will deliver the right solutions. For more information, visit
www.kleinfelder.com.
###
