Groundwater and soil remediation

摘要

The Hydrogen Release Corn-pound (HRC) from Regenesis has recently been granted a US Patent. HRC is a proprietary polylactate ester used for the purpose of accelerating reductive bioremediation processes that effectively degrade chlorinated contaminants, nitroaromatics and oxyanions in groundwater and saturated soils. HRC also has the capability to remove certain metals from the subsurface through the facilitation of precipitation reactions. Regenesis says HRC offers a unique, time-release feature that slowly releases lactic acid into contaminated environments for periods of up to one to two years or more. Lactic acid is widely known as one of the most effective ways to provide hydrogen and electrons to microbial populations as it undergoes microbial breakdown (fermentation). The hydrogen is then exploited by the microbial consortium for the availability of its electrons and, by example, as a replacement for chlorine in chlorinated contaminants. It is in this manner that HRC purposefully allows for prolonged periods of enhanced biodegradation of anaerobically degradable contaminants to occur.