Subsurface contaminant remediation, biodegradation and extraction methods and apparatuses

摘要

Methods and apparatuses for removing contaminants from soil and an associated subsurface groundwater aquifer. An injection well(s) is drilled through the vadose zone to a depth below the water table defining the upper boundary of the aquifer. An extraction well is established to a depth above the water table. Oxygenated gas is injected under pressure through the injection well while a vacuum is applied to the extraction well. Contaminants are removed from the groundwater aquifer and from the vadose zone by a combination of physical, chemical, and biochemical processes. Additional biochemical cleansing may occur at ground level prior to venting of extracted, contaminated air. Relatively pure liquid contaminant may be extracted simultaneously with cleansing of the soil above the aquifer. Microbes natural to the contaminated site are extracted, analyzed, fermented, and reintroduced to enhance biodegradation. Should it become necessary because of decrease in contamination and consequent decrease in microbes, an alternate food source is supplied to the microbial population to sustain high levels of degradation activity.