| abstract |
Methods for decontaminating a contaminated material are provided. In one embodiment, a biocatalyst that digests hydrocarbon contaminants with a nutrient is activated and the activated biocatalyst is combined with the contaminated material and water to form a mixture. The mixture is incubated for a period of time, and the level of contaminant in the mixture is determined to determine if it is further incubated, additional biocatalyst mixture is added, or the decontaminated material is provided for further processing. In one embodiment, decontaminated material is provided for reuse or recycling with a second material, such as a construction aggregate. The method is particularly suitable for decontaminating drilling cuts, mining tailings, soil contaminated with hydrocarbons, and the like. |