US Patent 7141170 Halogenated solvent remediation

Methods for enhancing bioremediation of ground water contaminated with nonaqueous halogenated solvents are disclosed. An illustrative method includes adding a composition to the ground water wherein the composition is an electron donor for microbe-mediated reductive dehalogenation of the halogenated solvents and enhances mass transfer of the halogenated solvents from residual source areas into the aqueous phase of the ground water. Illustrative compositions effective in these methods include whey powder, liquid whey, and mixtures of ethyl lactate and C2 or higher carboxylic acids or hydroxy acids, salts thereof, esters thereof, or mixtures thereof.