Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
1.
Diatomite (diatomaceous earth)
This is a natural inorganic material composed of the silica skeletons of
microorganisms that lived millions of years ago. This material is mined in
the same manner as surface coal and is commonly used to remediate spills of
aqueous and nonaqueous or oil-based chemicals.
Diatomite is incompatible with and therefore should not be used with the
following:
•
inorganic acids
•
bases
•
cyanates and isocyanates
•
inorganic halides
•
heavy metals.
The sorption capacity of diatomite (the ratio of lbs of sorbent required to
clean up lbs of spilled liquid) ranges from 1.1 for aliphatic hydrocarbons such
as isoprene to 2.5 for aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons such as trichloro-
ethylene. The sorption capacity of diatomite is rather poor. However, this
material is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased for approximately
$1.50/lb, depending upon quantity ordered.
As a particulate, the material is extremely dusty, and a dust respirator and
eye protection should be worn during its application.
2.
Clay (sorbent clay)
This is also a natural substance composed of both inorganic and organic
materials. This material has also been used for many years to remediate spills
of aqueous and nonaqueous or oil-based chemicals.
Clay is incompatible with the following:
•
inorganic acids
•
cyanates and isocyanates
•
inorganic halides
•
heavy metals
The sorpt ion capacity of clay ranges from 1. 0 for alcoh ols and basic
compo unds such as allyl alcohol and ammonium hydroxide respectively, to
1.6 for aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons such as trichloroethylene.
Therefore, the sorption capacity of clay is very low when compared to the
other materials available. However, this material is one of the most
inexpensive materials and can be purchased for approximately $0.04/lb to
$0.12/lb depending upon supplier and quantity ordered.
