Center investigators have developed new approaches to identify and select chelators for separating heavy metals from soil. Quantitative structure-activity relationships and molecular descriptors can be incorporated into models which allow computers to be used to help identify chelators. These concepts were presented at two workshops. The comprehensive approach to process synthesis and design developed through the center has been incorporated into spreadsheet software by a commercial firm and is now available for implementation by those who do process synthesis for chemical process industries. This will lead to significant advances in pollution prevention, save design costs, and increase profitability.
Recent work provides new information on the mechanisms of the oxidation process.
Several field projects conducted through the center have demonstrated that bioremediation occurs in the field as predicted by laboratory studies. Availability of oxygen has been shown to be an important consideration for contaminants which must be degraded aerobically. Further research is being conducted to develop cost-effective oxygen transfer technologies. Several companies have provided partial support for these field studies. The R2D2 program is national in scope, with all five centers receiving funding to involve former defense personnel in research programs working on center-funded research projects at center consortium universities.