The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 08, 2003
Filed:
Dec. 15, 2000
Robert R. Stanforth, Singapore, SG;
National University of Singapore, Singapore, SG;
Abstract
A method for reducing the solubility of lead during digestion or in the environment has been developed. Lead is incorporated into a solid material formed by the in situ oxidation of iron. This can be accomplished by introducing ferrous iron into the soil, either in solid or liquid form, and then oxidizing the iron with either air or an introduced oxidant. Solubility of the lead is significantly reduced even under very acidic conditions by incorporation into the iron oxide material. Acid generated during the oxidation and precipitation of iron can be neutralized using common neutralizing agents such as limestone, lime, magnesium oxide, or magnesium hydroxide. In another method, the calcium or magnesium can be added either as neutral salts or as salts of alkaline anions, e.g., calcium carbonate. The calcium and magnesium ions form strong complexes with digestive enzymes, preventing the lead from forming soluble lead complexes with the enzymes. This reduces the bioavailability of the lead.