We have been interested in the properties of lignocellulosic materials for the uptake and removal of heavy metals that pollute water. We have screened a wide variety of materials and have found that locally produced bark, properly sized, is highly efficient for this purpose. Materials that retain their original cellular structure and that have a high proportion of cellulose removed, which makes the lignin concentration relatively higher, are the most efficient. A patent has been filed and a company established to commercialize this technology. We have developed a specific protocol for chromium and have an agreement in place to remediate a site, in conjunction with an environmental engineering firm, to remove this pollutant from groundwater at a site in upstate New York. We are working of variations of the technology to remove hydrogen sulfide from landfill gases and to remove cobalt from an industrial source in the midwest. This is expected to provide a new industry in upstate NY, to provide environmentally friendly methods for decontamination of water and to create new markets for agricultural waste products.

We began this work as a response to the arsenic pollution at the site of the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park. We proposed a phytoremediation approach, but this was insufficiently effective because of low plant availability of the pollutant. This lead to a consideration of bioavailability as related to organic materials, and then to the conclusion that lignocelluloses had substantial potential for uptake and removal of both heavy metals and oils. After a significant screening effort, we were able to identify inexpensive but highly effective waste products for these uses.

We have screened numerous materials and have determined that tree barks, especially after aging processes, are highly effective. We have contacted, or been contacted by, several companies or engineering firms that need inexpensive and improved methods of removal of heavy metals. We have developed pilot scale systems for removal of chromium from polluted water, and in a modification of the process, for removal of hydrogen sulfide from landfill gases. We are investigating the removal of cobalt from industrial waste streams.

This work is providing an inexpensive alternative for removal of heavy metals from water. It also may have a role in removal of hydrogen sulfide from landfill gases and other similar gas streams, making them more useful in energy generation. Many landfill gases cannot be used for energy because of high hydrogen sulfide concentrations. A company, Terrenew, LLC, has been established locally to commercialize these findings. The first revenues will occur in 2007 and, if the promise is realized, large operations generating substantial income will occur. This will create jobs and local revenue as well as providing a new market for an agricultural waste product.

Terrenew LLC

• Terry Spittler (Cornell retired (HS))
• Tom Bourne (Terrenew, LLC)
• Bob Patrick (Cornell (HS))