ITPN20120012A1 - PROCEDURE FOR RECOVERY IN SITU OF MARINE CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS AND ITS EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Description

Description of the patent for industrial invention entitled:

â € œ PROCESS OF RECOVERY IN SITU OF MARINE SEDIMENTS

CONTAMINATES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT "

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention refers to an in situ process for the recovery of marine sediments contaminated by hydrocarbons and heavy metals, and to an apparatus for carrying out said process. In particular, the invention relates to an aerobic bio-recovery process (bioremediation) in situ and to a constructively simple equipment for the limited treatment of sediments or sea beds.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[002] Unfortunately, today, in the marine environment, environmental disasters occur with a relatively high frequency and, above all, with a devastating impetus both for the marine ecological system and consequently for the human being. Humans can be exposed to contaminants present in sediments either through infiltration (of the contaminated) into the aquifers, either by direct contact or by accumulation in the food chain.

[003] One of the most recent major marine disasters is the well-known fire that broke out on April 20, 2010 on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig which caused a huge oil spill rampant in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This has led to the formation of an enormous floating oil stain that has invaded the American coasts of the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, and the formation (by the heavier fractions) of kilometer clusters deposited on the seabed.

[004] The devastating consequences of such disasters are well known to all. In the short / medium term, the effects on the local population result in a significant increase in respiratory diseases and skin diseases, while in the long term, carcerogenic, genotoxic or cytotoxic effects are determined, both on marine organisms (e.g. fish, amphibians, birds or mammals) and on man. In fact, it is well known that hydrocarbons accumulate both in soils and in organisms at various levels without being effectively disposed of. In particular, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are generally metabolized in the liver through specific enzymes and hydrolysis reactions that lead to the formation of highly reactive chemical groups such as dihydroxylated epoxides. The dihydroxylated epoxides attack the guanine of the DNA or RNA of human cells, preventing it from adapting to the DNA double helix and the formation of hydrogen bonds with cytosine. This damage causes mutations which, as known, increase the probability of carcinogenesis.

[005] As previously mentioned, serious effects are also found in marine flora and fauna. In fact, in addition to the microorganisms suspended in the waters, numerous species of fish, turtles, sharks, dolphins and sperm whales, tuna, crustaceans and various species of birds, as well as molluscs, algae and corals, are affected by direct exposure to the ™ pollutant or indirectly through the food chain.

[006] During the interventions for the recovery of polluted marine areas, a further problem is determined by the use of chemical agents (eg dispersants) which, when poured directly onto the floating oil stain in order to increase its emulsification and degradation, cause the formation of minute droplets which, heavier than sea water, fall to the seabed and accumulate there, continuing to damage the ecosystem at this level.

To purify marine sediments, various technologies and processes have been proposed. First of all, perhaps the most widespread technique is represented by dredging the seabed with suitable means to move the tar or sludge deriving from the deposition of the heavy component of oil and its derivatives and its collection, for example by suction of the polluting particles moved. . The serious drawback associated with this technique is represented by the scarce control that can be exercised on the landslide of the seabed. In fact, dredging implies moving, digging and raising the seabed in an impetuous way causing a dispersion of part of the contaminating particles in the surrounding sea basin. In addition, the seabed is practically destroyed in an undifferentiated way, thus also damaging the original structural part as well as any organisms that can still be recovered.

[008] Other techniques consist of pumping, transport and / or ex situ treatment. However, these alternative techniques involve complex and expensive devices and, in any case, hardly solve the problem of the uncontrolled dispersion of pollutants.

[009] A very interesting technique, which could potentially offer enormous advantages, is represented by â € œbioremediationâ € which is based on the use of bacteria or microorganisms in general capable of degrading and / or bio-accumulating hydrocarbons and heavy metals . In fact, in nature there are microorganisms capable of using various petroleum hydrocarbons as the main and / or sole source of carbon and energy, reducing them to harmless chemical compounds and / or accumulating heavy metals acting as a sort of biological filters for the degradation and retention of pollutants themselves.

[0010] Although numerous studies have been carried out on the biodegradative capacities of microorganisms, their use is not yet widely and effectively widespread as it is known that the times required for their action are very long (even hundreds of years). This is particularly true for systems such as the seabed, in which abiotic factors (e.g. temperature, nutrient and oxygen concentration) become limiting factors for the development of natural microbial flora and biodegradation processes in general. It has been proposed to increase the biomass of said bacteria to compensate for this slowness by adding nutrients, but this must be well evaluated. An uncontrolled insertion of nutrients can cause the appearance of eutrophication phenomena or qualitative imbalance of marine flora and / or fauna such as to cause serious imbalances of the ecosystem.

[0011] Some researchers have hypothesized the introduction, in contaminated environments, of genetically modified and optimized bacteria to improve biodegradation processes. However, numerous reservations have been expressed in relation to the consequences in the ecosystem (biological and / or genetic pollution) of a possible uncontrolled introduction of exogenous and biologically modified bacteria in such a situation.

[0012] Furthermore, the use of bacteria is limited to contaminants present in suspension but there is still no way that allows their application directly on the seabed.

[0013] Furthermore, even though they are well aware of the filtering capacities of animal or vegetable macro-organisms, these have never been particularly considered due to their difficult application in the field.

[0014] The alternative remains that of taking portions of the seabed for ex situ treatment with the aforementioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The technical problem underlying the present invention is therefore to propose an in situ bioremediation process of marine sediments contaminated by hydrocarbons and heavy metals through the use of indigenous micro and macroorganisms (biodegraders and bioaccumulators respectively), possibly assisted by non-indigenous organisms.

[0016] This problem is solved by an environmental recovery process comprising the creation of controlled environmental conditions in order to increase the efficiency of â € œbio-cleanersâ € organisms.

[0017] A first object of the invention is therefore a procedure for the in situ recovery of marine sediments.

[0018] A second object is an equipment for the in situ recovery of marine sediments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the process and apparatus of the invention will become more evident from the following description of an embodiment given purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the following figures in which:

- figure 1 represents a schematic axonometric view of an apparatus for the in situ recovery of marine sediments in accordance with the invention;

- figure 2 represents an axonometric schematic view of a detail of a ventilation system of the apparatus of figure 1;

- figure 3 represents an axonometric schematic view of a support for filtering organisms of the apparatus of figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] It has been observed that levels of contaminants that are actually dangerous for the marine ecosystem are in reality concentrated in well-defined areas, mainly in correspondence with depressions in the seabed. This is presumably due to the action of sea currents which tend to move particles and accumulate them precisely in hollows where their action is not effective.

[0021] Consequently, it was thought to carry out a limited recovery process so as to avoid possible contamination in surrounding areas where, among other things, the contamination may be less relevant or at least not dangerous because it can be disposed of. without external intervention and without particular damage.

[0022] The idea behind the present invention is, therefore, to devise a bioremediation process in which the use of biodegrading microorganisms and bioaccumulating macro organisms is controlled and confined and in which heavy handling is not necessary of marine sediment. In other words, the process was designed to create optimal conditions for the biological degradation of pollutants in situ.

[0023] The procedure therefore generally includes the phases of:

- make available a container suitable for being positioned on a selected portion of a seabed in order to isolate said portion of the seabed and the overlying water column from the surrounding marine environment;

- putting bioaccumulating marine macro-organisms in said container;

- introducing bubbling oxygenated air below the surface of said portion of the seabed in order to move and bring into suspension particles of pollutants deposited there and at the same time supply oxygen to the aerobic biodegrading microorganisms and marine bioaccumulating macroorganisms present in the container.

[0024] Currently, the use of microorganisms of the aerobic type is limited to the treatment / degradation of polluting hydrocarbons floating on the sea surface.

[0025] Otherwise, the process of the invention is mainly aimed at the treatment of the seabed on which the heavy particles of said hydrocarbons are deposited and penetrated. For this purpose, it was thought to separate these particles from the bottom by bubbling oxygenated air, moving them gently without damaging the structure of the bottom itself to bring them into suspension. The oxygenation thus achieved will have a dual purpose: a mechanical one aimed at the physical detachment of pollutants from the seabed and a biological one aimed at supplying oxygen to marine organisms and necessary for the development of the natural bacterial flora with biodegradative capabilities.

[0026] In particular, in order to perform the aforementioned dual function in the best possible way, the process is carried out in a circumscribed space, well defined and isolated from the surrounding environment. In this way, in fact, it is possible on the one hand to control and optimize the working conditions and on the other hand to avoid dispersing the contaminants and / or the bacterial flora formed in the surrounding areas. This space is provided by a container or â € œcampanaâ €, described in detail below with reference to the bioremediation equipment.

[0027] It should be noted that the container is closed on all its sides except on the side that rests on the bottom. In fact, this side must allow the introduction of oxygenated air under the bottom itself. Entry that occurs through appropriate means, as explained below.

[0028] The air is blown to a depth below the surface of the seabed ranging from 30 cm to 50 cm, with a pressure between 1 atm and 3 atm.

[0029] The bio-cleaning organisms are placed inside the bell. These organisms include bioaccumulating macro-organisms which are preferably suspended, by means of suitable supports, above the seabed so as to be hit by the air blown into the seabed itself and coming out of it together with the particles of pollutants detached precisely due to the bubbling effect. More preferably, as will be described in detail below, the organisms are enclosed in containment cages.

[0030] The term “biocleaning organisms” identifies marine micro and macro organisms belonging to both the animal and vegetable kingdoms.

[0031] In particular, animal macroorganisms are represented by the class of lamellibranch or bivalve molluscs. Preferably, they are those belonging to the pteriomorphic subclass, even more preferably to the order of the myloid. Among the order of the mussel the favorites include the species Mytilus, Modiolus, Brachydontes. It should be noted that according to the particular marine climate, the autochthonous organisms or, in other words, the organisms that best adapt to local conditions, first of all the temperature, can be selected. Based on these considerations, the most preferred organisms are Mytilus edulis, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Zebra Mussel. The first is more suitable for sea temperatures between 5 ° and 15 ° C, the second more suitable for temperatures between 15 ° and 25 ° C, while the last is more suited to cold seas up to 5 ° C.

[0032] As far as plant organisms are concerned, red or rhodophyte algae and brown algae or marine phaeophyceae with a more or less developed thallus can be used. The preferred ones are those belonging to the order of the gigartinals, such as the genus Gracilaria, and to the genus of the Fucus. The former are characteristic of warm waters, around 25 ° C, while the latter are typical of cold seas from 5 ° to 15 ° C but with species that have also developed in warm and temperate seas.

[0033] The combination of the aforementioned animal and vegetable organisms has been advantageously selected as, following numerous experiments, an unexpected very particular synergy between the two organisms has been found. In fact, the simultaneous use of the two organisms confers a high biopulent efficacy of the system, as described below.

[0034] The action of the macro-organisms selected in accordance with the present invention is therefore to favor the accumulation of recalcitrant oil fractions and heavy metals which cannot be degraded by bacterial action. The vital state of the organisms can be periodically checked in order to verify their degree of â € œsaturationâ € from said accumulated pollutants.

[0035] In particular, it has been seen that the preferred combination of organisms is that reported in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1

Sea temperature 5 ° C 15 ° C 25 ° C Organisms Mytilus edulis, Mytilus edulis, Mytilus

(animals) Zebra Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis galloprovincialis

Fucus sp. Fucus sp. Gracilaria dura, (plant) Caulerpa sp. Gracilaria longissima Caulerpa sp.

[0036] Preferably, moreover, the process can also comprise a step of stirring the system of insufflation of the air beneath the surface of the marine sediment. This agitation has the purpose of detaching any particles that prevent the insufflation of air or that settle on the system itself.

[0037] It should be noted, as previously mentioned, that the phase of isolation of the portion of marine sediment by means of a container also involves the isolation of a corresponding overlying water column. This water column includes, for example, autochthonous degrading microorganisms belonging to Alcanivorax genera. Marinobacter, Cycloclasticus, Oleispira, Thalassolituus, Oleiphilus, Neptunomonas, Pseudomonas. Consequently, the process can preferably comprise a phase of stimulation of their development and their capacity as degraders with the input of nutrients (or in the form of inorganic salts or oleophilic nutrients). In this way, it is evident that simply by exploiting the natural capacities of the marine basin in which the treatment is carried out, it is possible to operate a further synergy between the macro-organisms described above and the autochthonous micro-organisms thus stimulated.

[0038] In accordance with a preferred form of the invention, the process can comprise a step for introducing alien degrading microorganisms into the bell. These microorganisms are preferably selected from bacteria, yeasts, fungi such as, for example, those capable of capturing and reducing metals, microorganisms related to legumes, microorganisms that degrade plant fibers, white rot fungi. More preferably, the microorganisms are selected from Acinetobacter sp., Aeromonas sp., Alicaligens sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Alcanivorax sp., Cycloclasticus sp., Marinobacter sp., Neptunomonas sp., Oleiphilus sp., Oleispira sp. ., Thalassolitus sp., Flavobacterium sp., Rhodococcus sp., Mycobacterium sp., Rhizobium sp., Bradyrhizobium sp., Fibrobacter sp., Clostridium sp., Geobacter sp., Phanerochaet sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Amorphotec sp.a, Neosartorya sp., Paleomyces sp., Talaromyces sp., Graphium sp., Candida sp. and their mixtures.

[0039] The choice of microorganisms will be dictated by the environmental conditions, that is, according to the type of marine climate in which they can develop. In other words, autochthonous organisms will be privileged with the possible introduction of alien organisms after evaluating the climatic conditions and competition with autochthonous organisms.

[0040] It should be borne in mind that the process of the invention has in any case been studied in general to favor the introduction of degrading microorganisms into the chamber. These microorganisms can be derived from biodegrading bacteria naturally present at the treatment site. In fact, it is possible to select in the laboratory through cultivation, in minimal mineral soil, the water and / or sediment from the treatment areas using hydrocarbons (aliphatic or polyaromatic) as the only source of carbon and / or energy. This practice will allow to favor the development of the microbial biomass by determining the selection of the bacteria that show the best biodegradation capacities and subsequently to introduce them in the bell. In any case, the ventilated closed system allows to stimulate a microenvironment in a controlled way also with the introduction of nutrients suitable for the development of the organisms contained in it without the risk of altering the surrounding marine ecosystem.

[0041] Advantageously, the process can comprise a thermoregulation phase of the marine environment delimited by the bell. Thermoregulation can help create a microclimate that is more suitable for certain microorganisms and macroorganisms and which otherwise would not work to the best of their ability. Furthermore, in this way it is possible to exploit those organisms that possess the best degradative / accumulative capacities with respect to certain types of specific pollutants regardless of the temperature conditions of the seabed to be treated. The thermoregulation can be commanded and controlled through a probe connected to an energy generator in such a way that when the probe detects a lowering of the temperature below a predetermined level, it sends a signal to the generator which is activated to supply energy in the form of heat. When the probe detects a temperature equal to the pre-set one, it sends a shutdown signal to said generator.

[0042] In addition, the process may include lighting the bell. The illumination can, in turn, be twofold: i) an illumination to allow the inspection of the bell during the procedure and ii) one to provide the necessary light to the photosynthetic organisms. Consequently, the illumination for inspection can be of sufficient intensity to illuminate the entire circumscribed environment where the treatment takes place or parts of it, while the illumination for photosynthesis will have an intensity from 400 to 1000 lux. selected according to the type of photosynthetic organism positioned in the bell.

[0043] The lighting for photosynthesis can be adjusted manually or automatically based, for example, on the positioning of the organisms below sea level, the type of turbidity of the water and the types of organisms themselves. All these adjustments can be made using fully conventional sensors and calibrations.

[0044] Furthermore, the procedure also includes the ventilation of the bell. This ventilation takes place through a vent pipe, shown below, characterized by a filtration system. Filtered ventilation aims to eliminate unpleasant odors that develop following the biodegradation process of pollutants, as well as any odors of putrefactive origin caused by microorganisms and dead organisms (for example sulfuric acid and VOC). Preferably, filtered ventilation is achieved through the use of completely conventional biofilters.

[0045] The process may further comprise a step of taking a water / sediment sample and subsequent gas chromatographic analysis to determine the concentration of the pollutants. If the concentration falls below the desired level then the process ends. The supply of air is terminated, thermoregulation, lighting and the bioaccumulating organisms are removed for disposal. As for mussels and algae, these are incinerated in conventional ovens.

[0046] In accordance with the second object of the present invention, in figure 1 the reference number 1 indicates an apparatus for the recovery of marine sediments. The equipment 1 comprises a container 2 for the isolation of a specific and selected portion 3 of the seabed and the respective water column 4 above it, a device 5 for the ventilation of said portion 3 of the seabed and a support 6 for the macro-organisms bioaccumulators.

[0047] The container 2 comprises a side wall 21, an upper closing lid 22 and a lower opening 23 for the confinement of the bottom portion 3 by means of its edge 24. Preferably, the container, also called â € œcampanaâ €, is cylindrical in shape with side wall and transparent lid. It can have a volume between 80 m <3> and 200 m <3> and be made up of any type of material suitable for being immersed in marine waters for long periods without getting damaged. For example, it can be glass or plastic such as plexiglass. The lid 22 closes the bell at the top in order to seal it from the external environment, but in a reversible way to allow access to the inside. The closure will be achieved by conventional reversible sealing means (not shown) such as tension hooks or bolts which compress gaskets applied along the contact edges between the lid 22 and the side wall 21.

[0048] Preferably, the bell is equipped with ballast (not shown) to anchor it on the seabed and avoid overturning due to strong sea currents that hit it. This ballast can consist of concrete blocks arranged around the bell and connected to it by tensioned chains. Alternatively, harpoons can be provided on one side fixed to the wall of the bell and on the other side inserted deep into the seabed.

[0049] The aeration device 5 comprises a plurality 51 of air dispensing nozzles adapted to be pierced under the surface of the seabed at a depth varying between 30 cm and 50 cm. Preferably, said plurality 51 of nozzles, as better shown in Figure 2, can be constituted by a series of needles adapted to penetrate the seabed to release air in the form of bubbles. The nozzles 51 or needles are connected to an air distribution grid 52. This grid in the example of figure 1 is represented by a series of concentric circular tubes lying on a single plane and diametrically connected to each other by further straight tubes. Air is introduced into the pipes and comes out of the nozzles arranged perpendicular to the plane identified by the grid. In particular, at the level of the center of the grid a duct 53 is connected in communication with said grid for the distribution of the air pushed into it by means of a pump 54. The duct 53, in fact, substantially runs along the entire length of the bell 2 and it protrudes from the cover 22 to connect to the pump 54 or compressor located off the sea surface. The compressor is a completely conventional device for pumping air inside the duct and the grid pipes until it comes out of the nozzles 51 with a pressure in accordance with what has been described above.

[0050] Preferably, the aeration device 5 can also comprise stirring means 55 suitable for shaking the grate 52 to prevent particles of pollutants moved from the sediment by the insufflation of air from obstructing the nozzles and depositing on the surface of the grill itself. Said stirring means can be constituted by a vibration motor, that is a motor which generates vibration such as, for example, piezoelectric actuators or two masses rotating in counterphase. In any case, generators of this type are known.

[0051] The support 6 for the degrading / accumulating macro-organisms can also consist of a grid on which to grow or fix the aforementioned aerobic animal and vegetable organisms. Other supports can be used such as cords (reste) around which mussels are especially attached, or, as schematically represented in figures 1 and 3, cages 61 inside which both animal and vegetable organisms can be positioned.

[0052] Preferably, the cages can be divided into two compartments: a first compartment 62 suitable for housing the vegetable organisms and a second compartment suitable for housing the animal organisms. In particular, the first compartment 62 can be positioned above the second 63 with reference to the sea surface. Here, the organisms are anchored to the meshes of the cages simply in a natural way by means of peduncles and filaments that protrude and are secreted by the organisms themselves.

[0053] Furthermore, the animal and vegetable organisms are represented by those described above with reference to the process of the invention.

[0054] The cages 61 are suspended inside the bell and can be recovered after opening the lid, either manually or by means of suitable winches.

[0055] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 according to the present invention can preferably comprise a device 7 for thermoregulating the temperature inside the container, a lighting system 8 and / or a device 9 for filtering the air in exit from the container.

[0056] The thermoregulation device 7 comprises a heater 71 consisting for example of a resistance controlled by a sensor (not shown). The sensor is calibrated at a predetermined temperature in relation to the physiological metabolic characteristics of the micro- and macro-organisms present in the bell. In fact, the sensor records the water temperature and if it falls below the preset level, it sends a signal to the heater in order to activate it. When the set temperature is reached, a new signal is sent to turn off the heater. The management of this switching on and off takes place through conventional microprocessors available on the market as well as the relative sensors.

[0057] The lighting system 8 preferably comprises two types of light sources: i) a first light source suitable for favoring the photosynthetic processes of plant organisms and ii) a second source suitable for illuminating the bell for inspection of the state of operation. Preferably, the light source for photosynthesis is low intensity, ie it is emitted with specific lamps having a typical light temperature to ensure the growth of the aquatic plants of interest (eg Sylvania Aquastar, 30W 10000K °). While the inspection lighting source can consist of one or more LEDs of sufficient power and intensity to illuminate the bell or parts of it. Preferably, the power and intensity of light are, respectively, from 3 to 5 W, and from 180 to 280 lumens.

[0058] The air filtering device 9 comprises a filter 91 mounted externally to the bell 2 and connected to the interior of the bell through an air vent duct 92. This device, besides allowing the venting of the air introduced by the ventilation device 5, also performs the function of treating the air or purifying it. In fact, as a result of degradation processes, malodorous or toxic volatile substances (sulfuric acid and VOC) are released. Then, before being released into the open air, they pass through the filter 91 in order to be purified. Filter 91 can be represented by conventional activated carbon filters or biofilters or combinations thereof.

[0059] From what has been described above, it is evident that the drawbacks encountered in the processes and apparatus of the known art have been overcome and, at the same time, important advantages have been achieved.

[0060] First of all, the treatment of polluted marine sediments is carried out in situ and in well-defined areas isolated from the surrounding environment. This allows on the one hand to operate only in areas that are really subject to serious contamination and on the other hand to avoid the dispersion of contaminants and / or degrading organisms or contaminated accumulators that can enter the food chain.

[0061] Secondly, the treatment is carried out through the minimum invasive intervention of the marine environment, both because, as explained, it is limited, and because the insufflation of the air below the surface of the seabed is carried out in a sufficient to detach and release in suspension the polluting particles deposited there without destroying the structure of the seabed itself and of organisms that may still not be contaminated or in any case naturally recoverable.

[0062] It should also be borne in mind that the use of the aforementioned autochthonous aerobic animal and vegetable macro-organisms allows to avoid the insertion in a specific ecosystem, even if controlled as mentioned, of organisms potentially harmful to the ™ natural balance.

[0063] In addition, the combination of specific macro-organisms has proved to be particularly advantageous in terms of removal capacity with respect to known systems which mainly employ natural or genetically modified biodegrading microorganisms. In fact, a synergistic action has been observed between these organisms.

[0064] In particular, thanks to the optimal conditions for the growth and activity of the organisms created inside the equipment, treatment times, ie recovery of the seabed, are advantageously reduced. In fact, it has been seen that to purify an area, laboratory experiments carried out on pilot systems (1000 Kg of artificially contaminated sediment with a quantity of 1000 ppm of crude oil and with Phenanthrene (5 ppm), Pyrene (5 ppm), Anthracene (5 ppm), Benzo (Î ±) Pyrene (0.4 ppm) and Biphenyl (5 ppm) in a bell of about 1.1 m <3>) have shown how, in systems made by blowing air into the sediments at a depth of about 30cm, with an operating pressure of the air pump of about 1 bar, with the experimental temperature at about 25 ° C and using the combination of suitable organisms shown in table 1 (about 20 specimens of Mytilus galloprovincialis and about 10 specimens of Caulerpa sp ., in just 60 days a degradation of at least 70% of the pollutants introduced was observed.

[0065] Furthermore, the addition of degrading microorganisms inside the bell further increases the degradation capacity of the entire system.

[0066] Numerous variations and modifications of the process and of the apparatus of the present invention can be adopted by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the attached claims.

[0067] For example, the animal and vegetable macroorganisms can be supported directly by the grid in proximity to the seabed, or the grid can be equipped with several levels positioned at various depths and each carrying a series of said organisms, for example distributed alternately.

[0068] Furthermore, it is possible to equip the above invention with an energetic automatism. That is, it is possible to connect the invention to a system of solar panels, small wind turbines or turbines that using respectively the radiant energy of the sun, wind, wind or sea currents such as to generate electricity necessary for operation. the air insufflation system, water thermoregulation, internal lighting (both to inspect the structure and for the animals). The energy production systems (including all their components for operation) will be placed in a floating platform connected directly with the bell devices. The connections placed between the bell and the floating platform will have the dual function of: i) preventing the drift of the floating structure and ii) allowing the transfer of electric current from the production structure to the invention. Such systems and respective connections are entirely conventional and will not be further described here.

Claims (20)

Patent claims for industrial invention entitled: â € œ PROCESS OF RECOVERY IN SITU OF MARINE SEDIMENTS CONTAMINATES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT " CLAIMS 1. Procedure for in situ recovery of marine sediments, including the steps of: - provide a container suitable to be positioned on a selected portion of a seabed and overlying a column of water in order to isolate said portion from the surrounding marine environment; - placing in said container animal and vegetable bioaccumulating marine macro-organisms; - introducing bubbling oxygenated air below the surface of said portion of the seabed in order to move and bring into suspension particles of pollutants deposited there and at the same time supply oxygen to the aerobic biodegrading microorganisms and marine bioaccumulating macroorganisms present in the container. 2. Process according to claim 1, in which the step of introducing the air takes place at a depth under the surface of the seabed ranging from 30 cm to 50 cm, with a pressure between 1 atm and 3 atm. Process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the animal macroorganisms comprise organisms of the class of lamellibranch or bivalve molluscs and the vegetable macroorganisms comprise red algae and / or brown marine algae provided with thallus. 4. Process according to claim 3, in which the molluscs are selected from among those belonging to the pteriomorphic subclass, preferably to the order of the myloid, and the algae are selected from those belonging to the order of the gigartinals, preferably the genus Gracilaria and the genus Fucus. 5. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a step of stirring means for introducing air beneath the surface of the marine sediment to detach any particles that prevent the insufflation of the air or that are deposited on the vehicles themselves. 6. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a stage of development of autochthonous degrading microorganisms confined in the container also by adding nutrients. 7. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a step for taking bacteria naturally present in the site of interest, selecting those showing greater biodegradative capacity and re-placing them in the container. 8. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a step for introducing allochthonous microorganisms into the container. 9. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a thermoregulation step of the marine environment delimited by the container. 10. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an illumination phase to allow inspection of the bell during the process and an illumination phase to provide the necessary light to the photosynthetic organisms. 11. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a step of filtered aeration of the air leaving the container. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an electric power supply phase for the operation of the aforementioned phases by means of radiant energy from the sun, wind, wind or sea currents. 13. Apparatus (1) for the biopurification of marine sediments in situ, comprising a container (2) or bell for the isolation of a specific and selected portion (3) of the seabed and the respective water column (4) above, a device (5) for the ventilation of said portion (3) of the seabed and a support (6) for animal and vegetable biodegrading / bioaccumulating macroorganisms. Apparatus (1) according to claim 13, wherein said aeration device (5) comprises a plurality (51) of air dispensing nozzles adapted to be pierced under the surface of the seabed at a depth varying between 30 cm and 50 cm. 15. Apparatus (1) according to claim 13 or 14 further comprising means for stirring (55) the plurality (51) of nozzles to avoid obstruction by pollutants. 16. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising a support (6) for the degrading / accumulating macroorganisms, preferably represented by cages (61) inside which both animal organisms can be positioned than vegetable ones. 17. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising a device (7) for thermoregulating the temperature inside the container, a lighting system (8) and / or a device (9) for filtering of the air exiting the container. 18. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising a device for creating electrical energy suitable for powering the devices, means and work systems, selected from solar panels, wind turbines, turbines operated by sea currents . 19. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, further comprising anchoring means suitable for anchoring the apparatus to the seabed. 20. Apparatus (1) according to claim 18 or 19, in which said electrical energy creation device is placed on a floating platform operatively connected to the apparatus itself by means of suitable wiring.