Biological method for the detoxification of spent monoethanolamine solutions

Abstract

Monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions are widely used in for gas cleaning from carbon dioxide
for many industrial purposes. Spent MEA solutions should be properly decontaminated and
safely disposed. As these processes proceed at high temperature, the MEA solutions produce
and accumulate tars and other degradation products as well as heavy metals from the
corroding equipment.
This report presents a biological method for the detoxification of spent MEA solutions. A
solution is mixed with soil in order to inoculate aerobic microorganisms decomposing organic
substances; and the obtained substrate is spread on a flat and properly hydro-isolated ground.
To strengthen the vitality and increase activity of the microorganisms, the substrate is aerated,
humidified, fertilized and its pH is monitored and controlled. When the MEA concentration is
reduced, vascular plants (Calamagrostis epigejos, Secale cereale, Salix viminalis) are
implanted in the substrate, and their growth concludes the detoxification.