A process for biological restoration of ground water in a mineralized
sandstone formation using a nutrient source. The process is used in
conjunction with mining uranium using in-situ pump and treat technology.
The restoration of the ground water is designed to meet federal and state
regulations. The process includes pumping the contaminated ground water
from the mineralized sandstone formation using production wells to the
ground surface. The ground water is then circulated through at least one
ion exchange column. The ion exchange column is used to capture any
residual uranium remaining in solution. The treated ground water then
flows from the ion exchange column through at least one reverse osmosus
unit. The reverse osmosus unit is designed to help decrease any remaining
dissolved solids in solution, such as sodium and chloride. From the
reverse osmosus unit, the ground water is circulated through at least one
de-carbonation column. The de-carbonation column is used to remove
residual carbon dioxide in the ground water. Upon exiting the
de-carbonation column, a nutrient source is introduced into the ground
water for stimulating the indigenous bacteria in the mineralized
sandstone formation. The ground water is now pumped back into the ground
where it is reintroduced into the sandstone formation.