Abstract: Novel compounds, compositions, and methods of using and preparing the same, which may be useful for treating alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).

Abstract: A biologically active reactor system for the treatment of wastewater comprises one or more submerged denitrification reactors having coarse media particles and a fixed biological film comprising biologically anoxic active microorganisms. One or more submerged aerated filters are in fluid communication with the one or more submerged denitrification reactor, the submerged aerated filter comprising coarse media particles and a fixed biological film comprising biologically aerobic microorganisms for oxidation of organic matter. One or more deep bed denitrification filters for removal of suspended solids and denitrification of oxidized nitrogens are in fluid communication with the one or more submerged aerated filters, the deep bed denitrification filter comprising fine media particles of less than 6 mm. Effluent from the submerged aerated filter is recycled to the submerged denitrification reactor for pre-denitrification prior to being piped to the deep bed denitrification filter.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of wastewater has an enclosed unit providing a facultative zone wherein a mixture low in dissolved carbon comprising raw sewage and partially processed sewage undergoes denitrification brought about by faculative organisms contained in the prevailing low oxygen environment. Effluent from the facultative zone is charged into an enclosed columnar oxidation unit where a controlled flow of air or oxygen oxidizes nitrogen compounds present in raw sewage into nitrates. Part of the effluent from this columnar oxidation unit wherein the limited flow of oxygen has been mostly consumed in oxidizing the nitrogen compounds and is low in dissolved oxygen is recycled to the facultative zone and part flows into a columnar denitrification zone wherein anaerobic microorganisms substantially completely remove nitrogen as gas from the nitrates producing an effluent with a low nitrate content. Columnar oxidation units and denitrification units are in essentially deep-bed filters.

Abstract: Gas bubbles, and in particular nitrogen gas bubbles, generated during the denitrification of treated wastewater in a deep-bed filter are removed by venting them from a level below the surface of the filter bed. Gas removal may be enhanced by introducing pressurized air or water into the lower portion of the filter bed to dislodge the gas bubbles from the filter media and drive them upward where they can be vented to the atmosphere. Alternatively, pressurized air or water may be introduced into a vent pipe located below the surface of the filter bed to drive the gas bubbles up through the surface of the filter bed.