Abstract: A rapid, sensitive method of separating and detecting microorganisms from a sample containing microorganisms, such as but not limited to bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses, and the like. The method relies on separation techniques to separate and concentrate the cells from the sample, together with chemical techniques to amplify the amount of detectable signal from low numbers of cells to provide a rapid and sensitive method of detecting microorganisms. This detection method may utilize: a filtration device; a centrifugation device; a system; a swab device; and kit comprising one or more of the devices and components to perform the present method of separating and detecting microorganisms in a sample containing microorganisms. The sample may be a chemical, cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, or consumable good in its raw material, in-process, and/or finished product states that needs to be tested for any contaminating microorganisms prior to shipment to the consumer.

Abstract: A rapid, sensitive method of separating and detecting microorganisms from a sample containing microorganisms, such as but not limited to bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses, and the like. The method relies on separation techniques to separate and concentrate the cells from the sample, together with chemical techniques to amplify the amount of detectable signal from low numbers of cells to provide a rapid and sensitive method of detecting microorganisms. This detection method may utilize: a filtration device; a centrifugation device; a system; a swab device; and kit comprising one or more of the devices and components to perform the present method of separating and detecting microorganisms in a sample containing microorganisms. The sample may be a chemical, cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, or consumable good in its raw material, in-process, and/or finished product states that needs to be tested for any contaminating microorganisms prior to shipment to the consumer.

Abstract: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are found in contaminated soils and groundwater and are a large class of compounds for which treatment by bioremediation is sought. Accordingly, indigenous organisms that can degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbon are needed. Presented are strains of the Paenibacillus genus that degrade low molecule weight polyaromatic, and, in the presence of phenanthrene, high molecular weight polyaromatic hydrocarbons. These bacteria strains are unique among PAH-degrading bacterial strains because they form endospores and therefore can survive adverse environmental conditions. Among the strains presented are several from “P. naphthalenovorans”, a newly described species. Also presented are compositions for bioremediation comprising the bacterial strains of the invention, and a method for isolating the strains and a method for using the strains for bioremediation.

Abstract: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are found in contaminated soils and groundwater and are a large class of compounds for which treatment by bioremediation is sought. Accordingly, indigenous organisms that can degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbon are needed. Presented are strains of the Paenibacillus genus that degrade low molecule weight polyaromatic, and, in the presence of phenanthrene, high molecular weight polyaromatic hydrocarbons. These bacteria strains are unique among PAH-degrading bacterial strains because they form endospores and therefore can survive adverse environmental conditions. Among the strains presented are several from “P. naphthalenovorans”, a newly described species. Also presented are compositions for bioremediation comprising the bacterial strains of the invention, and a method for isolating the strains and a method for using the strains for bioremediation.

Abstract: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are found in contaminated soils and groundwater and are a large class of compounds for which treatment by bioremediation is sought. Accordingly, indigenous organisms that can degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbon are needed. Presented are strains of the Paenibacillus genus that degrade low molecule weight polyaromatic, and, in the presence of phenanthrene, high molecular weight polyaromatic hydrocarbons. These bacteria strains are unique among PAH-degrading bacterial strains because they form endospores and therefore can survive adverse environmental conditions. Among the strains presented are several from “P. naphthalenovorans”, a newly described species and also P. validus. Also presented are compositions for bioremediation comprising the bacterial strains of the invention and a method for isolating the strains and a method for using the strains for bioremediation.