Abstract: Integrated methanogenic anaerobic reactor and membrane bioreactor, and method for eliminating organic matter and nitrogen in urban or industrial wastewater, preferably with COD concentrations between 150 and 5000 mg/L and where the eliminations of total nitrogen that occur are between 15 and 50 mg/L, at temperatures above 15° C. The wastewater treatment takes place thanks to three stages of treatment: methanogenic anaerobic stage, anoxic stage with biofilms and suspended biomass and aerobic filtration stage with biofilms and suspended biomass.

Abstract: In an exhaust pipe spherical joint X, a spherical annular seal member 36 is fitted and fixed to a pipe end portion 42, the spherical annular seal member 36 is seated by abutting against a flange 43, a flared portion 47 formed of an Fe—Cr base stainless steel and containing 17.00 to 19.00% by mass of Cr is secured to a downstream-side exhaust pipe 44, and an inner surface 48 of a concave spherical surface portion 45 is brought into slidable contact with a composite surface 40 in which a surface 38 constituted by a reinforcing member 5 and a surface 39 constituted by a solid lubricant are present in mixed form in an outer surface 37 of an outer layer 35 of the spherical annular seal member 36.

Abstract: A high strength ceramic body for use in a regenerative burner media bed, comprising a generally cylindrical portion and a plurality of generally orthorhombic parallelepiped-shaped fin portions extending radially from the generally cylindrical portion The ceramic body has a porosity of less than 1 percent, is greater than 99 weight percent alumina, has a thermal conductivity at 100° C. of about 0.07 cal/sec cm ° C., and has a heat capacity of about 0.21 cal/gm/° C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlled ventilation and aeration of liquid medium includes a dome supported by a flotation device, a lower housing supported by the flotation device, the lower housing connected to the dome, wherein a sealed space is defined under the dome and above the flotation liquid, one or more orifices, the orifices configured in the dome, and an aeration apparatus positioned within the sealed space and partially submerged in the flotation liquid, wherein the aeration apparatus includes one or more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially on one of the shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially on another of the shafts, wherein the second disc is interleaved relative to the first disc, and wherein a surface of the first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of the second disc relative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween.

Abstract: An optofluidic photobioreactor including an optical waveguide having an input, characterized by an evanescent optical field confined along an outer surface of the optical waveguide produced by radiation propagating in the optical waveguide, means for inputting light to the input of the optical waveguide, and a selected photosynthetic microorganism disposed substantially within the evanescent field. A method for optically exciting a photosynthetic microorganism for generating a biofuel, a biofuel precursor, or a biomass from the optically-excited photosynthetic microorganism involves irradiating the photosynthetic microorganism attached to the surface of the waveguide with an evanescent optical field from optical radiation propagating in the optical waveguide, and driving photosynthesis in the microorganism by the evanescent optical field.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include a biofilm in a container. The biofilm may be formed from one or more bacteria coupled to one or more substrates. The bacteria may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. The system may include one or more bacteria generators to provide bacteria to the biofilm and/or one or more air sources to provide an air bubble stream to the container and/or the bacteria generator. In some embodiments, bacteria may be preserved in a starvation phase. Bacteria may be incubated until they reach a starvation phase. The bacteria may then be preserved as beads or immobilized on a substrate. The preserved bacteria may be used in a system for the reduction of contaminants in water.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of target particles, such as pathogens, soluble antigens, nucleic acids, toxins, chemicals, plant pathogens, blood borne pathogens, bacteria, viruses and the like. Also described is an emittor cell comprising a receptor, wherein the receptor can be an antibody or an Fc receptor, and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more receptors on the emittor cell. Also provided are optoelectronic sensor devices for detecting a target particle in a sample, including in a plurality of samples.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a treatment system and a method for treating waste product. In some examples, the treatment system may include a container effective to receive a waste product. The treatment system may further include one or more filters in communication with the container. The filter or filters may include a polymer carrier material. The polymer carrier material may include at least one of Sphingomonas bacteria, Flavobacteriales bacteria or Chryseobacterium bacteria.

Abstract: The rotating disc aerator is a portable aeration device utilizing atmospheric air, rather than using a compressor for its air supply. The aerator includes a motorized base having a rotary shaft and diametrically opposed, oppositely reciprocating rods extending therefrom. A plurality of discs are disposed along the shaft and are connected to the ends of the rods. The discs are free to slide along the shaft as the rods reciprocate, but rotate with the shaft. A plurality of resilient absorbent elements (sponges, etc.) are installed along the rotary shaft between the discs. The aerator assembly is buoyant, about one-half of each absorbent element extending above the surface of the water when the aerator is placed therein. The upper portions of the absorbent elements absorb air as they rotate above the surface, and are compressed to expel the air into the water as they rotate beneath the water surface.

Abstract: The centrifugal pump assembly comprises a device for separating gas from the fluid to be delivered, which is arranged on the suction side. The gas separation device is provided with an impact body (2) which at least partly is arranged in the suction-side flow path (11) of the fluid to be delivered, and on the housing side is arranged at a distance to the suction port of the pump.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wastewater treatment system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include one or more bioreactors which include a substrate that supports a biofilm The bacteria used to form the biofilm may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. Various components of the wastewater treatment system may be optimized to improve the efficiency and energy consumption of the wastewater system.

Abstract: A method for removing methane from biogas is described. The method includes: (i) receiving biogas including methane and other components into a first tank; (ii) receiving water into the first tank; (iii) contacting the biogas with the water inside the first tank; (iv) dispensing methane gas from an outlet of the first tank; and (v) producing from the tank an effluent stream that includes other components of the biogas.

Abstract: Methods and a system for removing carbon nanotubes from a water stream are provided herein. The system includes a purification vessel, wherein the purification vessel is configured to form a carbon oxide from the carbon nanotubes within the water stream.

Abstract: A device for mixing and aerating a body of water, the device includes a microbial fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode; an electricity management subsystem electrically connecting the anode and the cathode; and a mixing subsystem electrically connected to the electricity management subsystem. The device can be used to mix or aerate a body of water containing organic material while simultaneously reducing the requirements for aeration. The body of water may provide organic material to the microbial fuel cell to produce electricity to power the mixing subsystem.

Abstract: A treatment process for municipal, commercial, industrial, and institutional fluids containing one or more substances at a first concentration includes a contactor, an aerator, and a separator. The fluid is mixed with a powdered natural lignocellulosic material (“PNLM”), a microbial growth inoculum, and at least a portion of the fluid in the contactor to provide a mixture that includes an established, acclimated microbial growth in the fluid. The mixture is introduced to an aerator where physical binding and chemical bonding of at least some of the one or more substances to the PNLM additionally physiological uptake by microbial growth in a biosludge reduces the concentration of at least some of the one or more substances in the fluid discharged from the aerator to a second concentration. The biosludge is separated to recover at least a portion of the PNLM that is recycled to the contactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water comprises a conduit assembly for receiving waste water from a downstream inlet and for providing treated water out of an upstream outlet. The conduit assembly comprises a plurality of substantially vertical conduits in fluid communication providing for water to flow in an alternating downward and upward pathway therein. A medium for providing bacterial growth being is mounted within the conduit assembly. The medium comprises a plurality of substrate surfaces stacked along the vertical length of at least one conduit. Each substrate surface extends along the width of the conduit and provides for bacterial growth thereon. The apparatus includes a housing defining at least one chamber for receiving the conduit assembly therein.

Abstract: A specially designed hatch apparatus and method for entry to a water treatment chamber containing media for water treatment. The hatch's shape, specially embodied hatch/media gap seal and position allows normal chamber operation and access to the lower chamber cavity for cleaning and maintenance time through treatment media.

Abstract: A liquid waste treatment system is described. The system may include a first treatment conduit, a second treatment conduit, and at least one junction pipe disposed there between. In some instances, the system may include an upper junction pipe and a lower junction pipe disposed between a first and a second treatment conduit. In one or more embodiments, the system may be arranged in a substantially linear arrangement, such as a straight trench arrangement or a serial distribution arrangement. The system may reduce the need for additional treatment conduits.

Abstract: An aeration and microbial reactor system for use in decontaminating water including a housing adapted to float and/or submerged within the medium such that a top portion thereof remains adjacent a top surface of the contaminated water while the bioreactor containing inoculated carrier media is attached below. Beneficial microbial populations thrive and spread throughout the liquid medium, and consume or fix the contaminant such that the contaminant is removed from the water.

Abstract: A system may include a reactor, in which an anaerobic environment exists, that includes a slurry of at least contaminated water and a mixed bacterial culture of facultative bacteria and anaerobic bacteria. The mixed bacterial culture may be suspended within the slurry. The contaminated water may include contaminants associated with a non-metal, a metal, or a metalloid. The mixed bacterial culture may react with the contaminated water to reduce or remove the contaminants from the contaminated water to create a treated slurry. The reactor may output the treated slurry. The system may also include a filtration device to receive the treated slurry; remove, from the treated slurry, the mixed bacterial culture and the contaminants, reduced or removed from the contaminated water, to create treated water; and output the treated water. The system may also include an aeration device to add dissolved oxygen to the treated water, and output the treated water.

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm apparatus has a plurality of hollow fiber gas permeable membranes in a tank containing water to be treated. A biofilm supported on the membranes occupies between about 40% and 80% of the volume of water to be treated in a reactor. Wastewater treatment processes are described. A process to denitrify water or treat oxidized contaminants comprises introducing hydrogen into an inner volume of the membranes to grow autotrophic organisms in the biofilm near the membrane and heterotrophic organism near the water. Another process is operated as a biomass concentration of at least 10 g/L and up to about 40 g/L to maintain a biofilm having a surface area of over 1000 square meters per cubic meter of tank volume. A hybrid process has suspended biomass and a membrane supported biofilm.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater containing TMAH and ammonium nitrogen includes the steps of (a) introducing a first solution which contains ammonium nitrogen but no TMAH into a single reactor with microorganisms comprising nitrifying bacteria and anammox bacteria, and denitrifying the first solution by the microorganisms under a dissolved oxygen concentration ranging from 0.1-0.5 mg/L and a pH value of 7-8; (b) when the denitrification efficiency reaches a steady state, introducing a second solution which contains ammonium nitrogen and TMAH and has a concentration of TMAH lower than 60 mg/L into the reactor; and (c) gradually increasing the concentration of TMAH in the solution to be added into the reactor for several times whenever the denitrification efficiency reaches a steady state. Accordingly, the inhibition of TMAH to the anammox bacteria can be significantly decreased, and both TMAH and the ammonium nitrogen can be treated simultaneously.

Abstract: A process for separation of oil from oil-containing produced water as well as an apparatus for separation of oil from oil-containing produced water. A perforated baffle plate is arranged in a separator tank to provide for equalizing of the downwardly flow rate of produced water. The insertion of such baffle plates has shown that less oil is following the stream downward.

Abstract: A system and method includes an aeration subsystem that excites enzymes in the liquid waste passing through the septic system. The aeration subsystem includes a compressor section that compresses the liquid waste. The method includes mixing enzymes into the fluid waste material, compressing the fluid waste material with the compressor, injecting air into the compressed fluid waste material, and determining whether the fluid waste material is at a desired cleanliness, and if not, recirculating the fluid waste material through the compressor.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling dissolved oxygen levels in a secondary treatment system of a wastewater treatment facility that can employ a membrane bioreactor in which oxygen introduction into mixed liquor is controlled to prevent bulking and minimize generation of extra cellular polymeric substances. The control is exercised by insuring that dissolved oxygen levels within the mixed liquor do not fall below a minimum system level at which microorganism stress would occur. This is done by setting a minimum dissolved oxygen level control point equal to a sum of the minimum system level and an adjustment factor determined on the basis of oxygen uptake rate and time delays inherent in sensing oxygen levels and changes thereof within the mixed liquor. The minimum system dissolved oxygen level can be continually calculated on the basis of an inferred food to mass ratio that would vary with sensed mixed liquor suspended solids.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus comprises a chamber divided by a partition into a treatment section and an outlet section. The treatment section may, for example, contain a filter media including organic material which supports a shrub or tree. Runoff water enters the treatment section over an inlet chamber which forms a bridge over the outlet section. During heavy flow conditions, some of the incoming water overflows inlet bypass weirs to pass directly to the outflow section, bypassing the filter media in the treatment section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shaft/frame system for high capacity rotors for wastewater treatment for sanitation purposes and to reduce the pollutant organic load; of the type formed by a drive shaft with supports at the ends and for its coupling to a drive motor, comprising a plurality of intermediate annular collars and two end annular collars distributed equidistantly from one another, adapted to fixedly receive a plurality of radially distributed structural arms, characterized in that said structural arms are substantially T-shaped and are joined each other to form rings adapted to receive and fix each other, packs of media consisting of a plurality of biomass support sheets, which are self-supported by four tubes fixed in T-shaped structural elements; wherein said tubes are hollow, and internally accommodate a volume of air and are obturated at both ends by means of plugs, with one or more threaded blind bore(s) adapted to receive the fixation means, with which it is fixed to the T-shaped structura

Abstract: A procedure for treating rain water run-off includes forming a swale for the capture, treatment, and re-use of the storm water to improve the overall quality of the water before discharge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aeration lateral system designed to be site specific for new septic disposal areas or retro fitting to existing septic disposal areas to break up the biological clogging sludge mat at the interface of the wastewater and imported sand or native soil fill under or adjacent to disposal areas of a typical septic system. The lateral system provides uniform or other site specific distribution of fluids about the bio-mat of a wastewater disposal area, with lateral spacing and hole spacing varying based on the type of disposal area being utilized. The lateral system can also be utilized to provide continuous low volume air supply system to a wastewater disposal area or peat filter module. The air lateral installation includes methods to minimize airflow disturbance of the soil and methods to prevent air leakage.

Abstract: A rapidly installed intermittent flow and storm water treatment method and apparatus employing rapid solids separation and sulfur dioxide chemical dewatering technology to produce disinfected reclaimed storm water with heavy metals removed and diluted nutrients suitable for open stream or land application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixed bed for aerobic or anaerobic wastewater purification, comprising an upper frame having support elements fixed to opposite side rails and/or intermediate rails for attaching textile, foldable, non-degradable supports for microorganism, a lower frame having support elements for fixing the textile supports to the lower frame, and means connecting the frames at a corner region. The invention is a fixed bed where all parts of the fixed bed can be assembled to form a relatively small packaging unit that already contains the inserted textiles. Frames are provided with spacers at least in the corner regions, the height of which spacers corresponds to the material height of the folded supports between two frames and the supports are fixed by means of the supports members to the side rails and/or intermediate rails of the frames in a preassembly step before folding.

Abstract: A process for treating water that includes ammonium. The water is directed to a biological reactor and the quantity of nitrates formed in the reactor and the quantity of ammonium reduced in the reactor is determined. A ratio of the quantity of nitrates formed to the quantity of ammonium reduced is determined. Further, the percentage of ammonium reduced is also determined. The water in the biological reactor is aerated by injecting oxygen into the reactor where the amount of oxygen injected is a function of the ratio and the percentage of ammonium reduced in the reactor.

Abstract: A novel lagoon aeration treatment system is provided which can be used with existing or new wastewater lagoons to increase the lagoon's treatment efficiency and capacity, and to allow for a continuous, year round discharge of treated wastewater to the environment. The system can be operated in warm and cold climates for treatment of municipal and industrial wastewaters of varying strength and flow rates in a secondary activated sludge treatment process, a tertiary activated sludge treatment process, or an extended aeration treatment process.

Abstract: An apparatus for macroalgal attachment in an algae scrubber or seaweed cultivator comprising a set of discrete non-connected appendages extending from a support member such that the appendages receive water flow and illumination so as to cause macroalgae to attach to and grow on said appendages, whereby said macroalgal growth can be comb harvested to provide useful biomass or to remove nutrients from the water. Attachment textures and growth compartments are also claimed.

Abstract: A method for cleaning waste water is provided whereby the waste water is led through a throughput tank having filler materials to which aerobic microorganisms are adhered and wherein the throughput tank is ventilated with an oxygen-containing gas. As filler materials, materials are used which have a specific weight approximately equal to the specific weight of the waste water whereby the filler materials are suspended in the waste water. The inflow of the waste water into the throughput tank and the ventilation of the throughput tank is affected from bottom of the throughput tank and in such a gas amount that the waste water and the filler bodies suspended therein are mixed and the microorganisms on the filler bodies are supplied with sufficient oxygen. The device has a throughput tank with a tank bottom, a tank wall, wherein the inflow connecting pipe and the ventilation arrangement are arranged on the tank bottom and the outflow connecting pipe is arranged at the upper area of the throughput tank.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for the optimization of the soluble CO2 concentration in the aeration basin of an activated sludge system, which significantly improves the specific growth rate of the nitrifying bacteria. The result is a reduction in capital and energy costs for municipalities. The rate of nitrification is a product of the nitrifying bacteria biomass concentration and the specific growth rate of the bacteria. In the activated sludge system, the biomass concentration is maintained at high concentrations by reducing the wasting rate. The specific growth rate is a function of the ammonium concentration and the environmental conditions. Here, the inventors show that growth of nitrifying bacteria is inhibited when the soluble CO2 concentration is elevated beyond certain parameters. Elevated soluble CO2 concentration also reduces the pH, which also impacts the rate of growth of nitrifying bacteria.

Abstract: A dual-chambered horizontal flow water treatment system and method provides a first chamber with a first filtration system connected with a second chamber with a second filtration system in a horizontal orientation, such that influent water first passes through the first chamber and then passes through the second chamber. The influent water moves through the first chamber and second chamber in a horizontal flow path to provide for pre-filtering with the first filtration system before traveling through granular media in the second filtration system.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment plants and processes for treating wastewater are described. The wastewater treatment plant utilizes channel plug flow dynamics with attached growth media and pure oxygen or mixtures of pure oxygen and compressed air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved wastewater treatment systems and methods. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes microbial consortia and the final effluent of the treated wastewater is remarkably clean, and has low levels of hazardous chemicals, unwanted nutrient values and/or total solids. Advantageously, the wastewater treatment system and method of the present invention reduces the use of chemical compounds in the treatment process. Further, valuable biomasses can be produced from the wastewater using the treatment process of the present invention.

Abstract: The aquaculture pond aeration system is essentially comprised of a “u” shaped conduit that extends below the pond bottom. A sparger assembly is positioned below the pond bottom in the outlet side of the conduit. The sparger emits air into the outlet side of the conduit thereby aerating the water and causing a hydrostatic pressure imbalance between the inlet side and the outlet side of the conduit. The pressure imbalance causes the pond water to circulate through the conduit and thereby aerate the aquaculture pond.

Abstract: A biological wastewater treatment system is provided comprising a watertight basin and a filter. The basin has an open top and is configured for being placed on a substrate. The filter is located in the basin and includes five layers, each layer configured for removing biological contaminants from water traveling therethough. A first perforated pipe is located in the second layer and is connected to a second perforated pipe located in the fourth layer. If the third layer becomes clogged and prevents the passage of water, the water in the second travels into the first perforated pipe and exits the second perforated pipe in the fourth layer. In this manner, the third layer is bypassed, and the treatment system can be used despite the clogging of the third layer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wastewater treatment system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include one or more bioreactors which include a substrate that supports a biofilm. The bacteria used to form the biofilm may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. Various components of the wastewater treatment system may be optimized to improve the efficiency and energy consumption of the wastewater system.

Abstract: Aerator kit comprising a body defining a fluid-flow channel, and a nozzle insert disposed inside said body as such forming together a venturi aerator which is useful for aerating aqueous waste. The aerator can be used submerged as a part of an aerobic digester, in which gas or air flow into the nozzle inlet while drawing liquid through a peripheral hole in the aerators body and cause mixing. The aerator can be also used as an above ground aerator in which liquid is pumped into the nozzle inlet while drawing air through said peripheral hole. In an another embodiment the aerator could be also used for adding additive to a gas or liquid.

Abstract: There is provided a shaped article made of porous hydrogel that contains a polyvinyl alcohol acetalized with a dialdehyde, wherein the shaped article after freeze-drying has a pore size of 0.1 to 50 ?m. Preferably, the shaped article made of porous hydrogel further contains a water-soluble polysaccharide. Also preferably, an acetalization degree of the polyvinyl alcohol is 1 to 50 mol %. Also preferably, the shaped article made of porous hydrogel is in the form of particles with a sphere-equivalent diameter of 1 to 20 mm. Such a shaped article made of porous hydrogel exhibits high strength and good survivability of microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, particularly a nozzle, for treating waste water, said nozzle having an outer tube and an inner tube. An intermediate space is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube and said intermediate space between the outer tube and the inner tube is divided into at least two chambers in the longitudinal direction of the tubes. The inner tube tapers in the longitudinal direction and then widens again and has at least one opening into each chamber at the constricted area. On the inner side of the inner tube and/or in the interior thereof, the device preferably has a catalyst. The present invention further relates to a method for oxidising polluted waste water and a system for performing the method.

Abstract: In a water environment in conjunction with one or more types of oil, a method of in-situ burning including placing a fire resistant sorbent material in contact with the oil and allowing the oil to wick into the sorbent material. The method further includes burning the oil using the sorbent material as a wick.

Abstract: An improved upward flow constructed wetland cell for treatment of water contaminated with chlorinated aliphatics is disclosed. The improvements include adding ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms to the methane-oxidizing microorganisms already present in an oxygenated root zone and adding improved pore-water sample chambers for measuring the performance of the constructed wetland cell.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes an outlet barrier for controlling a flow of wastewater from a treatment zone to an outlet from the wastewater environment. An immersed support structure is disposed in the treatment zone for supporting aquatic plants in the wastewater environment. The support structure has adjustable buoyancy such that a position of the support structure relative to the upper surface of the wastewater in the treatment zone may be adjusted by adjusting the buoyancy of the support structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a water treatment unit are disclosed. An embodiment of a water treatment unit according to the present disclosure comprises a generally vertical riser having a lower end and an upper end, at least one inlet adjacent the lower end, and at least one outlet adjacent the upper end, a substantially spherical housing surrounding the riser, the housing comprising at least one opening in a lower portion of the housing, the housing enclosing a chamber, a motor coupled to the housing, a shaft coupled to the motor, the shaft extending downward from the motor within the riser, the shaft being in general axial alignment with the riser, at least one propeller coupled to the shaft, and a biomedia material within the chamber.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane surface immersed in a liquid medium with a fluid flow, including the steps of providing a randomly generated intermittent or pulsed fluid flow along the membrane surface to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. A membrane module is also disclosed comprising a plurality of porous membranes (6) or a set of membrane modules (5) and a device (11) for providing a generally randomly generated, pulsed fluid flow such that, in use, said fluid flow moves past the surfaces of said membranes (6) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom.