Abstract: The present invention comprises a process and apparatus for separation of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing produced water, wherein in stage 1 the hydrocarbon-containing produced water is supplied with a gas-containing component, whereupon a gas- and hydrocarbon-containing produced water mixture is fed to an inlet tube (22, 27) in the center of a tank, whereupon the said mixture is tangentially distributed via at least one nozzle (7) and at least one baffle plate (8.1), whereupon separated hydrocarbons are conveyed to at least one outlet from the tank and cleaned water is conveyed to an outlet (12) from the tank.

Abstract: An aeration and microbial reactor system for use in decontaminating water including a housing adapted to float 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: An apparatus and method for simultaneously removing materials from fluids without the need for added chemicals, and without the formation of toxic byproducts, by high-density plasma reaction chemistry is described. Applications to removal of contaminants, such as pesticides, organics, PPCPs, and pathogens, as examples, from water are discussed. Changes in the quality of the raw water are not expected to adversely affect the decontamination process.

Abstract: In a method and to a device for treating a compound, such as a chemical and/or organic and/or microorganism compound, which is carried by a liquid, the liquid is driven axially through an axial inlet (21) into a central inlet portion of a radial cavitation chamber (18) having a peripheral outlet (30), such that the liquid is diverted into the central inlet portion and flows into the radial chamber in various radial directions towards the peripheral outlet; and the liquid flow conditions between the inlet and the peripheral outlet of the radial chamber are capable of generating cavitation bubbles or pockets (31) and subsequently causing the collapse or implosion of the bubbles or pockets in order to treat the compound at least partially.

Abstract: In an apparatus for treating wastewater, e.g sewage water, the water passes through absorbent material. The material comprises e.g inexpensive scraps or off-cuts of plastic foam. The pieces of material are contained by being stuffed into lengths of plastic mesh tubing, which are then formed into closed-ended socks. The socks are stacked in layers, and the water to be treated is trickled down through the layers. The socks can also advantageously be used for anaerobic and submerged treatment of wastewater.

Abstract: Reactors that allow mixing and gasification by converting the entire floor of the reactor vessel to a sparge filter is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for contacting a fluid stream with microorganisms is provided, the apparatus comprising a housing having a contacting chamber therein defined by a wall of the housing; a first inlet for the fluid stream to be treated; a first outlet for removing a liquid culture medium stream containing microorganisms; a rotor assembly comprising an impeller moveable within the contacting chamber to promote contact between the fluid stream being treated and the liquid culture medium within the contacting chamber; wherein at a least a portion of the wall of the housing defining the contacting chamber is transparent to light.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for deployment within a pond having a floor and a wastewater surface is formed from a plurality of floating modular aeration units that are fluidly connected to a motorized blower via a central air delivery line. Each of the floating modular aeration units has an aeration grid retained below the wastewater surface and configured to form air bubbles below the wastewater surface. A buoyant frame retains the aeration grid above the floor of the water pond at a pre-determined depth. Pressurized air is delivered to the aeration grid forcing air bubbles to rise through the water column to the surface and supply oxygen to the pond.

Abstract: A module of vertical membranes has a lower header with integral air holes. Modules are mounted in line on upper and lower beams. A skirt is formed under the cassette. Adjustable side members between the beams allow for membrane slack adjustment and bottom beam levelling. A flat aerator assembly can be inserted into spaces between the cassettes and provide bubbles into the skirts, the spaces between cassettes, or both. An aeration method involves producing bubbles primarily or only to one side of the module, alternating from one side of the module to the other, while also producing bubbles within the module or between the membranes, optionally continuously. A cleaning method involves flowing a chemical cleaning solution by force of gravity through a membrane module, optionally by injected a concentrated solution into a vented portion of a permeate withdrawal system located above the water level in a tank holding the module.

Abstract: A method of assessing biofilm thickness in a membrane supported biofilm reactor (MSBR) of the type comprising a lumen containing a gas phase, a liquid phase, and a gas permeable membrane providing an interface between the gas and liquid phases, the method comprising the steps of charging the lumen with an inert gas, closing the lumen to establish an initial elevated pressure in the lumen, measuring the rate of change of pressure within the lumen, and correlating the rate of change of pressure (dP/dt) with biofilm thickness. The step of correlating dP/dt with biofilm thickness involves correlating dP/dt with the rate of diffusion of the inert gas (dn/dt), correlating dn/dt with an overall mass transfer coefficient (K), correlating K with the mass transfer coefficient of the biofilm (ICB), and correlating k? with the biofilm thickness.

Abstract: Septic systems incorporating an ozonation system comprise one or more corona discharge ozone generators receiving air, such as atmospheric air, and having an outlet for the withdrawal of a mixture of air and ozone gas. The system also comprises a septic tank for receiving primary wastewater, and a pump tank receiving secondary wastewater effluent from the septic tank. The ozonation system includes a submersible ozone introduction pump disposed in the bottom of the pump tank, wherein the ozone introduction pump includes an impeller within a housing, the housing having an inlet and a plurality of radial outlet ports along its circumferential area surrounding the impeller. A conduit couples the outlet of the corona discharge ozone generator to the inlet of the impeller housing, wherein the ozone introduction pump reduces pressure in the conduit to draw air into the ozone generator and draws the mixture of air and ozone gas into the impeller housing for introduction into the secondary wastewater.

Abstract: A pool cleaning system includes a pool, and a gas generating system which includes first and second electrode assemblies. A reactant gas is formed in response to establishing a potential difference between the first and second electrode assemblies. A pool pump is in fluid communication with the pool, and a pool filter in fluid communication with the pool and pool pump. The reactant gas flows through a strainer drain of the pool pump and to the pool filter.

Abstract: Provided is a biological nitrogen removal method which includes, causing to flow a support having, on the surface portion thereof, a two-layered microbial film which holes, in the outer layer, nitrite type nitrifying bacteria or aerobic bacteria and nitrite type nitrifying bacteria as a dominant species and, in the inner layer, anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacteria as a dominant species while being surrounded with the nitrite type nitrifying bacteria; and thereby carrying out denitrification of the water to be treated by making use of the anaerobic ammonia oxidation reaction. In the biological nitrogen removal method, a feed rate of the support (total surface area of the support per unit capacity of the reaction tank) is adjusted so that an amount of nitrous acid produced by the nitrite type nitrification reaction through the action of the nitrite type nitrifying bacteria reaches a level to inhibit a nitrate type nitrification reaction.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing hydrogen-added water containing a large amount of microscopic bubbles and manufacturing equipment for the same so as to expand the industrial applicability of hydrogen-added water by injecting a large amount of microscopic bubbles. More specifically, a plurality of tubular structures, in which the diffusion chamber (5), having double tubes, is provided, and a porous element (6) having predetermined pore diameters, in the diffusion chamber (5) is provided and are substantially linearly arranged in a longitudinal direction. The raw water and hydrogen are supplied with one of the tubular structures, so as to form the mixture of raw water and hydrogen by mixing supplied raw water and hydrogen in the diffusion chamber (5). The mixture is passed through the porous element (6) and diffused therein. The mixture fluid of raw water and hydrogen is then supplied to an adjacent tubular structure under high pressure.

Abstract: A method of demulsifying an emulsion is provided, the method comprising an initial step of supplying the emulsion to a fluid processor passage (14) having an inlet (16) and an outlet (18), wherein the cross sectional area of the passage (14) between the inlet (16) and outlet (18) does not reduce below the cross sectional area at the inlet (16). A transport fluid is supplied from a transport fluid source (60) to a transport fluid nozzle (34) which circumscribes the passage (14) and opens into the passage (14) intermediate the inlet (16) and the outlet (18). The transport fluid is accelerated through a throat (38) of the transport fluid nozzle (34), the throat (34) having a cross sectional area which is less than that of either the nozzle inlet (36) or nozzle outlet (40).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical-horizontal filter unit for the biological purification of polluted water, comprising an upper zone of a soil patch planted with plants, having inlets for the polluted water, and arranged underneath a sand layer with a lower filter zone made of gravel and at least one removal point for the purified water, wherein between the upper and lower filter zones a barrier layer with openings is arranged and the filter unit is sealed against the soil on the sides and at the bottom. The openings in the barrier layer are arranged along the edge and/or the barrier layer does not reach the edge of the patch completely. The invention is characterized in that the upper zone acts as an aerobically cleaning zone and the lower zone as an anaerobically cleaning zone.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus provided with a diffuser, the diffuser comprising a porous wall and an inlet coupled to an ozone tube to provide ozone to the porous wall, is disclosed. The apparatus is constructed to, in use, provide a flow of fluid along the surface of the porous wall and provide a flow comprising ozone to the porous wall via the ozone tube. The ozone will be added through the porous wall to the flow of fluid. The apparatus may have a fluid guidance member having an inlet port to let fluid to be treated into the apparatus and an outlet port to let treated fluid out of the apparatus and the diffuser is positioned in between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: Dry pond water evaporation systems and methods are used to evaporate large quantities of water from industrial waste water sources, such as water produced by oil and gas wells. Dry pond systems include a water evaporation system that emits waste water into the air as a fine spray or mist to promote evaporation. Water that falls to the ground and any initially dissolved solids are captured in a water capture depression. Water and solids are transferred from the water capture depression to a water collection pool. Water from the water collection pool is recirculated through the water evaporation system to further concentrate the total dissolved solids (TDS). When the TDS are sufficiently concentrated, they may be harvested, such as by evaporating off the water and recovering salts or minerals as a solid.

Abstract: A method for treatment of nitrified wastewater, the method including supplying wastewater to be treated to a tank having a layer of biomass supporting media near or at the top thereof, retaining biomass on and below the biomass supporting media for a sufficient time such that the biomass hydrolyses and supplies organic carbon to the wastewater in the tank; denitrifying and simultaneously clarifying the wastewater by providing an upward flow of the wastewater in the tank through the layer of biomass supporting media and discharging excess sludge from the bottom of the tank at a rate which is selected to maintain nitrate and ammonia concentrations below selected thresholds.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems are disclosed with improved aeration tanks. The aeration tank includes an inverted frusto-conical clarifier and a submersible aerator pump disposed between the bottom of the aeration tank and the interior of the clarifier. The pump is connected to an air inlet line that can pass downward through the clarifier. A plurality of bubble outlet lines extend outward from the pump radially and tangentially towards the sidewall of the aeration tank. Bubbles rise upward through the aeration space disposed outside of the clarifier and around the aeration space or around the clarifier for improved mixing. The system may include a baffled pretreatment tank and/or pump tank The slopes of the sidewalls of these tanks are of the same magnitude but opposite to that of the aeration tank thereby enabling tank nesting. Methods of retrofitting water treatment systems and treating wastewater are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for the treatment of organic and inorganic waste in a waste fluid. The method involves a co-current plug flow of fluid in a reactor in which ozone mass transfer conforms to the effective life of the ozone used in the treatment. Hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide can be added to the waste fluid. The combined fluids to be treated travel the reactor through a series of surfaces in a packed reactor. The apparatus includes a diffuser for ozone which assists in the co-current plug flow of fluids. The diffuser can have a porosity of about 10 microns. The invention further envisions a compact system for efficient treatment of waste fluids.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a grey water treatment system includes an oxidation reactor for oxidizing grey water. The grey water treatment system also includes a biological reduction and precipitation system with microbes designed to remove one or more target components from the oxidized grey water.

Abstract: Apparatus for integrated biological wastewater treatment and clarification including a tank having a wastewater inlet for receiving wastewater to be treated and having a treated, clarified wastewater outlet for providing treated, clarified wastewater for use, the tank having an upper turbulence region, a lower solids settling region below the upper turbulence region and a sludge collection region below the lower solids settling region, a multiplicity of biomass carriers disposed in the upper turbulence region, a gas diffuser assembly arranged generally between the upper turbulence region and the lower solids settling region for providing gas bubbles which move upwardly through the wastewater and the biomass carriers in the upper turbulence region, providing turbulence and oxygen and a sludge removal conduit communicating with the sludge collection region for removal of sludge therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an algal purification system. In particular, the present invention relates to a biological purification system incorporating light-converting materials and sun trackers to enhance photosynthesis of algae therein in order to treat wastewater from municipal, agricultural and industrial sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treating unit of activated sludge for wastewater treatment and a treating apparatus having the same. The treating unit is constructed by a cage-shaped supporting structure which defines an interior space for containing the microbial cell therein. The present invention provides a measure for simultaneous removal of organics and nitrogen compounds from the wastewater under a condition of controlled aeration, and makes the configuration of treating apparatus as well as the treating process more simplified. It is also an alternative to replace the traditional A2O process. According to the present invention, the design of sludge return, which is essential for the conventional activated sludge treatment, is not needed. Moreover, the present invention is compatible with the conventional activated sludge treatment process and is advantageous in its short start-up period during which a stable operation is achievable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biofilm reactor comprising a spiral structure and a water treatment facility using the same. The biofilm reactor comprises an inlet pipe for supplying water, an air supply pipe for supplying air, and an outlet pipe for discharging the water and air that passed through the reactor, wherein the reactor is provided therein with a spiral structure for forming a spiral bubble flow passage from the air supply pipe to the outlet pipe such that the oxygen transfer rate is increased by inducing the flow of bubbles supplied from the air supply pipe and by increasing residence time of the bubbles.

Abstract: An aeration-less water treatment apparatus including an anaerobic reactor which receives sewage to cause the sewage to flow as an upward stream, and an aerobic reactor which receives treated water from the anaerobic reactor to cause the water to flow as a downward stream so that the water contacts aerobic microorganisms and air to aerobically treat the polluted matter in the water, the apparatus further including a suspended sludge section located in a lower part of the anaerobic reactor and in which the anaerobic microorganisms are suspended in the sewage, and a carrier section located in an upper part of the anaerobic reactor and having carriers to which the anaerobic microorganisms are attached, the anaerobic microorganisms having flowed from the suspended sludge section being further attached to the carriers.

Abstract: A system and process for treating an industrial wastewater stream is provided using a membrane biological reactor in which granular activated carbon material is introduced into an aeration portion and maintained upstream of a membrane operating system. The size of the granules of activated carbon is selected so that they can be screened or otherwise readily separated from the mixed liquor stream before the mixed liquor enters the membrane operating system tank(s) containing the submerged membranes, thereby preventing abrasion of the membrane by the carbon granules. The aeration portion includes a waste discharge port whereby a portion of spent granular activated carbon can be removed when the effluent concentration of chemical oxygen demand compounds approaches limits typically set by governmental agencies, and replaced by addition of fresh or regenerated granular activated carbon having greater adsorbent capacity.

Abstract: An anaerobic to aerobic sequence enhances biological degradation of many organic pollutants. Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for effective treatment of storm-water runoff pollutants such as hydrocarbons, nitrates, phosphorus, and heavy metals using sediment filtration and adsorption, and biochemical processes under bi-phasic bioretention conditions. By integrating these pollution cleanup pro-usages into a single unit, this apparatus optimizes retention time of the runoff through the system and maximizes removal rates of runoff pollutants, resulting in more reliable and efficient treatment mechanism than previous systems.

Abstract: An anaerobic waste treatment apparatus comprises a container wherein randomly oriented bio-film media are disposed. An example waste treatment apparatus includes a container and optionally has at least two zones of bio-film media that are disposed within the container. In one example, the bio-film media includes torus-shaped materials, or other materials with voids therein, and the container is a dug out portion of earth. Moreover, the anaerobic waste treatment apparatus may additionally comprise a waste pump that is coupled to a waste pipe and configured to introduce waste into the container at one or more locations. When two zones are included, one zone may be randomly oriented, while a proximate zone may be substantially horizontal and/or an organized zone. The random zone may also have a transition layer thereon that supports the organized zone or that provides an interface between the organized and random zones.

Abstract: An aeration and microbial reactor system for use in decontaminating water including a housing adapted to float 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 biotrickling filter treatment method includes the steps of: waste tires arranged in an organic treatment area to form at least one waste tire array; forming biological membranes on the waste tire array; and circulating wastewater in the organic treatment area to pass through the waste tire array and ventilating the organic treatment area. The biotrickling filter treatment tank includes an organic treatment area, a waste tire array and a sprayer unit. The waste tire array is formed from a plurality of waste tires on which to form biological membranes, and is provided in the organic treatment area. The sprayer unit is aligned with the waste tire array so as to spray wastewater on the waste tires for wastewater treatment.

Abstract: Numerous different types of waste compositions generally in an aqueous environment are bio-remediated under aerobic conditions utilizing highly diverse and multiple microorganisms within a reactor. The process is carried out with the microorganisms attached or bound by a variety of different surface characteristics to packing substrates, located within the reactor, having high surface areas and high porosity in the form of small micropores. Multiple different types of substrates are utilized that include minerals, carbon compounds, polymers and plastics, ceramics, metals, and the like and shapes thereof are utilized that efficiently dissolve air into the water. The reactors desirably have multiple bio-remediation stages therein. The reactor also contains at least one perforated chimney through which air can flow and optimize dissolving oxygen into the aqueous environment of the various bio-remediation stages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor for the biological processing of fluid such as domestic or industrial waste water or the like, the reactor comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal layers of growth medium stacked one above the other, and having a colonizing biofilm thereon during use, the reactor being arranged to cause the path of flow of the fluid to reverse from one layer to the next, in order to maximize the length of the path of flow for a given footprint of the reactor.

Abstract: A facility for treating solid and liquid waste includes a receiving station, a screening station, a preprocessing station, an alkali mixing station, a press station and a processing station. The screening station is connected to an inlet capable of receiving liquid and solid waste and includes a screen for capturing at least some of the solid waste. The preprocessing station is in fluid communication with the screening station, and includes a degrit chamber for settling out an additional amount of the solids. The alkali mixing station includes an alkali for mixing with the waste to stabilize the waste at a predetermined pH level. The press station receives the stabilized waste and includes a press for separating out an additional portion of the solids. The processing station includes at least one aerobic microorganism generating unit for converting nitrites into nitrogen gas and consuming carbon-based waste material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes and business methods and wastewater treatment units for converting the waterborne residuals from wastewater generated by food processing plants into an ingredient suitable for use in animal feeds. The ingredient produced by the processes of the present invention has a high protein content and can be used as a replacement for conventional sources of animal feed protein such as fish meal.

Abstract: A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the shear gap is the minimum distance between the rotor and the stator, and wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s (4,500 ft/min) and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas selected from oxygen, air, and chlorine to the high shear mixing device.

Abstract: A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the shear gap is the minimum distance between the rotor and the stator, and wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s (4,500 ft/min) and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas selected from oxygen, air, and chlorine to the high shear mixing device.

Abstract: A compact high efficiency combined biological and physical unsaturated wastewater treatment filter configured for periodic backwashing is disclosed. The filter utilizes packed media and removes pollutants and pathogens from wastewater and other dirty water sources. The filter comprises a periodic backwashing means to less the chance that biofilm growth will clog the media pores. However, such backwashing still leaves sufficient biofilm attached to the media to maintain a very high level of treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the filter utilizes high frequency dosing to cause pore saturation at or near the surface during dosing and shortly thereafter in order to maximize distribution uniformity and to induce downward airflow into the media. The system provides a number of unexpected benefits; including allowing a very low distribution pressure and providing high oxygen transfer at low energy utilization into the filter media for aerobic biodegradation of pollutants.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerobic biological treatment of waste water and the like includes a tank configured to retain waste water therein, and a wheel rotatably mounted in the tank. The wheel includes a plurality of chambers arranged in axial succession about the circumference of the wheel. The chambers include openings which are oriented generally upwardly and emerge from the waste water adjacent a top dead center position of the wheel and are oriented generally downwardly and submerged in the waste water adjacent a bottom dead center position of the wheel. An air drive mechanism rotates the wheel, and an air pipe communicates with the air drive mechanism, and is disposed generally below the wheel, and is configured to release air bubbles therefrom after the bottom dead center position. A plurality of bubble connectors are connected with and protrude radially outwardly from the wheel at locations preceding the openings, and are shaped to guide the bubbles from the air pipe through the openings into the chambers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a membrane, optionally for use in sewage treatment. The membrane comprises a support membrane having a gas face biolayer on a gas face of the membrane and/or in the support membrane near the gas face, and a liquid face biolayer on a liquid face of the membrane and/or in the support membrane near the liquid face.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating wastewater. The system includes a microorganism clad structure positioned in a body of wastewater such that the microorganism clad structure is at least partially submerged in the body of wastewater. The apparatus also includes an aeration device, such as a propeller-type, surface mounted aeration device, supplying a horizontal flow of oxygenated water to the microorganisms attached to the microorganism clad structure such that the microorganisms may carry out a biological process.

Abstract: A biomass carrier including a multiplicity of generally elongate plastic biomass attachment strips joined to each other at least one location therealong, the multiplicity of generally elongate plastic biomass attachment strips being mutually arranged to define a generally deformable biomass carrier including generally outer disposed biomass attachment strips and generally inner disposed biomass attachment strips. Apparatus and methods for manufacture of the biomass carrier as well as fluid treatment systems and methods using the biomass carrier are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for the removal of organic components from a mixture of organic components and water, characterised in that it comprises the steps of guiding the mixture through at least one vessel (3) in which has been provided an amount of organoclay (17) in at least one removable casing (18) which is permeable to liquids and gasses but not to organoclay particles, or on a supporting structure (28) from where the organoclay particles cannot come off, such that the amount of organoclay particles is at any time part of a removable entity; and of producing a flow through the aforesaid mixture in this vessel (3) by guiding a flow of gas bubbles through this mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and process integrating the chemical-free oxidation of a photocatalytic decontamination process with a biological decontamination system to eliminate the THM and HAA precursors in drinking water. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a source providing fluid media contaminated with toxic natural organic matter, and a photocatalytic decontamination subsystem configured to oxidize the toxic natural organic matter via a photocatalytic process into non-toxic natural organic matter having a molecular weight low enough for biodegrading said non-toxic matter. The system may include a biological decontamination subsystem configured to immediately receive the contaminated fluid output from the photocatalytic decontamination subsystem, and employing a biological agent to biologically degrade the low-molecular weight non-toxic natural organic matter in the contaminated fluid to a concentration sufficient to prevent the formation of trihalomethanes or haloacetic acids.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating an aqueous nitrogeneous liquor by performing ammonia oxidation and denitrification using a biosludge containing anammox bacteria and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. The process and apparatus can obtain treated liquor of a high water quality at a high treating efficiency and a high yield of ammonium nitrogen removal with easy control of supply rate of oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: Double-sided, self-cleansing media, and systems incorporating the same for a rotating biological contactor, are described. The media include a disk having cone-shaped members extending perpendicularly from both major faces thereof. Two or more disks lock together, axially about a rotating central shaft, by connecting cone-shaped members spaced throughout the disk surface having a socket at their base to receive the top of the corresponding connecting cone-shaped member on the adjacent disk. The cone-shaped members, by virtue of their length, space the disks a desired distance. Disk segments can link to one another along either straight and/or curved connection portions thereof. The geometry of the media provides free passage of the air and water during each revolution, and while the base disk slices through the air and water, the projecting cone-shaped members enter the air and water perpendicular to the direction of rotation and are washed clear of excess biomass during each rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a liquid, particularly for aerating water in a wastewater treatment process, by: introducing the liquid into a primary pressurizable aeration tank; pumping liquid from the primary pressurizable aeration tank into a secondary pressurizable aeration chamber via a feed path; aerating the liquid in the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber; and recirculating aerated liquid from the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber back to the primary pressurizable aeration tank via a return path.

Abstract: Installation for the treatment of municipal and/or industrial wastewaters comprising a basin that receives the water to be treated and a series of discs (4) having a packing (G) that are parallel and vertical, mounted on a horizontal shaft (5), partially submerged in the water to be treated, and rotated so that the biomass which grows on the surface of the packing of the discs is alternately brought into contact with the water to be treated and oxygen from the air. The configuration of the packing (G) of the discs (4) is chosen so that the developed surface area of the packing in one zone of the disc increases with the distance from this zone to the axis of rotation (X-X).

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneous biologically mediated removal of contaminants (including at least arsenic or nitrate) from water are disclosed herein. The system includes i) a bioreactor having a length suitable for housing at least three different microbial populations, or ii) two bioreactors coupled together, the two bioreactors each having a length and an empty bed contact time that together are suitable for housing at least three different microbial populations. The system also includes a biofilm attachment medium positioned in i) the bioreactor, or ii) the two bioreactors; and the at least three different microbial populations formed on the biofilm attachment medium. The microbial populations are selected from oxygen reducing microbes, nitrate reducing microbes, arsenate reducing microbes, sulfate reducing microbes, and uranium reducing microbes.