Abstract: Installation and method for processing wastewater, comprising: a) providing wastewater for processing; b) reducing O2 content of said wastewater by unactivated aerobic digestion; c) subsequently to ‘b’, eliminating substantially all O2 from said wastewater by anaerobic digestion; d) subsequently to ‘c’, transferring said wastewater to a closed photobioreactor; and e) subsequently to ‘d’, maintaining said wastewater in said photobioreactor in conditions favorable for algal photosynthesis, thereby allowing algae to grow in said photobioreactor. A method for growing algae is also disclosed whereby time, density and flow speed are controlled. The photobioreactor may have a conduit with two proportions of different cross sections.

Abstract: A method for sulfurous acid leaching of heavy metals from soils into a contaminated water fraction for subsequent precipitation with alkaline and nutrient reagents for filtration removal to provide a metal free soil and reclaimed water suitable for raising crops and open stream discharge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant and a method for the treatment and disposal of waste water containing salts and oil, in particular produced water, comprising at least one settling area for receiving the waste water and for separating oil proportions from the waste water, at least one subsequent reed bed area having plants for the uptake and degradation of contaminants in the waste water, at least one modular basin area having a plurality of utility basins, whereby a utility basin, controlled by way of distribution means, can be supplied with treated waste water from the reed bed area and/or from at least one other utility basin, and at least one saline area for the reception of the residual water from the modular basin area and for the evaporation of water and the concentration of salt.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating floating wetlands and improving water quality is provided. The apparatus includes a lower retainer; an upper retainer; a floatable waste material disposed between the lower retainer and the upper retainer; and an organic material planted between the lower retainer and the upper retainer; wherein the organic material is configured to denitrify the water source. A method of making a floating wetland device is also provided.

Abstract: The bioretention box includes a vault, a lid and a removable grate positioned within the lid, the combination of the vault, lid and grate being positionable with a dugout subgrade region and capable of supporting vehicular traffic within a parking area. Within the bioretention box is a treatment region to remove contaminants from storm water ingress. The treated water moves through openings in the bottom of the vault or through pipes to outside the vault, to a storm drain. The bioretention box includes overflow pipes which accommodate heavy storm water flows.

Abstract: A process utilizing enhanced photosynthesis and photocatalysis to purify water and/or utilize CO2 on a large scale by growing biomass in reduced time and space in a closed, continuous-flow system. Added CO2 and balanced nutrients combine with light to increase the growth rate of autotrophic microalgae which require CO2 for growth and produce oxygen. Organic and inorganic compounds and chemical toxins are mineralized in photocatalysis using such produced oxygen, which are then absorbed (metabolized) in the microalgal biomass that is harvested.

Abstract: An effluent treatment process and plant. The treatment includes at least one passage of the effluents through a device for biological pretreatment of the effluents, such as a bacterial bed, a lagoon or lagooning or a biological disc, at least one nitrification-denitrification of the pretreated effluents resulting from the biological pretreatment device, using a vertical-flow filter planted with rhizome plants, for example reeds, of which a lower zone is flooded and an upper zone is unflooded, and a device for injecting coagulants capable of precipitating the phosphates of effluents, for example ferric chloride salts.

Abstract: A method of treating drill cuttings at a well drilling site. The method includes separating the drill cuttings from a drilling fluid at the well drilling site; contacting the separated drill cuttings with an effective amount of an absorbent material to absorb free oil from the drill cuttings into the absorbent material; and disposing of the drill cuttings. The absorbent material may include a thermo-set phenolic resin with an open cell matrix and a heat-treated peat moss.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aerobically processing waste, in which an aerobic bioreactor is in selective fluid communication with a source of oxygen-rich liquid medium. The aerobic bioreactor is configured for aerobically processing waste via bacteria fixed on media to provide processed effluent from the waste. The source of oxygen-rich liquid medium is different from the aerobic bioreactor.

Abstract: A floating cell with a floating macrophyte filter that can be installed in a chamber containing a volume of fluid to be filtered. The cell has: a layer with a floating macrophyte filter between a perimeter and a centre of the island; supporting means with peripheral structural means for defining a periphery; internal structural means for defining a framework; a central node; peripheral connecting means; internal connecting means; central flotation means and peripheral flotation means.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting microorganism growth comprising contacting a substance susceptible to microorganism growth with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to inhibit microorganism growth, wherein the moss is selected from the group consisting of sphagnum papillosum, sphagnum cristatum, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for treating wastewater with powdered lignocellulosic particles in low dissolved oxygen conditions to simultaneously achieve nitrification and denitrification.

Abstract: A device for use in water comprising a carrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and a moss contained within the interior cavity in which the carrier completely encloses the moss.

Abstract: An ultraviolet reactor for treating a fluid. The reactor includes a vessel having an inlet for receiving fluid and an outlet for discharging fluid. The reactor further includes an ultraviolet light source and baffle plates. The baffle plates include holes arranged in a predetermined pattern for providing plug flow in areas in the reactor near the ultraviolet light source.

Abstract: A process in which a waste stream containing microbes and organic constituents is passed through a process environment comprising a solid media, microbes, and higher animals, such that some of the microbes and/or organic constituents within the waste stream are removed from the waste stream and some of the removed microbes are destroyed or consumed by the higher animals. The process environment may include an irrigated environment, a submerged environment, or a combined environment.

Abstract: The invention provides a bioretention system comprising one or more chambers and a high flow bypass system with top and bottom weirs for water filtration and storm water flow management. The invention also provides methods that are useful for managing storm water flow and inhibiting the flow of pollutants, debris, and other contaminants into drainage systems.

Abstract: A method of wastewater treatment is described. The method includes: (i) receiving wastewater produced after anaerobic digestion; (ii) performing a first type of treatment on wastewater to produce wastewater having a first property which is capable of changing; (iii) preventing the first property from changing; (iv) performing a second type of treatment on wastewater; and wherein the first property includes at least one property selected from a group consisting of biochemical oxygen demand (“BOD”) level, dissolved oxygen level, solid content and nutrient level.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention involve methods and systems for preselecting, adapting, and preconditioning one or more species of photosynthetic organisms, such as algae, to specific environmental and/or operating conditions to which the photosynthetic organisms will subsequently be exposed during utilization in a photobioreactor apparatus of a gas treatment system. Also disclosed are new algal strains and cultures that can be produced by practicing the preselection, adaption, and preconditioning methods.

Abstract: Broadly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a self sustaining green vegetated roof for harvesting and recycling rain water, including a re-created wetland disposed to harvest rain water, the re-created wetland supported on top of a combination of pervious and impervious layers of materials configured on a top surface of a roof of a building; a water filtration system disposed to mimic a natural wetland ecosystem; and a storage system disposed to collect water from the filtration system to be made available for use.

Abstract: An industrial strain of a unicellular green algae Parachlorella nurekis 1904 KIEG deposited in the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), Scottish Marine Institute, Dunbeg, OBAN, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, UK, CCAP No. 259/1. A method for eradication of at least one of cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi comprises treating the at least one of cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi with an industrial strain of the unicellular green algae Parachlorella nurekis 1904 KIEG deposited in the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), Scottish Marine Institute, Dunbeg, OBAN, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, UK, CCAP No. 259/1.

Abstract: A stormwater filtration system suitable for treatment of stormwater runoff in a developed environment uses a treatment bay that includes a filtration bed with live plant matter and a plurality of functional layers. The filtration bed may include an adsorption layer or area that contains a phosphorus adsorptive granular media. In accordance with another aspect, the filtration system includes a layer of permeable pavers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical pretreatment device, comprising a supporting material 1, m inlet ports 3 as fluid injection ports, n outlet ports 4 as fluid outlet port, m×n hollow filament 5 communicating between the inlet ports and the outlet ports, and n filler cartridges 6 connected to the outlet ports (wherein, m is a natural number; and n is a natural number) that provides an analytical pretreatment device allowing easier automation of the analytical pretreatment step for improvement in operational accuracy and saving in labor.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for treatment of wastewater. A pumping system pumps wastewater from a source basin to a recipient basin, while a conduit allows gravitational flow of water from a source basin to a recipient basin when the pumping system is inactive. A controller activates the pumping system to pump wastewater from the source basin to a recipient basin when a wastewater level in the source basin is at a first predetermined height or when a rate of gravitational flow wastewater from the source basin to the recipient basin is below a first predetermined flow rate. The controller also turns off the pumping system when the water level in the source basin is at a source basin minimal level and the water level in the recipient basin is at a recipient basin maximal level. The invention also provides a method for operating a wastewater treatment of the invention, and a pumping system for use in the system of the invention.

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: A stormwater filtration system suitable for treatment of stormwater runoff in a developed environment uses a primary treatment bay that includes a filtration bed with live plant matter. A second treatment bay treats water that exceeds the maximum throughput of the primary bay. A reservoir stores treated runoff to water the plants during dry weather. Removable trays on the surface of the primary filtration bed provide plants suitable for ground cover. Additional bays expand the filtration bed throughput and accommodate extended root systems. A flow control may be provided for the primary treatment bay.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting microorganism growth comprising contacting a substance susceptible to microorganism growth with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to inhibit microorganism growth, wherein the moss is selected from the group consisting of sphagnum papillosum, sphagnum cristatum, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A device for use in water comprising a carrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and a moss contained within the interior cavity in which the carrier completely encloses the moss.

Abstract: An advanced water treatment method processes a continuous flow of water in a sequence of stages including pre-filtering [200] to remove solids, conditioning [202] to adjust pH, blending [210] with a recycled dense microalgae culture, and passing the resulting mixture through an enclosed, environmentally-controlled photobioreactor [212] where nutrients, PCB's, trace metals and other pollutants and regulated compounds are taken up by the algae. The flow from the PBR is separated using cross-flow filtration [222] to produce a treated water flow and a dense microalgae flow that is recycled to the blending stage [210] upstream. Thus, whereas the algae is recycled, the water entering the system is treated by flowing sequentially through the stages of the system, without any recycling or repetition of treatment stages. A pig-type cleaning system is also provided.

Abstract: A process for decontaminating water contaminated by emergent pollutants or micropollutants, includes a step of injecting the contaminated water into a device having a vertically filtering planted organic filter, which planted organic filter includes: an inlet for the contaminated water; an outlet for treated water; filtration and decontamination elements interposed between the inlet and the outlet, characterized in that the filtration and decontamination elements take the form of a planted organic substrate composed of a compost and insoluble aggregates, making it possible for the organic substrate to maintain a permeability of at least 40 litres per hour per m2, preferably at least 70 litres per hour per m2 and particularly preferably at least 100 litres per hour per m2. A device for decontaminating water contaminated by emergent pollutants or micropollutants is also described.

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: Apparatus to treat pollution in rivers, streams, lakes, bays, ports and all bodies of water, employing as methodology wetland plants or macrophytes growing atop a wire or rigid frame basket filled with polygons or other irregular shaped objects of various configurations. The root system of the macrophytes are merged with and grow down amid the substrate composed of small polygons, other irregular shaped hollow, plastic, ceramic objects or other materials. The substrate provides nutrients, oxygen and sanctuary to bacteria, thereby reducing and eliminating pollutants in all bodies of water.

Abstract: A floating streambed comprising a circulation pump having an inlet hose or pipe, an inlet hose or pipe depth adjuster, and one or more treatment channels comprised of permeable matrix. The floating streambed floats on a water body. Water enters the inlet hose or pipe from the water body and is pumped by the circulation pump into the treatment channels. The treatment channels are comprised of permeable matrix, and water entering the treatment channels flows both horizontally through the treatment channel and into the water body and also vertically downward through the permeable matrix of the treatment channels.

Abstract: A sulfurous acid/alkalinization pre-treatment method for wastewaters to condition and remove a number of chemicals/pharmaceuticals and heavy metals before the recovered treated influent undergoes further biological reduction via anaerobic and aerobic digestion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing an ionic species contained in an aqueous phase. The method includes contacting an aqueous phase containing the ionic species with a sol gel-derived composite material, where the sol gel-derived composite material is a sol gel-derived composition having a porous matrix and containing a reactive metal incorporated into at least a portion of the porous matrix, under conditions sufficient to remove the ionic species contained in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A bioretention module (40) for treating water is provided, which includes a side wall (42), and a base (41) having drainage openings (44) therein, wherein the side wall (42) and base (41) are configured to contain a filtration medium in which plants can be grown. A system for treating water is also provided, which includes one or more bioretention modules (40) placed in a filtration zone (14) to form a filtration layer (22), wherein the modules are configured to be removable from the filtration zone (14).

Abstract: A method and system for waste water treatment and disposal includes the use of a sealed chamber having a plurality of sealed light transmitting windows and a relatively large basin connected to the chamber by a large multi-channel conduit. A large fan exhausts gases, humidity and odor from the chamber into a lower portion of the basin. An upper portion of the basin includes a multi-layer grid including layers of hydro stones and/or artificial hydro stones, sand, fertilizer and earth together with a plurality of shallow rooted trees. Any carbon dioxide produced by the waste water is ultimately converted to oxygen.

Abstract: A stormwater filtration system suitable for treatment of stormwater runoff in a developed environment uses a primary treatment bay that includes a filtration bed with live plant matter. A second treatment bay treats water that exceeds the maximum throughput of the primary bay. A reservoir stores treated runoff to water the plants during dry weather. Removable trays on the surface of the primary filtration bed provide plants suitable for ground cover. Additional bays expand the filtration bed throughput and accommodate extended root systems. A flow control may be provided for the primary treatment bay.

Abstract: A method for producing leafy biomass from undifferentiated plant cells, the method comprising providing undifferentiated plant cells, contacting them with an agent that promotes differentiation of the cells into leafy tissue and growing the cells in a temporary liquid immersion culture system. This method of the invention may be used to produce polypeptides, and natural medicinal products, and can be used to capture carbon dioxide. A method of producing a polypeptide in plant cells in vitro comprising: providing undifferentiated plant cells containing chloroplasts that carry a transgenic nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, wherein the plant cells display homoplastomy; and propagating the cells according to the above method to produce leafy biomass containing the polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting microorganism growth comprising contacting a substance susceptible to microorganism growth with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to inhibit microorganism growth, wherein the moss is selected from the group consisting of sphagnum papillosum, sphagnum cristatum, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method includes the steps of supplying a wastewater influent having nutrients for a population of phototactic heterotrophic microorganisms to an aerated bioreactor. At least a portion of the nutrients is converted into the phototactic heterotrophic microorganism population. The wastewater influent and the phototactic heterotrophic microorganism population together form a bioreactor effluent that is transferred to a light clarifier. The bioreactor effluent is concentrated in the light clarifier to form a low-solids effluent and a high-solids effluent. The concentration is performed by inducing the population of phototactic heterotrophic microorganisms to phototactically self concentrate through exposure to a light having at least one of an intensity and a wavelength sufficient to cause the phototactic heterotrophic microorganism population to migrate away from a source of the light. The high-solids effluent is then dewatered to form a concentrated biomass paste.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from water and quantifying the carbon so removed, thus facilitating valuation of that carbon for schemes (e.g., Kyoto agreement) that attach financial rewards for capture, sequestration or removal of carbon or CO2.

Abstract: A horizontal flow water treatment method and wetland biofilter apparatus provides a chamber with impermeable outer walls spaced away from permeable interior walls of a media filtration bed such that a catch basin is formed between the outer walls and the interior walls. The catch basin creates an open area around the perimeter of the interior walls for influent water to fill within the open area on all sides before penetrating the filtration media, providing a large surface area for influent water to interact with the media filtration bed. The influent water enters the catch basin in a horizontal flow path to provide for pre-settling of particulates before making contact with the filtration media. The biofilter design increases the available surface area of the media filtration bed by up to four times for a given volume of water, and thereby minimizes the loading or infiltration rate on the media filtration bed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for the metabolization of organic substances, comprising at least one housing with an elongated space. The housing has at least one inlet opening at the top end portion for the introduction of liquids with organic substances therein and at least one outlet opening for liquids at the bottom end portion. The inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with the elongated space, where the elongated space extends from the top end portion to the bottom end portion of the housing. Further, the system for metabolization comprises at least one planting opening provided on the housing between the inlet opening and the outlet opening for the accommodation of a support element for plants, the planting opening being in communication with the elongated space, and a porous filler material provided in the elongated space.

Abstract: A floway system for a building roof includes a substrate for supporting a periphyton culture that removes nutrient pollution from surface water and isolates the building envelope from solar-induced heat. The substrate is seedable to form a floway. a harvester for harvesting periphyton from the substrate. Water desired to be bioremediated is channeled to an inlet of the periphyton culture. A gutter system includes a sector for collecting cleansed water from an outlet of the periphyton culture having a drain for permitting water to be emptied therefrom and a sector for collecting periphyton harvested from the substrate therein. An element is provided for directing material exiting the periphyton culture outlet selectively between the water-collecting sector and the periphyton-collecting sector.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the treatment of lipid-extracted algae biomass and recycling nutrients are provided. The lipid-extracted algae biomass is hydrolyzed prior to anaerobic digestion, and the products generated by anaerobic digestion are further processed to yield by-products that are of use either for external use or as process inputs to carry out specific steps within an integrated algal growth and anaerobic digestion process designed to minimize economic costs, required costly inputs while improving upon system capabilities.

Abstract: An elevated swale comprising a porous and water-permeable interior zone, a permeable and compressible exterior shell, and vertically oriented cylindrical inserts. The exterior shell surrounds the interior zone, and the cylindrical inserts are placed within cylindrical cavities that are cut vertically into the interior zone. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is an elevated swale comprising stacked layers of polymer matting and vertically oriented cylindrical inserts. The cylindrical inserts are placed within cylindrical cavities that are cut vertically into the stacked layers of polymer matting.

Abstract: A device for use in water comprising a carrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and a moss contained within the interior cavity in which the carrier completely encloses the moss.

Abstract: A process for cultivating photosynthetic microbes comprising Closed Systems for continuous cultivation and Open Systems for batch cultivation, in which (a) the Closed System Area occupies no more than 20% of the Total Land Area of the cultivation facility; (b) batch cultures in the Open Systems are initiated with an inoculum from the Closed Systems containing a cell biomass of no less than 5% of the carrying capacity of said Open System; (c) the doubling rate of said photosynthetic microbe is no less than once every 16 hours; and (d) the residence time of the batch culture in said Open System is no more than a period of 5 days.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.