Abstract: Algae-based bioremediation systems and methods in which algae is grown in a photobioreactor with nutrients supplied from a nutrient system. An effluent stream in need of remediation is ported to a pond or lagoon and the lagoon is inoculated repetitively with algae grown in the photobioreactor. In an embodiment, a first stage comprises an anaerobic digester which generates combustible gas that can be burned to generate at least a portion of the gas and electricity needed to operate some or all of the nutrient system, the photobioreactor and the lagoon or pond. In some embodiments, the pond or lagoon is multiphasic, and comprises anaerobic and aerobic remediation zones.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., pollutant biomass from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of biomass, and further having structure for collecting the biomass. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Some implementations convert the collected biomass into biofuel. Some implementations initially employ the biomass to remediate an aquatic body.

Abstract: The invention concerns uranium-chelating peptides as well as their uses for decontaminating soils and water, and for detecting and treating people contaminated by uranium. Said peptides have a helix-loop-helix type structure comprising the sequence of a calmodulin loop including at least one mutation of neutral residues selected from the group consisting of S, T, C, H, Y, N and Q, of one, two or three residues of at least one of the four calmodulin calcium binding sites: site I: residues selected among D20, D22 and D24 residues; site II: residues selected among D56, D58 and N60 residues; site III: residues selected among D93, D95 and N97 residues; site IV: residues selected among D129, D131 and D133 residues; said positions being indicated with reference to the human calmodulin sequence.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing organic waste material are provided. These methods and systems include integrating an anaerobic bio-digester and nutrient recovery module with a bio-production facility, which can locally provide feedstock for the bio-production facility, and can locally provide organic material for the anaerobic bio-digester. Methods and systems for integrating an anaerobic bio-digester with a gas cleaner are also provided, which can recover nutrients while cleaning the biogas produced by the anaerobic bio-digester.

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 method of ecological restoration of water bodies containing excess nutrient includes steps of: (a) taming Daphnia magna to be able to eat blue-green algae as an algae eating plankton with a taming composition fermented from spirulina powder, active yeast, and saccharide, so as to digest blue-green algae in the water bodies, and (b) putting the algae eating plankton in the water body polluted by the blue-green algae, wherein the algae eating plankton eats the blue-green algae, so that an eco-system of the water body containing excess nutrient can be restored. The method according to a preferred embodiment further includes a step of: (c) planting submerged plant in the water, wherein the submerged plant includes submerged forest and submerged turf.

Abstract: A three-dimensional grid for use as an algal turf growing surface contains a horizontal planar basal net containing a series of horizontal planar members and upwardly directed members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of micropropagating a monocotyledonous plant comprising: (a) cultivating an explant of tissue from a monocotyledonous plant shoot tip on a primary medium, wherein the explant has been pretreated with a cold temperature and the primary medium comprises auxin or auxin and cytokinin, to produce a totipotent embryogenic cell culture; (b) treating the totipotent embryonic cell culture with a cold temperature; (c) maintaining the totipotent embryogenic cell culture by cultivation on a secondary medium, whereby a totipotent embryogenic cell culture of a monocotyledonous plant is produced and maintained; and (d) transferring the embryogenic cell culture of step (c) to a tertiary medium to continue multiplication and to produce a plantlet with roots and shoots, thereby micropropagating a monocotyledonous plant. The micropropagation techniques described herein provide plants for such purposes as development of elite plant lines, phytoremediation and biomass production.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed which provides for an increased efficiency and reduced waste in an ethanol production facility. One aspect involves a burner assembly with a heat moderating material used in heating for distillation. Another aspect involves atomizing distillant for improved heat absorption in a distillation tank. Yet another aspect involves the utilization of waste products for growing plants in a hydroponics garden.

Abstract: Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a goetextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events.

Abstract: A method for producing biomass and sequestering greenhouse gas includes providing a greenhouse gas, providing light energy, and growing algae in a growth container with the greenhouse gas and the light energy. The algae can be processed into a biomass feedstock. The biomass feedstock can be converted into a fuel or specialty chemical. At least a portion of the algae can be used as a fertilizer for a biomass growth source.

Abstract: A lagoon of effluent is established, comprising a set of sub-portions at different levels in the lagoon associated with a corresponding set of concentrations of dissolved oxygen, each sub-portion of the lagoon having a different concentration of dissolved oxygen. An incubator comprising a set of sub-portions associated with said set of concentrations of dissolved oxygen is established, each sub-portion of the incubator having a different concentration of dissolved oxygen. A volume of effluent from each sub-portion of the lagoon is transmitted to a corresponding sub-portion of an incubator having a substantially similar concentration of dissolved oxygen as said sub-portion of the lagoon. A first remediated volume of effluent is generated in said corresponding sub-portion of the incubator responsive to proliferating a first microorganism which uses a first compound in said volume of effluent as substrate for growth, the first microorganism enabling a first chemical reaction which alters the first compound.

Abstract: A bioretention system and method are provided for removing phosphorus, nitrogen and other materials from effluent such as wastewater and stormwater. The system and method can include a filtration media comprising water treatment residuals and other fill such as soil. Plants can be growing in the soil. The system can also include a drainage system to regulate outflow, to function during both low and high throughputs of water.

Abstract: A modular water treatment apparatus is disclosed having a plurality of cells each respectively arranged in use for housing a treatment bed and a plurality of spacers located between respective adjacent cells. In use the spacers are for providing an air gap between the cells. The cells and spacers are stackable to provide a multiple stage treatment apparatus in which water to be treated percolates through the respective treatment beds located in the cells.

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 self-sustaining wastewater treatment facility abates greenhouse gas abatement, captures CO2 and produces biomass to address multiple critical environmental needs. The facility includes an array of rotating media wheels that create an optimum ordered mixing of algae for sustained growth. Biomass harvested from the rotating media wheels may be provided to other processing facilities to produce, for instance, bio-fuels. Waste CO2 from the processing facility may also be returned to the treatment system for enhanced algae growth. Bacteria are provided to form a symbiotic relationship with the algae, fueled by sunlight to effectively remove toxic materials from the wastewater. The multi-functional facility may also be integrated into a regenerative facility in which the biomass obtained from the algal and bacterial colonies is used in a separate facility and byproducts of the operation of the separate facility are used by the multi-functional facility to fuel further algal growth.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is disclosed which uses algae to generate oxygen for primary digestion of municipal wastewater. A coagulant composition containing a cationic starch and an aluminum salt is used to remove algae and other solids from the wastewater stream. The unique combination of the starch coagulant and algae species produced water of exceptionally low turbidity.

Abstract: A system for algae production has a first tank with an interior containing aerobic bacteria and waste water therein, a first aerator cooperative with the interior of the first tank for passing bubbles into the waste water and the aerobic bacteria in the interior of the first tank, a first collection chamber positioned above the first tank so as to collect carbon dioxide from a reaction of the aerobic bacteria with the waste water, a second tank having an interior containing algae and water therein, and a second aerator in fluid communication with the first collection chamber. A second aerator serves to pass carbon dioxide from the first collection chamber as mini microbubbles into the algae and water of the second tank. A second collection chamber is positioned above the second tank so as to collect oxygen produced from the algae. The second collection chamber is in fluid communication with the first aerator.

Abstract: The induction of reducing conditions and stimulating anaerobic process through the addition of dried micro-blue green algae (Spirulina, Arthorospira Platensis, Arthrospria Maxima, Aphanizomen flos-aquae, and chlorella) and seaweed (Dulse, Nori, and Kelp) to accomplish accelerated dechlorinization of soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents and heavy metals.

Abstract: A soil cleaning method (phytoremediation) of absorbing a contaminating substance contained in a contaminated soil by a plant to clean the soil. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of cleaning a contaminated soil which performs cleaning of a soil containing heavy metals in a shorter term than before and, at the same time, utilizes phytoremediation having little influence on the environment. The object is attained by absorbing heavy metals by a plant of Polygonaceae family, Fagopyrum genus, and, at the same time, adding a biodegradable chelating agent to a contaminated soil in order to assist the absorption. And, a biodegradable chelating agent having the high heavy metal dissolving out ability not only enhances the cleaning efficacy but also reduces secondary influence on the environment.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and process biologically treats wastewater to produce substantially clean water effluent and byproducts. The treatment system includes an array of media wheels that rotate into and out of exposure to sunlight for sustained algae growth. One byproduct is algae removed from the rotating media wheels, which may be provided to other processing facilities to produce, for instance, bio-diesel fuel. Waste CO2 from the processing facility may also be returned to the treatment system for enhanced algae growth. Bacteria is provided to form a symbiotic relationship with the algae, fueled by sunlight to effectively remove toxic materials from the wastewater. Large scale facilities may integrate the treatment systems in a regenerative cycle in which the biomass obtained from the algal colonies is used in a separate facility and byproducts of the operation of the separate facility are used by the treatment system to fuel further algal growth.

Abstract: Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a geotextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events.

Abstract: The present invention relates to algal species and compositions, methods for identifying algae that produce high lipid content and possess CO2 tolerance, and methods for using such algae for lipid isolation, wastewater remediation, waste gas remediation, and/or biomass production.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a plant body with high phosphate accumulation, which is transformed to express a gene encoding a transcription factor of a gene involved in phosphate starvation reaction; a method for producing the same; a recombinant expression vector for use in the production; and a method for utilizing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to algal species and compositions, methods for identifying algae that produce high lipid content, possess tolerance to high CO2, and/or can grow in waste streams, and methods for using such algae for waste stream remediation and biomass production.

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: 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: A method for treating wastewater wherein the wastewater is introduced in prescribed doses of wastewater to a first treatment zone, establishing a negative pressure gradient using mechanical ventilation within said zone causing exhaust air flow to remove gases and promote evaporation in the zone. Excess wastewater passing through the zone is collected and reintroduced. The zone contains particulate material with a large wetted surface area covered in a microbiological slime layer.

Abstract: A method and system for removing pollutants from water are provided. The system includes at least one settling basin having shallow and deep areas. Coagulants can be added to bring pollutants down to the bottom surface of the basin. During dry periods, the deep areas retain a level of water therein, and the flocs that have settled on the bottom of the shallow areas will dry out, and can be tilled into the soil until re-flooding.

Abstract: Waste treatment systems and methods of using them to treat septage, domestic sludge or both are disclosed. Certain examples provided herein relate to waste treatment systems that include a plurality of stages, such as, for example, a plurality of ecosystems, configured to treat domestic sludge, septage or both.

Abstract: A method for removal of heavy metal ions from water including submerging an aquatic plant or dried material thereof in said water and subsequently irradiating the water in which the aquatic plant or dried material has been submerged with microwave irradiation.

Abstract: A floating plant culture system has improved strength and durability and includes a substantially planar platform having a length along opposed sides thereof and a width along front and back thereof generally perpendicular to the sides. The platform is adapted for growing a culture of attached plants including micro- and macrophytes thereon. Beneath the platform are affixed a plurality of cells extending in bridging relation to the sides and open at each end adjacent the sides. The cells are placeable in fluid communication with a body of water desired to be remediated. Affixed along at least a portion of the sides extend a pair of opposed hollow beams, for providing flotation to the platform. The beams are also placeable in fluid communication with the body of water, and an upper surface of the platform is floodable by the body of water from beneath for submerging plants attached thereto.

Abstract: A bioretention system and method are provided for removing phosphorus, nitrogen and other materials from effluent such as wastewater and stormwater. The system and method can include a filtration media comprising water treatment residuals and other fill such as soil. Plants can be growing in the soil. The system can also include a drainage system to regulate outflow, to function during both low and high throughputs of water.

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: The present invention proposes a composite material which can rapidly and effectively remove algae and transform them into submerged macrophytes. The composite material is a mixture of two functional materials: one can grow into submerged macrophytes, and the other is clays or modified local soil particles which can flocculate algae, inhibit phosphorus release from sediments and act as the carrier of the above-mentioned seeds, earthnuts, buds, and roots of submerged macrophytes. In addition, the present invention proposes a physical-chemical-ecological combined method for improving water quality and enhancing the ecological restoration of eutrophic lakes using the above-mentioned material. By spraying the composite material to the lake surface, the new method can remove algae and turbidity through flocculation and complete the planting process simultaneously so that HABs and eutrophication are effectively controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant-based sewage treatment system for purifying waste water including at least one planter, a supply unit which supplies waste water to be purified to the plant-based sewage treatment system, a discharge unit for discharging purified water from the plant-based sewage treatment system, and plants placed inside the planter. The plants are arranged, without a substrate, inside the planter. At least a portion of the planter is situated on a building roof. A space is provided between the planter and the building roof and an exchange medium from the building can be flowed through the space.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and process biologically treats wastewater to produce substantially clean water effluent and byproducts. The treatment system includes an array of media wheels that rotate into and out of exposure to sunlight for sustained algae growth. One byproduct is algae removed from the rotating media wheels, which may be provided to other processing facilities to produce, for instance, bio-diesel fuel. Waste CO2 from the processing facility may also be returned to the treatment system for enhanced algae growth. Bacteria is provided to form a symbiotic relationship with the algae, fueled by sunlight to effectively remove toxic materials from the wastewater. Large scale facilities may integrate the treatment systems in a regenerative cycle in which the biomass obtained from the algal colonies is used in a separate facility and byproducts of the operation of the separate facility are used by the treatment system to fuel further algal growth.

Abstract: An aquaculture or wastewater effluent water quality device to improve water quality and food supply in an aquaculture pond or body of water by incubating beneficial microbes in a temperature controlled environment and systematically releasing them to the surrounding water, allowing the beneficial microbes to perform sanitation functions and to help such systems or water bodies overcome the natural production of harmful microbial species without substantially heating or cooling the entire system any more than is required by the present state of the system or body of water or the inhabitants thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of an aqueous waste stream, wherein: (a) an aqueous waste stream is separated into an effluent and waste sludge; and (b) the waste sludge is converted into predated waste sludge in a predation reactor, the predation reactor including a support comprising worms and the waste sludge being fed past the support comprising worms. The invention further relates to an plant in which the method may be carried out, in particular to an plant for the treatment of an aqueous waste stream that comprises a predation reactor having a support comprising worms, wherein the predation reactor has two compartments that are separated by the support comprising worms.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of depollution by phytoremediation intended for treating wastewater, polluted air or soil comprising a first step of introducing the pollutants in solid, liquid or gaseous form in a planted filter bed, and characterized in that it also comprises a step of irrigation of said planted filter bed so as to define aerobic or anaerobic periods, and to a device for carrying out that method.

Abstract: A waste water purification plant purifies water by means of plants and a waste water purification process. The waste water purification plant has at least one plant container, a feed unit, an evacuation unit and plants. Waste water to be purified can be supplied to the purification plant by the feed unit. Purified waste water can be discharged from the purification plant by the evacuation unit. The plants are arranged in the plant container without a substrate. A plant container preferably has at least two plant basins. At least one other container can be provided. At least part of the plant container is arranged on the roof of a building. Plants of at least two different plant species are provided in the plant container. Depending on the type of waste water for example industrial and/or sanitary waste water the waste water to be purified may be purified in a predeterminable sequence by the plants of the different plant species.

Abstract: This invention is focused on protecting the environment, more specifically, on methods for cleaning oil-contaminated bottom sediments and also sludge pits and oil refinery sewage tanks. For realization of this method, after preliminary extraction of liquid fraction of oil from the bottom of the reservoir, place oligochaetes of the family Tubificidae in quantities from 20 up to 65 g/m2, create a level of concentration of dissolved oxygen in benthic layers of water by aeration of reservoirs through the use of aerating devices and simultaneously administer nitric and phosphoric mineral fertilizers to maintain a concentration of phosphorus in water of 0.5-1.5 mg/dm3 and nitrogen no more than 2 mg/dm3.

Abstract: A lagoon of effluent is stablished, comprising a set of sub-portions at different levels in the lagoon associated with a corresponding set of concentrations of dissolved oxygen, each sub-portion of the lagoon having a different concentration of dissolved oxygen. An incubator comprising a set of sub-portions associated with said set of concentrations of dissolved oxygen is established, each sub-portion of the incubator having a different concentration of dissolved oxygen. A volume of effluent from each sub-portion of the lagoon is transmitted to a corresponding sub-portion of an incubator having a substantially similar concentration of dissolved oxygen as said sub-portion of the lagoon. A first remediated volume of effluent is generated in said corresponding sub-portion of the incubator responsive to proliferating a first microorganism which uses a first compound in said volume of effluent as substrate for growth, the first microorganism enabling a first chemical reaction which alters the first compound.

Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for treating effluent. The effluent may be derived, for example, from an upstream secondary treatment plant. The apparatus employs a plenum positionable within a fluid-impervious container. The plenum includes a fluid filter portion containing a hydrophilic material, such as peat, capable of transporting effluent by capillary action and a fluid collection portion for receiving effluent from the upstream effluent source. The apparatus also includes a fluid wicking conduit containing hydrophilic material for wicking effluent from the fluid collection portion. The fluid wicking conduit may be configured so that any appreciable amount of effluent introduced into the apparatus will be wicked even if the amount is substantially less than the fluid holding capacity of the fluid collection portion of the plenum. This enables the apparatus to operate substantially continuously and passively so long as some effluent is resident in the plenum.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a water purification system to remove pollutants from surface run-off water that has flowed into storm water drainage channels. A tank having an open reservoir region is positioned in the drainage channel or adjacent to the channel so as to permit water to flow through an upstream port of the tank and pool within the open reservoir region. The tank has a downstream port through which water pooled within the reservoir region may flow if the level of the pooled water sufficiently increases as a result of a rise in the flow level of the water in the drainage channel. The open reservoir region contains bioremediation plants having the physical property of removing pollutants from the pooled run-off water contained in the reservoir region.

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 improved and more efficient design for an air driven algae filtration system is achieved because there are no moving parts other than an air pump, and the air is used twice. After using air to circulate water through a filtration unit, the air, still under pressure, is separated from the water. The air is then plumbed to other apparatuses or used for cooling. This allows the filter to be utilized using less electricity. The water is de-gassed before reaching the algae filter. Therefore, no splash guard is necessary to prevent water from splashing the lights. With no splash guard, lower wattage lights can be used to illuminate the algae. This also increases the efficiency of this system. This filter also lends itself to maintaining a reef aquarium.

Abstract: A self-contained wetlands treatment system to remove pollutants from water and treat stormwater runoff or other grey water. This is system and method wherein the water is passed through a wetland filtering and treatment system. This invention removes solids, metals (dissolved/particulate), nutrients (dissolved/particulate), oils, and bacterial contaminants from the water. The system and system housing can be fabricated, built, and assembled in a broad range of sizes and materials to accommodate and treat a broad range of influent flow rates.

Abstract: Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a goetextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events.