Abstract: A bioremediation device including a water dissolvable material that may be held in a netting capable of suspension. The material preferably comprises surfactants that contain hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic tails that can easily form emulsions with the sewage material present by way of critical micelle formation. These surfactants preferably include but are not limited to nonionic surfactants that carry no charge. The hydrophilic portion preferably contains numerous polar ether linkages derived from polymerization of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with the hydrophobe. The preferred material comprises biodegradable alkanolamine surfactants that remove grease and organic matter from waste water by biological means through the induction of bacteria and enzyme as the material dissolves in the presence of waste water.

Abstract: A method for growing waste degrading microorganisms on site and then adding them to the waste is described. The microorganisms are initially cultivated and concentrated to between about 1011 and 1013 cells per gram, dried and then placed in bags (11) or other collapsible containers with a dried, growth medium at 1010 or more cells per container for shipment to end users. To activate the microorganisms, the bags or other container containing the microorganisms and the medium are filled with water. The microorganisms are allowed to grow for at least about 24 and not more than about 32 hours and at that time the number of bacteria will have increased by one log. The microorganisms and medium are then added to the waste material so that the microorganisms can feed on and degrade the waste.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a polymeric complex from a by-product effluent obtained in a process for manufacturing alcohol by distilling a fermented aqueous sugar solution containing yeast. After distilling alcohol from the effluent a chemical or biological flocculant is added to the effluent to form a homogeneous mixture, which is heated to a temperature of at least about 80° C. Yeast is removed from the heated mixture by a first decantation, then insoluble solids and muds are removed by a second decantation. The mixture is then concentrated by partially evaporating water therefrom to obtain an aqueous solution of the polymeric complex.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating an organic waste water which are capable of utilizing compact equipment by reducing the quantity of a sludge to be treated. Organic waste water (A) is subjected to an aerobic biological treatment in a biological treatment tank (3). Then, solution (B) obtained by the treatment in the biological treatment tank (3) is solid-liquid separated into treated water (C) and sludge (D) in precipitation tank (5). A portion of the sludge (D) separated in the precipitation tank (5) is returned to the biological treatment tank (3) through a route (6). A portion (E) of the sludge separated in the precipitation tank (5)is concentrated by a concentration device (8). Thereafter, the concentrated sludge (E) is solubilized by thermophilic bacteria in a solubilizing tank (10).

Abstract: The invention comprises the use of bacterially generated polymers as coagulants and flocculents for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Polymer producing bacteria such as Bacillus polymyxa NRRL 21881 are added to wastewater treatment systems. The bacteria will reproduce in the system, substantially increasing the number of coagulants over the amount of original bacteria introduced. Throughout their life cycles, the bacteria will biologically treat BOD5 in the system. When the BOD5 levels are sufficiently low, the bacteria will produce polymers to increase their ability to capture organic matter. The polymers will capture the suspended particles in the water, creating strands of polymer connected particles. As the strands come into contact with one another, the strands will become entwined, creating flocs. These flocs will combine and will absorb the suspended particles which they encounter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating an organic waste water which are capable of utilizing compact equipment by reducing the quantity of a sludge to be treated. Organic waste water (A) is subjected to an aerobic biological treatment in a biological treatment tank (3). Then, solution (B) obtained by the treatment in the biological treatment tank (3) is solid-liquid separated into treated water (C) and sludge (D) in precipitation tank (5). A portion of the sludge (D) separated in the precipitation tank (5) is returned to the biological treatment tank (3) through a route (6). A portion (E) of the sludge separated in the precipitation tank (5) is concentrated by a concentration device (8). Thereafter, the concentrated sludge (E) is solubilized by thermophilic bacteria in a solubilizing tank (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating an organic waste water which are capable of utilizing compact equipment by reducing the quantity of a sludge to be treated. Organic waste water (A) is subjected to an aerobic biological treatment in a biological treatment tank (3). Then, solution (B) obtained by the treatment in the biological treatment tank (3) is solid-liquid separated into treated water (C) and sludge (D) in precipitation tank (5). A portion of the sludge (D) separated in the precipitation tank (5) is returned to the biological treatment tank (3) through a route (6). A portion (E) of the sludge separated in the precipitation tank (5) is concentrated by a concentration device (8). Thereafter, the concentrated sludge (E) is solubilized by thermophilic bacteria in a solubilizing tank (10).

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: An improved method for in situ microbial filter bioremediation having increasingly operational longevity of an in situ microbial filter emplaced into an aquifer. A method for generating a microbial filter of sufficient catalytic density and thickness, which has increased replenishment interval, improved bacteria attachment and detachment characteristics and the endogenous stability under in situ conditions. A system for in situ field water remediation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for biologically treating water. The inventive process preferably comprises the steps of: (a) adding a sulfur-containing oxygen scavenger to the water in an amount effective for at least reducing the amount of dissolved free oxygen contained in the water; (b) removing at least a portion of a substance from the water by exposing the water to microorganisms effective for biologically removing the substance therefrom; and (c) feeding a biostimulant to the microorganisms effective for increasing the rate at which step (b) occurs. The inventive apparatus preferably comprises a system for adding the sulfur-containing oxygen scavenger to the source water stream and a system for feeding the biostimulant to the microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of continuously treating an organic waste water which simplifies the overall process, avoids lengthy solubilizing reactions to reduce the volume of a solubilizing vessel, and effectively performs the solubilizing treatment is disclosed. In the method of continuously treating an organic waste water containing organic solids, the solubilizing treatment for the organic sludge is carried out using heat and under conditions such that a sludge solubilization enzyme is produced and secreted from a microorganism to promote solubilization, and the solubilizing treatment time is determined based on a hydraulic residence time of a treated solution in a solubilizing treatment device.

Abstract: The invention comprises the use of bacterially generated polymers as coagulants and flocculents for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Polymer producing bacteria such as Bacillus polymyxa NRRL 21881 are added to wastewater treatment systems. The bacteria will reproduce in the system, substantially increasing the number of coagulants over the amount of original bacteria introduced. Throughout their life cycles, the bacteria will biologically treat BOD.sub.5 in the system. When the BOD.sub.5 levels are sufficiently low, the bacteria will produce polymers to increase their ability to capture organic matter. The polymers will capture the suspended particles in the water, creating strands of polymer connected particles. As the strands come into contact with one another, the strands will become entwined, creating flocs. These flocs will combine and will absorb the suspended particles which they encounter.

Abstract: A process for liquefying microorganisms present in biosolids, such as waste activated sludge, generated by municipal or industrial wastewater treatment plants is disclosed. The process includes the step of passing a slurry of the sludge at a high pressure through a nozzle having a restricted flow area to cause liquefication of the microorganisms as they are discharged from the nozzle. The pressure drop across the nozzle preferably exceeds 5,000 psi. At least part of the liquefied microorganisms may be recirculated to the treatment facility to feed nutrients to the wastewater treatment process. Optionally, the liquefied microorganisms may be anaerobically converted to methane and carbon dioxide. For optimum results, the sludge is subjected to pH adjustment and/or maceration prior to being pumped through the high pressure nozzle.

Abstract: A method for treating a recalcitrant organic contaminant in contaminated soil or waste includes the steps of (1) maintaining indigenous bacteria or microbes in the contaminated soil or waste at a population level below which the indigenous bacteria or microbes are able to interfere with the enzyme while the enzyme acts against the contaminant and (2) exposing the contaminated soil or waste to an enzyme for a time sufficient to decrease the amount of the recalcitrant organic contaminant in the soil or waste. If the soil or waste also includes one or more readily degradable organic chemical, the method can include the additional step of reducing the content of the readily degradable organic chemical in the soil or waste.

Abstract: Process for making polyamine-epihalohydrin resin products having very low levels of epihalohydrin or epihalohydrin hydrolyzates, particularly useful in papermaking, which includes, amongst other features, producing a polyamine-epihalohydrin polymer in aqueous solution, terminating the reaction by cooling, adjusting the pH of the polyamine-epihalohydrin solution to from about 7.5 to about 11 and concurrently heating the solution to about 35 to about 50.degree. C., and contacting the aqueous solution with selected microorganisms or an enzyme, and deactivating or removing the enzymes or microbes, cooling to about 20.degree. C. and stabilizing the composition by adjusting the pH to about 2.0 to 5.0 by the addition of acid.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for biologically treating water. The inventive process preferably comprises the steps of: (a) adding a sulfur-containing oxygen scavenger to the water in an amount effective for at least reducing the amount of dissolved free oxygen contained in the water; (b) removing at least a portion of a substance from the water by exposing the water to microorganisms effective for biologically removing the substance therefrom; and (c) feeding a biostimulant to the microorganisms effective for increasing the rate at which step (b) occurs. The inventive apparatus preferably comprises a system for adding the sulfur-containing oxygen scavenger to the source water stream and a system for feeding the biostimulant to the microorganisms.

Abstract: A liquid waste degradation apparatus (10) and method using microorganism (15) in solution (13) to degrade waste compositions typically found in restaurant settings, is described. The microorganisms are initially cultivated and concentrated to between about 10.sup.9 and 10.sup.12 cells per gram, preferably dried and then placed in bags (11) for shipment to end users. To activate the microorganisms, the bags containing the microorganisms are provided in a support container and filled with water. The resulting solution is then periodically dispersed into a waste trap (21) holding the liquid waste composition by means of a peristaltic pump (25) controlled by a timer (27) so that the microorganisms can feed on the waste material to degrade the waste material. A waste degradation system (100) particularly adapted for use in an industrial setting is also described.

Abstract: A bioremediation device and process for remediation of waste collection systems. The present invention preferably comprises an bioactive element having an outer and an inner portion. The concentration of the bioactive element in the outer portion differs from that of the inner portion so that the concentration is greatest when the waste material is first exposed to the outside of the element and diminishes while the solid dissolves in the waste material. The outer portion is disposed about the inner portion such that substantially all of the outer portion is dissolved for delivery of the bioactive element into the waste material before dissolution of the inner portion occurs. The outer portion has a relatively great bioactive effect for remediating the waste material and the inner portion has a relatively lesser bioremediating effect for maintaining the waste material in the collection systems.

Abstract: A process to remove organic sulfur from organic compounds and organic carbonaceous fuel substrates containing sulfur compounds having sulfur-carbon bonds is disclosed. The steps of the process include oxidizing the sulfur species to the sulfone and/or sulfoxide form, and reacting the sulfone and/or sulfoxide form in an aqueous media of the reacting step including a hydride transfer reducing agent. In a particular embodiment, the reducing agent is sodium formate, the oxidizing agent is a microorganism as exemplified by Rhodococcus species ATCC 55309 or Rhodococcus species ATCC 55310 or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the degradation of chlorite into chloride and oxygen with the aid of chlorite dismutase or chlorites dismutase-containing microorganisms. Virtually quantitative degradation of chlorite is obtained in the absence of reductors and under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: An improved method for in situ microbial filter bioremediation having increasingly operational longevity of an in situ microbial filter emplaced into an aquifer. A method for generating a microbial filter of sufficient catalytic density and thickness, which has increased replenishment interval, improved bacteria attachment and detachment characteristics and the endogenous stability under in situ conditions. A system for in situ field water remediation.

Abstract: A composition and methods for cleaning grease-traps, septic tank control, discharge water from industrial meat and poultry processing and packing plants, lift stations and municipal systems. The composition comprises preservatives at a concentration of about 0.35%, by weight, a non-ionic surfactant at a concentration of about 8%, by weight, triethanolamine at a concentration of about 2%, by weight and a fermentation supernatant at a concentration of about 12.14%, by weight. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition comprises a fermentation supernatant from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture, sodium benzoate, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, triethanolamine and a polyoxyethlene alcohol surfactant.

Abstract: A first media provides an oxygen inducer such as catalase, bound and stabilized in pellet form so as to dissipate slowly into aqueous surroundings. A second media provides an oxygen supplier such as a peroxide, stabilized by combination with a proteinaceous compound such as urea and bound in a matrix that limits oxygen release. The two media are combined in aqueous environment to generate nascent oxygen at a modulated rate such that the oxygen is efficiently absorbed into the surrounding aqueous environment, promoting growth of aerobic species and reducing biological pollution. Specific adaptations demonstrate benefits of use in shrimp or fish ponds, raw milk, fruit juice, fresh food, silage and animal feed, fertilizer, plumbing systems, and grease traps. When used in ponds, further adaptations reduce algae and phytoplankton populations.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater is useful in treatment of biomass (sludge) resulting from wastewater treatment, particularly for biological sludges of aerobic, facultative and/or anaerobic origin. The invention relates fractionation of microorganisms and organic materials within the sludge by mechanical shearing, in combination with heat, chemical and/or biochemical treatment to improve waste treatment and to release nutrients for recirculation for use by microorganisms in the waste treatment system.

Abstract: A composition and method are provided for clarifying and deodorizing a standing body of water such as fresh and salt water pools and water of spas, cooling towers, lakes and ponds such as aquaculture ponds. The composition contains by weight about 20.26% of a fermentation supernatant from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture, about 0.1% sodium benzoate, about 0.01% imidazolidinyl urea, about 0.15% diazolidinyl urea and about 9% non-ionic surfactant. Preferably, anionic and cationic surfactants and urea are absent from the composition. The composition may also contain about 0.05%, by weight, calcium chloride. The method is carried out by adding a solution of the composition to a body of water to provide in the water by weight about 0.02% to about 0.1% of a fermentation supernatant from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture, about 0.00005% to about 0.0001% sodium benzoate, about 0.000002% to about 0.00001% imidazolidinyl urea, about 0.00003% to about 0.00015% diazolidinyl urea, about 0.002% to about 0.

Abstract: Contamination by organic materials is treated by applying an aqueous composition comprising organisms which are useful in degradation of the contaminant, a nutrient for the organisms and a polymer which is soluble in or dispersible in the water and which increases the viscosity of the composition. The composition is useful in the treatment of contaminated liquids and solids and in the protection of solid surfaces against contamination.

Abstract: A thermophilic, aerobic fermentation process is disclosed for conversion of a wide variety of organic waste materials to useful end products. The fermentation process is initiated over a period of from about 2 to 6 days by application of external heat to an uninoculated, oxygenated aqueous mixture of the waste material, and thus utilizes thermophilic microorganisms naturally present in the waste material to initiate the fermentation. After initiation of an active fermentation, additional amounts of waste material are added to the fermenting mixture on a continuous or intermittent basis to maintain the fermentation in an active state. Therefore, the process can be conducted on a continuous or semi-continuous basis, requiring about 24 to 48 hours for waste to be completely converted to end product. The process is capable of being operated over a wide pH range and can ferment acidic waste materials without the need for pH adjustment.

Abstract: This invention provides a biological injector suitable for biologically treating a fluid flowing through or contained in a collection or treatment system. The biological injector comprises at least one porous section for containing bacterial cultures, at least one non-porous solid section and at least one removable piece which, combinedly, form an enclosed container. Each porous section is attached to at least one non-porous solid section. At least one non-porous solid section is used as a base to which some components of the biological injector can be attached. Each removable piece is attached to one non-porous solid section. The biological injector may include means for fastening the biological injector to a selected location within the collection or treatment system. The biological injector may include means for feeding liquid bacterial cultures and additives to the fluid.

Abstract: A simplified method is disclosed for handling growth and dispersion of microorganisms in solution and which is adaptable to many different end-use applications, including treatment of turf, decorative and ornamental vegetation, horticultural plants and agricultural crops. Provision of the initial microorganism materials in the form of aqueous suspensions which are incorporated in liquid form into a large volume of water in a vessel and subsequent growth of biomass in the vessel provides for simplicity and flexibility not previously obtained from the prior art devices and methods. The method provides biomasses containing microorganisms to enhance vegetation growth, provide disease- and/or pest resistance, detoxification, solids removal, or any combination thereof. Apparatus to carry out the method of the invention is also disclosed, includes efficient and simply liquid feed devices.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of drilling muds recovered at the surface of the ground, especially synthetic muds, characterized in that it comprises at least one stage of hydrolysis of said mud by means of a lipase.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing the volume and mass of solid waste (A) by initially subjecting the solid waste to a digestive enzymatic solution (20) agitated by fluid jets (28) under conditions which convert substrate (12) into a liquid waste which is discharged through a conventional sewage system (30). Non-biodegradable plastic shells (10) may be collected in a strainer basket (24) to be removed for further solid waste treatment such as shredding and the like.

Abstract: A process and system for waste water treatment including a concentration means positioned at the front of the treatment system in order to concentrate the starches and sugars contained in a waste stream. In a mixing vessel, the concentrate stream is treated with a variety of additives in order to increase consumption of the biological components and to produce a stream having a predictable and predetermined level of soluble starches. The waste stream is solubilized by subjecting the stream to heat and enzyme treatment such that the starches and complex sugars are converted to simple sugars. In a fermentation vessel, a carefully selected yeast strain is introduced into the waste stream and permitted to feed on the sugars. The operating conditions in the vessel (e.g. pH, temperature, oxygen supply, and mineral supply) are carefully controlled to enhance consumption of the biological components in the waste stream.

Abstract: A method for degrading coal tar, coal tar distillation fractions, and organic compounds, specially those compounds having three or more fused rings of the type often associated with coal tar, whether derived from coal tar or synthesized independently. According to the present invention degradation takes place by means of the nonspecific degradation reaction used by white rot fungi to degrade lignin. The degradation reaction occurs in part by means of a lignin degrading enzyme and hydrogen peroxide, both produced by white rot fungi.

Abstract: An apparatus for biologically treating lipid-containing waste water comprising a waste water introducer, a biological treatment constituted by a carrier holding a fixed lipid-assimilating, and a discharge for discharging the treated waste water. The carrier has a shape of string, lace, mat, sheet, fiber, sponge or film which facilitates the lipid-assimilating yeast to cling thereto. The apparatus may also be provided with backwashing for the biological treatment carrier, and an aerator for aerating the waste water. It is possible to directly treat lipid-containing waste water without producing any harmful matter and to efficiently reduce the concentration of the lipid (n-hexane extract) to not more than 30 mg/1. Furthermore, the maintenance of the apparatus is easy.

Abstract: The white rot fungus Scytinostroma galactinum strain F361 and mutants thereof are particularly effective in selectively grading the lignin component of lignin-containing materials, particularly processed wood pulps including chemical pulps, and also particularly effective in degrading lignin degradation products such as chlorinated degraded lignin by-products as found, for example, in E-1 effluents, and also in degrading chlorine-containing aromatic compounds generally as found in aqueous waste streams containing the same.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for in situ purification by aeration and biofiltration of water from a water body. According to this method, polluted and/or oxygen deficient water is drawn through a conduit into a submerged chamber held adjacent to the surface of the water body. Water is oxygenated from three sources: air injected into the conduit to draw the water into the submerged chamber, air diffusing from the surface of the water body; and air injected in a lower portion of the chamber. The oxygenated water flows downwardly from the chamber through a submerged biofilter having a filter bed made of filtering media which may be preinoculated with beneficial microorganisms and essential nutrients. Rafted or floating vascular plants can be inserted into the chamber to enhance purification by fixing metals.

Abstract: Methods for the biological treatment of sewage in a sewage treatment plant, of wastestreams and of ponds are disclosed. The methods employ a composition comprising active amounts of an enzyme mixture, B. subtilis and P. fluorescens, and a nutrient source having a COD of 10,000 mg/kg or less, of which one source is used mushroom compost. The composition is first activated in fresh water, is then acclimated in a waste moiety, and the acclimated mixture is then used to treat the main body of the waste, such as sewage sludge, a wastestream or a pond.

Abstract: A dynamic bed reactor is disclosed in which a compressible open cell foam matrix is periodically compressed and expanded to move a liquid or fluid through the matrix. In preferred embodiments, the matrix contains an active material such as an enzyme, biological cell, chelating agent, oligonucleotide, adsorbent or other material that acts upon the liquid or fluid passing through the matrix. The active material may be physically immobilized in the matrix, or attached by covalent or ionic bonds. Microbeads, substantially all of which have diameters less than 50 microns, can be used to immobilize the active material in the matrix and further improve reactor efficiency. A particularly preferred matrix is made of open cell polyurethane foam, which adsorbs pollutants such as polychlorophenol or o-nitrophenol.

Abstract: Metals have phosphates of low water solubility e.g. Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Sr, U, La, Pu, Am and Np, are removed from water by reaction with phosphate produced by enzymatically-cleaved polyphosphate which has been accumulated by one or more polyphosphate-accumulating microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for controlling and/or optimising a process in which a biological system comprising mixed cultures of microorganisms, biodegradable material, one or more biogenic fluorophores and optionally other soluble and/or insoluble and/or suspended substances in an aqueous environment is subjected to one or several separation processes and/or to chemical reactions and/or to biological treatment so as to obtain as a final product purified water which has a substantially lower content of biodegradable matter than the biological system, which method comprises monitoring the microbiological activity of the biological system and/or fluctuations thereof by on-line measurement of fluorescent emission and/or variations therein for at least one of the fluorophores in the system when irradiated with light and controlling one or several parameters of the process by using results from the measurement as measured variable(s) in an on-line automatisation system.

Abstract: An enzyme-based aqueous cleaning and/or water clarifying solutions that provide improved cleansing and water clarifying capabilities and are exceptionally stabile to bacterial contamination. The invention also relates to the treatment of aqueous bodies and solid surfaces with the enzyme-based compositions of the invention in order to control the presence of contaminants. The objectives of the invention are achieved by including a small amount of a saponin in an aqueous enzyme-based composition containing a bacterial inhibiting stabilizer.

Abstract: A process for improving the freeness of paper pulp, which comprises the steps of adding to the pulp at least 0.05%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a cellulolytic enzyme, allowing the pulp to contact the cellulolytic enzyme for from about 40 minutes to about 60 minutes at a temperature of at least 40.degree. C., adding at least 0.011%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a water soluble cationic polymer, adding at least 0.007%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a water soluble anionic or nonionic polymer and forming the thus treated pulp into paper.

Abstract: Novel methods for purifying contaminated subsurface groundwater are disclosed. The method is involves contacting the contaminated subsurface groundwater with methanotrophic or heterotrophic microorganisms which produce contaminant-degrading enzymes. The microorganisms are derived from surface cultures and are injected into the ground so as to act as a biofilter. The contaminants which may be treated include organic or metallic materials and radionuclides.

Abstract: A bioremediation method for degrading aromatic compounds using white-rot fungus and a sugar beet pulp substrate having a high nitrogen content is disclosed. The sugar beet pulp substrate has a total nitrogen content based on dry weight of about ten percent. Further the white rot fungus utilized can be taken from several genera, including Phanerochaete, Phlebia, Trametes, Pleurotus and Bjerkandera. Two specific genus species of the white rot fungi useful in the biormeditation method are Phaneorochaete chrysosporium and Bjerkandera adjusta. The admixture of a white rot fungus and sugar beet pulp solid substrate is capable of enzymatically degrading aromatic compounds. In addition the method is useful for degrading chlorinated aromatic compounds and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in soil and water.

Abstract: Toxic chlorinated compounds and nitro-aromatic compounds are rendered more environmentally friendly via a bioremediation process which employs carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, a microorganism containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, or a Co/Fe--S component of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase. The bioremediation process is performed under anaerobic conditions and may be used in-situ for groundwater clean-up or the like. Carbon monoxide has been found to be a particularly good reducing agent for use in the process.

Abstract: A method for degrading coal tar, coal tar distillation fractions, and organic compounds specifically those compounds having three or more fused rings, of the type often associated with coal tar, whether derived from coal tar or synthesized independently. According to the present invention degradation takes place by means of the nonspecific degradation reaction used by Phanerochaete chrysoporium to degrade lignin. The degradation reaction occurs in part by means of a lignin degrading enzyme and hydrogen peroxide, both produced by Phanerochaete chrysoporium.

Abstract: A composition and process for the degradation of fibrous materials is provided. More particularly, a composition comprising cellulase, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, wherein the combination of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid unexpectedly increases the cellulase activity and thus improves the breakdown of toilet tissue in waste holding tanks, is set forth. The composition of the present invention may also include other additives known to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for degradation of a halogenated hydrocarbon compound such as trichloroethylene (TCE) which utilizes a soluble methane monooxygenase or a bacterium comprising the monooxygenase. Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is a soluble methane monooxygenase-producing bacterium which when cultivated by continuous culturing comprising exposing the bacterium to a continuous-flow gas mixture of air and methane in a ratio of about 25:1-1:20, respectively. Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is capable of degrading TCE at rates from about 500-10,000 micromoles per hour per gram cells. The present method is useful to degrade halogenated hydrocarbon compounds such as TCE at initial concentrations up to 10,000 micromoles/l.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating soil contaminated by petroleum products on the site of the contamination. Such decontamination is accomplished by chemical breakdown, enzymatic action and biological microbial degradation. Significant byproducts of this degradation of the hydrocarbon material are: water, sodium salts, ammonium salts, carbon dioxide, free amino acids and heat.

Abstract: A process for removing color from a pulp and paper wastewater which comprises the following steps: (A) treating the wastewater with an enzyme which is capable of oxidizing at least a portion of the color forming components of the wastewater; and (B) treating the wastewater subsequent to the enzyme treatment of step (A) with a tannin-degrading microorganism capable of degrading at least a portion of the oxidized color forming components.