Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selective production of hydrogen and methane from a biomass feedstock in a reactor vessel maintained under anaerobic conditions by controlling moisture concentration in the reactor vessel. The method comprises the steps of introducing a biomass feedstock into the reactor vessel maintained under anaerobic conditions; introducing a bacterial inoculum into the reactor vessel to facilitate digestion of the biomass feedstock; setting a moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel at a first moisture level; and collecting hydrogen gas from the reactor vessel. The method may further comprise maintaining the moisture concentration at a first moisture level or within a first moisture range. The method may additionally comprise increasing the moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel to a second moisture concentration; and collecting methane gas from the reactor vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stirring and/or aerating fluids, particularly sewage, having the following cyclically repeated steps: aerating the fluid by means of an immersed aerator for a predetermined first period of time (t1) using an aeration device (1) disposed on a carrier (3, 43) designed as a floodable hollow body (2, 42), the hollow body (2, 42) being flooded and air being brought into the fluid by the aeration device, whereby the potential for nitrification is created in the fluid; stirring the fluid by means of the immersed aerator for a predetermined second period of time (t2), the air infeed by the aeration device (1) being throttled or turned off, and previously flooded hollow body being evacuated in order to fill the hollow body (2, 42) with gar or air, the immersed aerator assuming the function of mixing device in which fluid rises upward, thus mixing the fluid, where in the potential for denitrification is created in the fluid; and an immersed aerator.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprising one apparatus (1) for de-nitrification and effluent solids removal, another apparatus (2) for biological main treatment, and a further apparatus (3) for solids removal (5), each apparatus including a volume (40) in which each process is performed, a media-retaining sieve (6) at the volume (40) and arranged to retain buoyant media particles (4) in the volume (40), and a gas sparging device (8), (9) which is located in a lower end region of the volume (40) and which is controllable by way of valves (11) and (15). The three volumes (40) are substantially (10) identical to, or multiples of, each other, the three sieves (6) are substantially identical to each other, and the three sparging devices (8), (9) are substantially identical to each other. The gas is sparged into the main treatment bed at a lower flow rate for wastewater aeration but intermittently at a higher flow rate to disrupt and clean the bed.

Abstract: Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population characteristics with low yield organism characteristics, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method comprises a treatment chamber having a filtration membrane spanning an effluent outlet of the chamber and a pair of electrodes in the treatment chamber so as to be in communication with the wastewater. An electrical potential difference is applied between the electrodes such that one of the electrodes functions as an anode and one of the electrodes functions as a cathode. A flow of fluid is induced out of the treatment chamber through the filtration membrane to the effluent outlet. Accordingly the treatment chamber is arranged to biologically treat the wastewater, electrochemically treat the wastewater and mechanically filter the wastewater through the filtration membrane commonly therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolysis method that uses iron particles and an aqueous solution containing sodium hypochlorite. The method is characterised in that said method uses direct current, the iron particles form the anode (46) and the sodium hypochlorite concentration of the aqueous solution is at least 1 g/L. The invention further relates to a method and to a plant for the pretreatment of raw water for producing water that can then be easily treated in order to produce drinkable water or a so-called technical water that cannot be consumed but that can be used for household, agricultural or industrial applications such as cleaning, washing, laundry, flushing, garden watering or irrigation.

Abstract: A method of biologically treating water and more particularly, a process for nitrifying and denitrifying water includes employing a continuous aeration mode and a sequential aeration mode. In the continuous aeration mode, nitrification and denitrification reactions occur simultaneously in the water. The continuous aeration mode occurs when the nitrate concentration of the water reaches a predetermined low threshold. The sequential aeration mode occurs when the nitrate concentration reaches a predetermined high threshold. When in the sequential aeration mode, aeration is ceased when the ammoniac concentration reaches a predetermined low threshold and aeration is activated when the ammoniac concentration reaches a predetermined high threshold.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having a tank, a rotatable surface aerator and an elongate draft tube is presented. The elongate draft tube is at least partially submerged beneath the liquid and is rotated about its longitudinal axis for orbitally moving the liquid through the tank in a fixed direction. The rotatable surface aerator is coupled to the proximal end of the draft tube and is at least partially immersible into the liquid. The system further can provide an anoxic zone. A process for treating wastewater is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of solid waste is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pre-digestion treatment chamber and an anaerobic digester chamber coupled to the pre-digestion treatment chamber. A liquid suspension of solid waste is pretreated under aerobic conditions by heating to a desired pre-digestion temperature. One or more chemical or biological additives are added to the suspension of solid waste to improve the anaerobic digestibility of the solid waste. This may include enzymes to destruct poorly digestible solids and/or materials to provide a desired C:N ratio in the solid waste. The apparatus may include mixers, heaters, chemical or biological additives as needed, various sensors and probes, and a control system to monitor and control the anaerobic digestion process and maintain microbial health of the digester.

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for reclaiming water contaminated with the expected range of contaminants typically associated with produced water, including water contaminated with slick water, methanol and boron. The system includes anaerobically digesting the contaminated water, followed by aerating the water to enhance biological digestion. After aeration, the water is separated using a flotation operation that effectively removes the spent friction reducing agents and allows the treated water to be reclaimed and reused as fracturing water, even though it retains levels of contaminants, including boron and methanol, that would prevent its discharge to the environment under existing standards. The treated water may further be treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and system for the production of biogas, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified Class A Biosolids, and pathogen reduced organic liquid fertilizer. Through the digestion of waste materials using sequential phases in an efficient digestion process, enhanced biomass conversion efficiency and improved output of products (in quantity and/or quality) are obtained with a significant reduction in dwell time in each phase.

Abstract: Treatment system for wastewater containing ammonium is provided. The treatment system of the present invention includes an ammonia oxidation reactor and a membrane reactor disposed on the back of the ammonia oxidation reactor. The ammonia oxidation reactor includes biological carriers for carrying the ammonium oxidation bacteria and nitrite oxidation bacteria, a pH level controller for increasing the pH level to above 7.5, and a DO (dissolved oxygen) controller for reducing the DO content to less than 1.0 mg/L. The membrane reactor composed of a membrane and an aerator is used to separate the solids and liquids of the effluent of the ammonia oxidation reactor. In addition, a method for treating wastewater containing ammonium is also provided.

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

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method(s) of improving flux in a membrane bioreactor by adding an effective amount of catonic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic polymers, or a combination thereof. The membrane bioreactor impacted by the addition of these polymers is made up of a combination of anaerobic reactors, anoxic reactors, and aerobic reactors and anaerobic digesters.

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

Abstract: Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population characteristics with low yield organism characteristics, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems of improving sludge removal and maintaining effluent quality. The methods include directing an incoming wastewater stream to a treatment facility, the steam having a flow of at least 20,000 gallons per day; the incoming wastewater stream having at least 50 mg/L solids and 100 mg/L BOD; removing solids and BOD from the incoming wastewater stream in the treatment facility to provide a final effluent stream; the final effluent stream having less than 10% of the solids of the wastewater stream and less than 10% of the BOD of the wastewater stream; the removal of solids and BOD yielding less than about 0.25 pounds of secondary sludge per pound of BOD removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wastewater treatment in general and to methods of controlling odors and degrading compounds contained in wastewater in particular.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated bacterial strain Candidatus Brocadia caroliniensis strain, having Accession Deposit Number NRRL B-50286. The strain is capable of oxidizing ammonium and releasing di-nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A process for treating nitrogenous wastewater contains an autotrophic denitrification reaction, a heterotrophic denitrification reaction and a COD removal reaction simultaneously and mixedly taking place in a single reactor. The nitrification reaction is caused by nitrifying bacteria, in which ammonium is oxidized into nitrite. The autotrophic denitrification reaction is caused by autotrophic denitrifying bacteria, in which ammonium used as electron donor and nitrite used as electron acceptor are converted into nitrogen gas and nitrate. The heterotrophic denitrification reaction is caused by heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria, in which nitrate and COD are consumed. It is not necessary to build two separate reactors for aerobic nitrification and anaerobic denitrification, thereby effectively reducing the fabrication and operation cost.

Abstract: An apparatus for advanced wastewater treatment using up & down aerobic-anaerobic reactors of channel type in the single reaction tank provides the effluent recycle of channel type aeration reactor (internal cycle). For this, the anaerobic reactor of channel type is under the aerobic reactor of channel type in the single reaction tank. And the flow of the wastewater in the single reaction tank is based on the water level difference between inlet and outlet, and the air lift effect of the air diffusers. The partitions of channel type anaerobic reactor and the partitions of channel type aerobic reactor are cross each other. Consequently, the energy cost is cut down because the wastewater flow does not need much pumping energy. And the site need is reduced because of up & down aerobic-anaerobic reactors of channel type in the single reaction tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and processes of wastewater treatment and, in particular, to systems and methods of treating wastewater utilizing biological treatments utilizing two mixed liquor recycle streams for nutrient removal.

Abstract: System for treating waste water with intermittent aeration and low energy consumption, which comprises: a pump sump or a sump controlled by a PLC in order to achieve control of pumping, level and flow of liquid; the liquid is pumped to the aerobic treatment device or to the UASB device, which aerobic treatment comprises an air diffusion unit or fine-bubble diffusers (1) operating intermittently and diagonally, there being a high density of diffusers in the aerobic zone, where it would be an option for said region to be deeper than the other zones, an agitator (8), not only the agitator but also the blower being controlled on the basis of time using a PLC, the agitator then operating after the diffusers have stopped, and also energy is applied to prevent sedimentation of sludges inside the aeration tank.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and process (400) for the treatment of wastewater and biological nutrient removal in activated sludge systems. The process uses substantially vertically downwardly presented inlet jets for delivering the incoming wastewater and recycled activated sludge into the body of liquid in a reactor, in a vertically downward direction and at a location just below the surface of the body of liquid. An effective circulating flow pattern of liquid is thereby established, along with optional concomitant entraining, dispersion or dissolving a fluid throughout the volume of the liquid body, facilitating a universal apparatus for mixing of anaerobic, anoxic, aerobic and oxic reactors or accommodating alternating said process conditions in one reactor. When an oxygen containing gas is entrained for aerobic fermentation, optimum gas bubble size is generated for efficient reaction with the digestion bacteria throughout the volume of the liquid body.

Abstract: In the treatment of domestic and municipal waste water environmental pollutants, such as ammonia, oxides of nitrogen, organic matter which gives rise to what is known as chemical oxygen demand (COD) [and biological oxygen demand (BOD)], and solid matter, should be removed from the waste water In a typical treatment process the waste water is treated to remove ammonia, firstly by nitrification—the biological oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NOD2?) and then to nitrate (NOD3?)—and, secondly, by de-nitrification—the conversion of the formed nitrite or nitrate to nitrogen gas (N2). Domestic and municipal waste water normally contains bacteria which will perform this treatment.

Abstract: In the processes for treating municipal sewage and storm water containing biosolids to discharge standards, biosolids, even after dewatering, contain typically about 80% water bound in the dead cells of the biosolids, which gives biosolids a negative heating value. It can be incinerated only at the expense of purchased fuel. Biosolids are heated to a temperature at which their cell structure is destroyed and, preferably, at which carbon dioxide is split off to lower the oxygen content of the biosolids. The resulting char is not hydrophilic, and it can be efficiently dewatered and/or dried and is a viable renewable fuel. This renewable fuel can be supplemented by also charging conventional biomass (yard and crop waste, etc.) in the same or in parallel facilities. Similarly, non-renewable hydrophilic fuels can be so processed in conjunction with the processing of biosolids to further augment the energy supply.

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: Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population characteristics with low yield organism characteristics, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system including a biological reactor is disclosed. At least one controlled-reaction-volume module is provided to the biological reactor. The at least one controlled-reaction-volume module includes a fixed-film media for supporting a biological growth. At least one mixer, such as, for example, a high momentum mixer, for communicate a fluid to the at least one controlled-reaction-volume module so that wastewater and the biological growth communicate to thereby treat the wastewater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decomposing biogenic material, wherein a percolator is charged with biogenic material, a percolation liquid is separated by sieving and re-sprayed again onto the biogenic material, excess percolation liquid is pumped into a buffer from where it is transported into a biogas reactor and fermented to form biogas. The method is characterized in that the purified percolation liquid is transferred as waste water to a storage buffer container from where it can be retransferred to the percolator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method that uses heterothrophic ammonia oxidation bacteria (HAOB) to remove carbon and nitrogen pollutants in wastewater. The method includes the cultivation of the heterotropic bacteria in an activated sludge environment and the removal of carbon and nitrogen from the wastewater. According to the physiological characteristics of HAOB and the principles of combined oxidation of carbon and nitrogen, the method is able to achieve simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrogen under the condition that the cells do not grow. The process is able to be carried out in the temperature range of 6-40° C. No excess sludge is produced in the process. The invention is able to control the process and product composition of anaerobic ammonia oxidation through the control of organic carbon source, and is able to realize zero-accumulation of NO3?N in the nitrification process. The invention can fully utilize existing activated sludge systems to remove carbon and nitrogen.

Abstract: Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population with low yield organisms, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.

Abstract: A method for removing phosphorus having steps of a) providing a membrane bioreactor having a membrane module having a lower part; b) aerating intensively the lower part of the membrane module while controlling dissolved oxygen concentration around the membrane module at more than 2 mg/L and dissolved oxygen concentration in the rest zone at less than 1 mg/L so as to form an aerobic zone, a facultative aerobic zone, and an anaerobic zone; and c) introducing sludge having a concentration of between 10,000 mg/L and 30,000 mg/L and having an organic loading of between 0.08 and 0.07 Kg (COD)/(Kg (MLSS)·d) into the membrane reactor so that phosphorus is absorbed in the aerobic zone, released in the facultative aerobic zone, and reduced by phosphine-reducing bacteria into phosphine. The method for removing phosphorus does not include discharging sludge. An apparatus employed for the process does not take up much additional space.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system has two separate but interlinked tanks containing four different zones, namely aerobic, microaerophilic, anoxic and anaerobic, for the biological treatment of the wastewater, as well as two clarification zones and a filtration unit for separation of solids from liquid. The first tank contains the aerobic, microaerophilic and anoxic zone as well as a clarification zone, while the second dank includes the anaerobic zone, a solid-liquid separation zone and a filtration unit. The aerobic zone is an airlift reactor that contains air diffusers at the bottom of the zone to introduce air into the zone. The air bubbles mix the liquid and its content of microorganisms, and provide oxygen for the aerobic biological processes that take place in this zone. Aeration also produces circulation of liquid between the aerobic zone and its adjacent microaerophilic and anoxic zones that are located at the sides and under the aerobic zone, respectively.

Abstract: In an activated sludge process for treating wastewater, waste activated sludge is directed to a digester and subjected to sequential aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic treatment. Internal recycling of sludge may be carried out. The oxidation reduction potential during the anoxic and anaerobic cycles is carefully managed so that there is a significant reduction in the quantity of sludge that must be disposed of.

Abstract: A sequencing batch lagoon process is carried out in a minimum of two earthen lagoons and provides the treatment of municipal or industrial wastewater. Each lagoon is operated on fill-draw basis in a sequencing manner. Raw wastewater continues entering into one of the lagoons while the other lagoon is at full liquid level. The lagoon at the full liquid level will begin to discharge when the other lagoon at filling mode is reaching the full liquid level. The lagoon at the drawdown mode continues until the liquid level is down to the lowest liquid level. The wastewater feeding is then alternated to the lagoon which is at the lowest liquid level. The lagoon at the full liquid level shall have no contamination from raw wastewater or the lagoon at the filling mode. The biological reactions occur under aerobic and anoxic conditions. The aerobic conditions occur in the liquid or above the bottom sludge while the anoxic conditions occur near or within the bottom sludge.

Abstract: A nitrification carrier having made nitrifying bacteria dominant therein and a denitrification carrier having made anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria dominant therein are mixed in a treatment tank. Both of a nitrification reaction with the nitrification carrier and a denitrification reaction with denitrification carrier are allowed to proceed in the treatment tank to decompose ammonium nitrogen in wastewater to nitrogen gas. The ratio of the bacterial loads of the nitrifying bacteria and the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria can be easily controlled by immobilizing the nitrifying bacteria and the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria on different carriers from each other (nitrification carrier and denitrification carrier) and by controlling the volume ratio (ratio of the feeding amounts) of the nitrification carrier and the denitrification carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved system and method for treating wastewater or other liquid. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a control program for operating the system and method. In one embodiment, the treatment process utilizes a biological nutrient removal activated sludge process utilizing a continuously sequencing reactor (CSR).

Abstract: A method for in-situ reduction of contaminants in soil that uses chemical oxidation and biodegradation.

Abstract: A process has steps of one or more of aerobic treatment to remove COD and nitrify a waste stream, anoxic treatment to denitrify a waste stream, anoxic treatment to remove selenium and anaerobic treatment to remove heavy metals and sulphur. The process may be used to treat, for example, FGD blow down water. The process may further include one or more of (a) membrane separation of the waste stream upstream of the anoxic digestion to remove selenium, (b) dilution upstream of the biological treatment step, (c) physical/chemical pretreatment upstream of the biological processes or dilution step to remove TSS and soften the waste stream, or (d) ammonia stripping upstream of the biological treatment steps or dilutions step. These processes may be provided in a variety of suspended growth or fixed film reactors, for example a membrane bioreactor or a fixed film reactor having a GAC bed.

Abstract: A method of wastewater treatment that reduced equipment cost and running cost and realizes high efficiency implementation and further tank miniaturization, and that reduces excess sludge withdrawal. There is provided a method of wastewater treatment with excess sludge withdrawal reduced, characterized in that there are installed an aeration tank wherein wastewater is brought into contact with carrier particles under aerobic conditions, a total oxidization tank and a sedimentation tank, and that operation is made while maintaining the BOD sludge load in the total oxidization tank at 0.08 kg-BOD/Kg-MLSS*day or smaller, and that a coagulant is charged in the complete oxidization tank in order to improve the setting in the sedimentation tank.

Abstract: Already-treated sludge is fed back into incoming sewage, and is effective to supply nutrients needed for the microbiological breakdown of the sludge. The feedback sludge has a solids content of 10% or more, and has been sheared and heated to drive its viscosity down to 10,000 cP or less. In sludge done that way, nutrients are preserved and presented to the sewage to be treated in highly liquidized and solubilized form, whereby the nutrients are very bio-available to the microbes in the sewage. Large improvements in the elimination of biomass can result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wastewater treatment in general and to methods of controlling odors and degrading compounds contained in wastewater in particular.

Abstract: Treatment system for wastewater containing ammonium is provided. The treatment system of the present invention includes an ammonia oxidation reactor and a membrane reactor disposed on the back of the ammonia oxidation reactor. The ammonia oxidation reactor includes biological carriers for carrying the ammonium oxidation bacteria and nitrite oxidation bacteria, a pH level controller for increasing the pH level to above 7.5, and a DO (dissolved oxygen) controller for reducing the DO content to less than 1.0 mg/L. The membrane reactor composed of a membrane and an aerator is used to separate the solids and liquids of the effluent of the ammonia oxidation reactor. In addition, a method for treating wastewater containing ammonium is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for treating the waste water contaminated with methanol and boron in addition to other contaminants. The systems and methods allow specifically for the removal of the methanol and boron without the addition of significant chemicals to raise the pH. The water is treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin.

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 wastewater treatment system is provided including an aerobic membrane bioreactor and an anaerobic digester system connected to receive wasted solids continuously from the aerobic membrane bioreactor and also connected to return effluent from the anaerobic digester system continuously to the aerobic membrane bioreactor. Further, a process is provided for treating wastewater including the step of wasting a volume fraction of organic cell mass from an aerobic membrane bioreactor to an anaerobic digester system and maintaining a solids retention time (SRT) in the bioreactor that is (1) greater than a time needed to achieve growth of organisms suitable for converting carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD) into cell mass and (2) less than a time at which substantial decay of the organisms occurs. The system and process may further include optional pretreatment and/or phosphorus and/or nitrogen removal downstream of the membrane bioreactor system.

Abstract: Submerged media useful with or without aeration and/or mixing to enhance an aquatic environment by promoting and retaining biogrowth. The media takes the form of a cluster of individual flexible elements having free ends. The media are submerged in a liquid such as a water or wastewater treatment basin or an aquaculture environment. The media are characterized by the ability to promote and retain microbial growth. The media clusters have substantial flow through thicknesses to provide a three dimensional effect along with baffling for increased contact with the liquid being treated. The media may be thin strips constructed to avoid sticking together to allow maximum exposed surface area. The media clusters can create oxic, anoxic and anaerobic environments for maximum treatment during flow through the media cluster. The flexibility of the media elements and their free ends automatically dislodges excessive biomass buildup to avoid clogging of the media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water de-contamination system, methods, and apparatus using alternating aerobic, anaerobic, and aerobic conditions, with carbon and other waste processing treatments, to remove contaminants from water. Included is an aerobic system in flow communication with an outlet from a waste tank; waste processing treatments in flow communication with liquid exiting the aerobic system and in which anaerobic conditions can be created; means for creating and maintaining anaerobic conditions either within the waste processing treatments or after fluid exits the waste processing treatments; means for return of the fluid into aerobic conditions. A fluid retaining device within which anaerobic conditions are maintained and nitrogen-containing compounds and other contaminants are processed and removed is used. Waste processing treatments are provided within or adjacent the fluid retaining device.

Abstract: A method of supporting denitrification includes receiving biological material at a pulsed electric field station and applying a pulsed electric field to the biological material within a treatment zone in the pulse electric field station to generate treated biological material. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the treated biological material to an anoxic bioreactor in substitution, at least in part, for an external source of electron donor. A system for supporting denitrification is also provided.