Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aqueous medium containing microorganisms comprises an intake for receiving the aqueous medium containing microorganisms. A pressure differential inducer is associated to the intake so as to receive the aqueous medium containing microorganisms with a desired level of gas saturation. The pressure differential inducer is actuatable to expose the aqueous medium containing microorganisms with a desired level of gas saturation to accelerations so as to cause cell wall rupture of the microorganisms. An outlet is associated with the pressure differential inducer for outletting the treated aqueous medium containing ruptured microorganism cells and contents. The treated aqueous medium containing ruptured cell wall of the microorganisms is disposed of and/or recycled.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater comprises biologically treating the wastewater in a fixed-biomass biological reactor and then treating the wastewater in a ballasted flocculation system. The ballasted flocculation system produces a clarified effluent and sludge containing inert granular material having biomass accumulated thereon and suspended solids. The inert granular material having biomass accumulated thereon is separated from the suspended solids and then cleaned with a cleaning solution. After separating the biomass from the cleaned inert granular material, the cleaned inert granular material is recycled for use in the ballasted flocculation system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and processes for treating a Waste Stream comprising biosolids, the Waste Stream provided at varying flow rates and solids concentrations so as to achieve an SOUR of 1.5 mg O2/g/hr or less and an ORP of at least +300 mV. The system includes a biosolids manipulation device to adjust the volume of suspended solids as a percent of the total volume of the Waste Stream to five (5) percent or less; a chemical oxidant feed device to dose the Waste Stream with an oxidant such as chlorine dioxide, ozone, or similar oxidant, and a treatment vessel associated with said chemical oxidant feed device through which said Waste Stream flows, wherein said chemical oxidant feed device and said treatment device are configured so as to achieve a dose rate between 25 and 200 parts per million of the Waste Stream and substantially complete mixing of the oxidant within 30 seconds of dose delivery in the treatment vessel.

Abstract: A process for converting organic waste materials into usable products and products thereof is disclosed. According to the process, organic waste materials are contacted with an oxidant to form a product and then an amount of the oxidant is removed from the product to form a reactor-ready feedstock. The oxidant is removed by various means, including washing, photolysis, catalytic means, oxidation of the oxidant, reduction of the oxidant, and heat. The reactor-ready feedstock may then be introduced into a reactor, such as a digester or incubator, and the reactor-ready feedstock is converted by microorganisms into biofuel or other products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating slurries of organic solids is disclosed. A slurry of organic solids is admixed with hydrogen peroxide, followed by exposure to microwave irradiation resulting in the heating of the mixture and enhanced hydrolysis of the organic solids. The treated slurry of organic solids can then be further treated in a variety of downstream processes, including solid separation, digestion and fermentation. The supernatant portion of the treated slurry of organic solids can be a source from which to recover compounds such as nutrients (for example nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, magnesium, calcium) or industrial organic compounds (such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid), or as a source of readily biodegradable organic compounds for supplementing a biological wastewater treatment process, digester or fermenter.

Abstract: A redox water biological nutrient removal treatment method utilizing sulfurous acid to act as either an oxidizing or a reducing solution via pH adjustment for water conditioning and bacterial treatment.

Abstract: A method of in situ treatment of wastewater that is contaminated with a heavy metal may include passing a flow of contaminated wastewater through a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel may contain a plurality of biofilm retaining structures. Each of the structures may at least be partially coated with a biofilm. Additionally, the biofilm may include a plurality of bacteria retained in a matrix and the matrix may include DNA, protein and carbohydrates produced by the bacteria.

Abstract: A method of in situ treatment of fracture fluid that is contaminated with a heavy metal may include passing a flow of contaminated fracture fluid through a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel may contain a plurality of biofilm retaining structures. Each of the structures may at least be partially coated with a biofilm. Additionally, the biofilm may include a plurality of bacteria retained in a matrix and the matrix may include DNA, protein and carbohydrates produced by the bacteria.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus for treating a radioactive nitrate waste liquid that includes a denitrification tank (12A) which accommodates active sludge that adsorbs or takes in the radioactive substance in a nitrate waste liquid (11) and in which an anaerobic microorganism that reduces the nitrate to nitrogen gas grows, and a reaeration tank (14) in which a denitrification-treated liquid (24) treated in the denitrification tank (12A) is aerated and mixed with active sludge. A pH adjuster (21), a carbon source (22), and nitrogen gas are supplied to the denitrification tank (12A) so as to separate a denitrified liquid into a solid content and the denitrification-treated liquid (24) by using a first solid-liquid separating film (25), and the denitrification-treated liquid (24) treated with the active sludge in the reaeration tank (14) is reaerated and separated into a solid content and a reaeration-treated liquid (27) by using a second solid-liquid separating film (28).

Abstract: An iron composition having a plurality of elemental components is disclosed. The major component is an iron component of at least about 68% to about 92% iron by weight. Other components by weight include manganese; cerium; carbon; phosphorous; sulfur; aluminum; silicon; chromium; copper; and zinc. Combined with layers of sand, brick chips and/or charcoal, the iron composition can be used to create a water filter for filtering inorganic arsenic species and soluble metal ions out of water. To enhance hydrous ferric oxide complexation and precipitation, the iron composition may be treated with food grade acids or a water mixture.

Abstract: A waste treatment process comprised of an ammonification system to convert soluble organic nitrogen into ammonia nitrogen, followed by a physico-chemical process to remove a substantial amount of the ammonia as a recovered ammonium sulfate fertilizer or ammonium hydroxide (“aqua ammonia”), and followed by an ammonia oxidation process to oxidize the remaining ammonia from the physico-chemical process. The process reduces ammonia and carbonaceous organic matter to less than 10 mg/l and recovers ammonia in the form of either ammonium sulfate or ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: Method and system for treating a waste stream. The waste is presented in containers, such as chamber pots and other containers for liquid and other kinds of waste. such waste can be supplied at different locations and is immediately comminuted. In a separating stage, the waste stream is separated into container material and actual waste. Actual waste is fed to a bioreactor where the water is purified so that it may be re-used, if desired. If biodegradable, the container material may be subjected to a fermentation step. Heat and gases released in the process may be used for heating the fermenter and/or generating power. It is also possible to feed kitchen waste, which may optionally have been comminuted, to the fermentation. The stream leaving the fermentation may be separated into hard components which are filtered off and composted and into softer components which can be fed to the purification installation.

Abstract: A membrane bioreactor uses a process and apparatus for dosing flux enhancing chemicals (FEC) to respond to temporary periods of operation that cause, or are likely to cause, membrane fouling. An FEC dosing device is provided in communication with a channel separating a process tank and the membrane unit of an MBR. A mixer in the channel rapidly mixes dosed FEC with mixed liquor flowing into the membrane tank. The dosing device is connected to sensors sensing conditions in the channel, the membrane unit or both. FEC is added to the mixed liquor flowing into the membrane unit considering conditions in the mixed liquor flowing to the membrane unit or membrane operating parameters or both. The FEC dosage may be in the range of 0.05 to 10 mg/g MLSS. The process may include steps of initiating dosing, adjusting the dosing concentration, and terminating dosing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for intimately coupling advanced oxidation process (AOP) with biodegradation for the treatment of contaminated water. The system comprises a particulate bed having carrier particles that have a microbial film effective for biodegrading contaminants in the contaminated water. An advanced oxidation reagent is irradiated by a radiation source to provide an advanced oxidation reagent effective for oxidizing recalcitrant compounds in the contaminated water to form biodegradable byproducts. The microbial film is effective for biodegrading the byproducts substantially immediately after they are produced. The carrier particles are also effective for protecting the microbial film from the radiation and/or the recalcitrant compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment of sludge in water purification, the method comprising the steps: providing an enzyme mixture comprising at least one enzyme capable of digesting natural polymeric materials; and adding the enzyme mixture and at least one chelating reagent, in optional order or simultaneously, to an aqueous sludge suspension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of conditioning mixed liquor in membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems comprising adding an effective amount of a treatment composition comprising a water soluble cationic quaternary ammonium starch or a water soluble quaternary ammonium starch/gum blend to the mixed liquor. Also disclosed is a method of improving flux in an MBR system comprising adding the treatment composition to the mixed liquor of the MBR.

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

Abstract: Processes for removing hydrocarbon contaminants from soil and groundwater via enhanced biological denitrification. A contamination zone of groundwater and/or soil is identified to define a volume or zone of contaminants to be treated. A source of nitrate is applied to the contaminant zone to serve as an electronic acceptor for enhanced bioremediation of the petroleum hydrocarbons. A further carbon source, secondary to the primary contaminant hydrocarbons, is added to form a barrier about the nitrate treatment zone to stimulate degradation of any nitrate migrating from the treatment zone. A further carbon source is also added to stimulate the degradation of any residual nitrate once the primary carbon source of the contaminant hydrocarbons have been destroyed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.

Abstract: Integrated membrane treatment systems for treatment of an aqueous solution. In embodiments, components, such as an MBR, are integrated with means to recover energy from the system, for example from an RO concentrate, to operate the other components. In embodiments including biological treatment, RO is integrated with other components, such as an MBR with the ROs ability to remove inorganic nitrogen enabling biological treatment to be performed with only partial nitrification and the MBR operated without active pH control. In embodiments, RO is integrated with a chlorine generator to convert chlorides present in the RO concentrate for an in-situ source of oxidizing biocides for disinfection purposes. Chloramines may be generated in-situ from residual ammonia and chlorides in the RO reject. In embodiments, carrier media is employed in a membrane tank to enhance removal of residual organics by the MBR and to also improve effectiveness of membrane scouring.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for recycling wash water, having a first separator configured to separate solids from wash water, a second separator configured to separate oil from wash water, a bioreactor configured to bacterially consume solids from wash water, a third separator configured to further separate solids from wash water, an oxidation chamber configured to sterilize and oxygenate wash water, an aeration tray configured to further oxygenate wash water, a storage tank configured to store wash water, and a pump configured to pump wash water from the storage tank to the bioreactor. The present invention also includes a process and method associated with the use and function of the system.

Abstract: A method enhancing biological digestion of wastewater sludge is provided. The method uses chlorine dioxide to accelerate and improve the efficiency of aerobic or anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating wastewater. The system includes a bioreactor which defines a basin for receiving wastewater to be treated; a membrane module in fluid communication with the bioreactor; and a dissolution tank. The tank includes a pressure vessel that contains a portion of the wastewater to be treated and provides a regulated, pressurized gas head space above the wastewater. The tank also includes at least one liquid spray nozzle that permits passage of the wastewater into the gas head space of the pressure vessel and an outlet for discharging the wastewater having a desired gas concentration from the pressure vessel. The system also includes a pumping mechanism for supplying the wastewater to the spray nozzle of the tank such that fluid droplets are formed in the gas head space and the gas contained within the pressurized head space is dissolved into the wastewater.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the removal of selenium species from water containing high-salt concentrations and/or petroleum contaminants are described. The compositions and methods use a selenium-reducing microorganism adapted to adverse environments.

Abstract: A method for producing a nitrite type nitrification-reactive sludge includes the step of subjecting an activated sludge to alkali treatment so that the pH of the activated sludge containing at least the ammonium oxidizing bacteria and nitrite oxidizing bacteria can be 10 or higher, in order to accumulate ammonium oxidizing bacteria with higher priority in the activated sludge.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel method for operating a bioreactor and filtration system. The method adds excess iron to the bioreactor to improve the overall operation and efficiency of the bioreactor/filtration system.

Abstract: A membrane distillation bioreactor (100) is provided for treating contaminated inflow such as wastewater. A contaminated inflow may be treated by biodegrading a contaminant in the inflow with a biological agent in the bioreactor to produce a lower contaminant inflow, which may be distilled, by membrane distillation, through a distillation membrane (108) in fluid communication with the bioreactor, to produce an outflow. The inflow may be wastewater. The outflow may be purified water. In one embodiment, the membrane may be located in the reaction chamber of the bioreactor vessel (102) and may be submerged in the mixed liquor. In a different embodiment suitable for wastewater treatment, the membrane may be located external to the bioreactor. The bioreactor may be aerobic or anaerobic.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is provided comprising a first biological reaction zone, a second biological reaction zone and a membrane operating system. The first biological reaction zone is constructed and arranged to receive and treat the wastewater. The second biological reaction zone includes a separation subsystem and is constructed and arranged to receive effluent from the first biological reaction zone. A suspension system for adsorbent material is provided in the second biological reaction zone. The membrane operating system is located downstream of the second biological reaction zone and is constructed and arranged to receive treated wastewater from the second biological reaction zone and discharge a membrane permeate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anaerobic digester configured to include input reactors into which livestock wastewater or food waste (hereinafter, ‘inflow’) is introduced; regions of an anaerobic digestion reactor designed for the inflow passing through an input reactor to perform methane fermentation to produce and transfer biogas simultaneously into the next region; an inlet pipe into which sludge liquid is drawn; an inlet pipe into which activated liquid is drawn; a biogas capturing device; a first heat exchange tube to allow the sludge liquid to perform heat exchange with a new inflow; regions of a subsequent treatment reactor to allow the sludge liquid whose heat exchange is completed to be introduced and to treat gas odor components generated from the sludge liquid; and a liquid-composting reactor in which the emitted sludge whose odor components have been removed is stored.

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

Abstract: Formation of scale in a wastewater treatment system upstream of a struvite precipitation reactor is inhibited by injection of one or more of CO2 and H3PO4. The injection may be performed at multiple locations. Injection may be controlled based on one or more of pH, fluid flow and fluid pressure. Scale may be inhibited while maintaining production of precipitated struvite.

Abstract: A method of producing methane, an organic based fertilizer and usable water from animal waste includes the step of separating the animal waste into liquid waste and solid waste. The solid waste is subjected to anaerobic digestion to produce methane and a wet by-product. The wet by-product is pressed to into a filter cake which is pelletized into the organic based fertilizer. The liquid waste is clarified to produce a supernatant and a sludge which is pressed into a filter cake together with the wet by-product. Ammonia is extracted from the supernatant to produce ammonium sulfate and an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution is filtered to produce a concentrate and water filtrate. The water filtrate may be used as drinking or washing water. The ammonium sulfate and concentrate may be used to supplement to the solid waste which is pelletized into the organic based fertilizer. In alternative embodiments a portion of the supernatant and aqueous solution may be used as a liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: A process for removing selenium is described in which selenium is removed from an aqueous source for discharge into a lake, pond, river or stream by a combination of biological reduction of selenium followed by adsorption. The aqueous source first passes through a bioreactor which reduces the selenium compounds in solution to organic selenium and selenide. An adsorber, such as activated carbon, is then used to remove the organic selenium and selenide from solution. Optionally, a pump introduces a carbon source such as molasses to the bioreactor to initiate and sustain microbiological metabolic processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for workup of nitrite-comprising alkaline process wastewaters from the nitration of aromatic compounds, wherein the alkaline process wastewater is acidified by addition of acids and the offgas which comprises nitrogen oxides and escapes from the acidified process wastewater is worked up, comprising the steps of a) acidifying the process wastewater by adding acid to a pH below 5, which forms an organic phase which separates out, an acidic aqueous phase and a gaseous NOx-containing phase, and b) removing the gaseous NOx-containing phase.

Abstract: An exemplary method of treating nitrogen-contaminated wastewaters, especially those with high ammonia concentrations, according to the invention includes the steps of ammonia degassing and recapture, and of nutrient assimilation with microalgae. Organic nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, heavy metals and other compounds may also be removed in different embodiments of the invention. Examples of applicable wastewaters include landfill leachate, municipal solid waste anaerobic digester effluent, agricultural anaerobic digester effluent, municipal wastewaters, agricultural wastewaters, and other similarly contaminated wastewaters.

Abstract: A forward osmosis system and process for producing fertilizer and recycling water from a food waste methane digester wastewater stream. The process includes: forming a residual wastewater stream from food waste using digesters; coarse filtering the residual wastewater stream; acid treating the filtered, residual wastewater stream so that ammonium is retained therein; diverting the acid treated, filtered, residual wastewater stream to one side of at least one forward osmosis membrane; and concentrating the acid treated, filtered, residual wastewater stream to form fertilizer by contacting a saturated salt brine in a forward osmosis draw loop to an opposite side of the at least one forward osmosis membrane and osmotically pulling water across the at least one forward osmosis membrane from the acid treated, filtered, residual wastewater stream to the saturated salt brine, thereby diluting the saturated salt brine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for renovating process water, especially during the production of paper. Said system comprises at least one process water renovation unit, at least one of which is provided with an anaerobic reactor spiked with anaerobic microorganisms as well as a lime elimination unit. Also disclosed is a method for renovating process water, particularly during the production of paper, which encompasses at least one process water renovation step in which at least some of the process water continuously delivered to the process water renovation step is subjected to a purification step in an anaerobic reactor that is spiked with anaerobic microorganisms and to a deliming step.

Abstract: A system for treating produced water, for example from a SAGD bitumen production operation, has a treatment unit using chemical oxidation (CO) or electromagnetic treatment (ET) to destroy or degrade organics in the produced water. The treatment module may use CO or ET in combination with biological treatment or sorption processes or both. When the treatment module is used upstream of a steam generator, it reduces fouling in the steam generator and in any blowdown water treatment device. A brine concentrator or a crystallizer may be used to treat the blowdown water. The treatment module may be used in combination with a nanofiltration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filter. Optionally, the produced water may be treated with an ET process such as microwaves directly upstream of a steam generator or upstream of a concentrator or crystallizer in a blowdown water stream.

Abstract: Provided is a biological treatment method of organic-matter-containing water in which a decrease in the permeation flux of a membrane in a membrane-separation activated-sludge process can be effectively suppressed. A biological treatment method of organic-matter-containing water includes introducing organic-matter-containing water containing organic matter into a biological treatment tank, mixing the organic-matter-containing water with activated sludge, biologically treating the organic-matter-containing water, and subjecting a mixed liquor of the organic-matter-containing water and the activated sludge to membrane separation, wherein an iron salt and a phenolic resin are added to the raw water. Substances (for example, metabolites of activated-sludge organisms) that cause a decrease in the permeation flux of a separation membrane become insoluble due to the flocculating effect by the iron salt and bonding with the phenolic resin.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method employing chemicals for disinfection, and precipitation of suspended solids, heavy metals and phosphates before subsequent aerobic bacterial biological treatment using Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter bacteria to remove ammonia and nitrates/nitrites and BOD compounds to produce recovered treated wastewater suitable for open water discharge.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus (102) is provided for the treatment of waste water, sewage and/or effluent. The apparatus includes a housing (4) having at least a first filter layer (16) provided therein. The first filter layer (16) includes biological filtration-means including one or more organisms and a substrate material to filter waste water, sewage and/or effluent located thereon, passing thereover or therethrough in use. The apparatus includes at least a second filter layer (20) for filtering fluid that has passed through the at least first filter layer. The second filter layer (20) includes an absorbent material that is different to the substrate material of the at least first filter layer (16).

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing anaerobic digestion of biomaterials using a clarifier, a batch reactor, and/or a digester are disclosed. The clarifier performs pretreatment processing of biomaterial to improve anaerobic digestion. The batch reactor and/or the digester are coupled to the clarifier and are configured to digest the processed biomaterial. A control system for an anaerobic digestion process includes a flow control system, a temperature control system, and a totalization system. The flow control system controls the flow of biomaterial and the delivery of chemical agents to the biomaterial based on conductivity, temperature, pressure, and/or composition of the biomaterial. The temperature control system includes a heat source and heat exchangers that control the temperature of the biomaterial.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for water treatment are described, particularly for the simultaneous removal of nitrate, perchlorate, and other organic contaminates from contaminated water using a membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR).

Abstract: A method of treating a wastewater, containing the steps of: filtering a wastewater supplied into an activated sludge tank and biologically-treated therein, in a membrane module installed outside the activated sludge tank; chemical-cleaning the membrane module with a membrane-cleaning agent while the membrane module is disconnected from the activated sludge tank with a valve; and water-flushing off the substances contained in the wastewater that react with the membrane-cleaning agent and form hazardous substances and/or operation-inhibiting substances, or the membrane-cleaning agent remaining in the membrane module with water while the membrane module and the activated sludge tank are disconnected from each other by the valve, wherein the membrane-cleaning agent is prevented from contacting the substances contained in the wastewater that react with the membrane-cleaning agent and form hazardous substances and/or operation-inhibiting substances.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a source water containing at least one toxin is provided, the method comprising: (i) exposing a source water to a gas comprising ozone under a condition that promotes an interaction between the toxin and the ozone; and then (ii) subjecting the treated source water to a biological treatment.

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: A process for removing phosphorus from wastewater wherein an iron or aluminum salt is added to the wastewater. The iron or aluminum salt results in the precipitation of certain iron or aluminum species that include phosphorus adsorption sites. These iron or phosphorus species are settled and become a part of sludge produced in the course of the wastewater treatment process. By recycling substantial portions of the sludge, the concentration of these iron or aluminum species in the wastewater is increased. This increased concentration results in the presence of large quantities of unused phosphorus adsorption sites that attract and adsorb phosphorus, resulting in phosphorus being removed from the wastewater.

Abstract: The induction of reducing conditions and stimulating anaerobic process through the addition of species of seaweed (Dulse, Nori, Ascophyllum nodosum, and Kelp) to accomplish accelerated dechlorinization of soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents and heavy metals.

Abstract: Provided herein is an efficient solid-liquid separation method for bio-waste material treatment. The method contemplates the addition of certain cationic polyelectrolytes (or “polymers” as used herein) to the bio-waste materials prior to solid-liquid separation, such as centrifugation, thus greatly facilitate the subsequent solid-liquid separation step. The liquid portion, once separated from solid portion using the subject methods, can be subjected to further downstream nutrient recovery manipulations (such as phosphate precipitation and ammonia stripping) with potentially better efficiency, or may be used directly in a number of operations, such as a liquid diluent for feedstocks in an ethanol plant.

Abstract: Processes for microbial digestion of organic material, and preparation of substrates for microbial digestion, suitable for the production of biomethane, from municipal and industrial waste water or from municipal or agricultural waste. In addition, a method for identifying a composition of matter that is suitable for microbial digestion, more particularly anaerobic digestion and/or mixed aerobic and anaerobic digestion. Also, a system and process for detoxifying organic wastes, such as those which may be present in waste water from industrial processes.