Abstract: The invention provides the use of an effective amount of a non-oxidizing water-soluble biocide in the improvement of sludge quality by reducing the sludge tendency towards bulking, wherein the biocide comprises an alkyl-substituted phosphonium compound, an alkyl-substituted phosphine, an alkyl-substituted phosphine condensate, or a polymeric quaternary ammonium compound.

Abstract: A food processing effluent refurbishing system of the present invention refurbishes effluent water in a first and a second food processing loop. The system includes first and second circulation systems, first and second balance tanks, and a side stream. The first circulation system circulates water through the first food processing loop. The first balance tank connected to the first circulation system refurbishes effluent water circulating through the first food processing loop. The second circulation system circulates water through the second food processing loop. The second balance tank connected to the second circulation system refurbishes effluent water circulating through the second food processing loop. The side stream connects the first and second circulation systems.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting agricultural irrigation water system-wide comprises (a) continuously feeding chlorine to the irrigation system and (b) monitoring an outer field point to determine whether at least a detectable level of residual chlorine is seen at that point, whereby chlorination disinfection system-wide is achieved. An enhanced irrigation system which is adapted for disinfecting agricultural irrigation water system-wide includes (a) apparatus for continuously feeding chlorine to the irrigation system and (b) apparatus for monitoring residual chlorine at an outer field point (to determine whether at least a detectable level of residual chlorine is seen at that point) for the purpose of achieving chlorination disinfection system-wide.

Abstract: The process for suppressing the growth of green algae in aqueous systems, such as lakes or rivers, comprises introducing carbon dioxide, preferably industrially produced carbon dioxide, into the water to be treated, thereby acidifying the water and suppressing the growth of green algae and promoting the growth of diatoms. The carbon dioxide can be produced by industry. Thus disposal of such industrially produced gases for acidification of waters serves for cleaning water and leads at the same time to clean air.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating, preventing from growth, and neutralizing hyperproliferative, undifferentiated, or virally infected cells in a liquid medium using high-frequency, low-energy ultrasound.

Abstract: There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A container for releasing a microbiocide component into a liquid composition susceptible to unwanted microbial growth (LCMG) includes a LCMG impermeable casing separate and apart from an internal combustion engine filter housing, and having a hollow interior and at least one opening. A microbiocide component, for example, at least one LCMG-soluble microbiocide, as the only active material located in the hollow interior. At least one liquid permeable element, for example, a membrane member, is provided at or near an opening in the casing and is effective to provide for release of microbiocide component into the LCMG. Methods of releasing microbiocide component into LCMGs are also provided.

Abstract: A method for treating ship ballast water in which aquatic organisms in the ship ballast water are exterminated by adding hydrogen peroxide or a compound producing hydrogen peroxide in an amount such that a hydrogen peroxide concentration comes to be 10 to 500 mg/L to the ship ballast water, and then providing physical means for causing shear strength and/or cavitation to the ship ballast water.

Abstract: Generally, systems for air and water purification using unpowered charged sorbent mediums (3) which may include layered double hydroxide (LDH) (1) compositions, lignin (2), and methods of sorbing inorganic or organic material(s) onto such mediums, including anionic contaminants (10), cationic contaminants (11), non ionic organic contaminants (20), and even biological agents (7) such as bacteria or viruses present in liquids or gases.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for detecting the quality of water with high accuracy. A representative water treatment apparatus includes an aerobic treatment region that treats water aerobically, a downstream region in which the water aerobically treated in the aerobic treatment region flows, a water quality sensor that is submerged in the downstream region and detects the water quality and a sensor washing arrangement that washes the water quality sensor by supplying the water of the downstream region to the water quality sensor at a flow rate higher than water flowing around the water quality sensor. As a result, sludge generated due to aerobic treatment can be prevented from being deposited on the water quality sensor and/or deposited sludge can be removed, so that the accuracy of water quality detection of the water quality sensor can be enhanced.

Abstract: A method for treating ship ballast water in which organisms viable in the ship ballast water are exterminated by adding to the ship ballast water hydrogen peroxide or a compound producing hydrogen peroxide in an amount such that a hydrogen peroxide concentration comes to be 10 to 500 mg/L and at least one type selected from a ferrous ion or a compound supplying ferrous ion in an amount such that a ferrous ion concentration comes to be 0.1 to 400 mg/L, catalase in an amount such that a concentration of catalase comes to be 0.5 to 2,500 unit/L and iodine or a compound supplying iodine amount such that an iodine concentration comes to be 0.1 to 100 mg/L.

Abstract: In a first treatment step part of at least one difficulty biodegradable or non-biodegradable organic compound is oxidized in polluted water by bringing said polluted water into contact with an ozone containing gas. The effluent is subsequently diluted with an aqueous liquid before a second treatment with ozone is carried out. If the concentration of the organic compound is still not sufficiently low, the treated effluent is diluted again and subjected to a further treatment with ozone. It was found that a more effective ozone treatment was obtained by the dilution or dilutions and that in particular no pH control was needed, so that no formation of additional salts occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a potable water source can the apparatus comprise a solid phase treatment material for treating a potable water source, a solid phase treatment material dispenser comprising a floatation device and a container configured to hold the solid phase treatment material, the container comprising a bottom surface and sidewalls extending from the bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface and/or sidewalls comprise apertures, and wherein the flotation device can comprise a plurality of fasteners attached thereto, and, optionally, a opening securement system comprising a tether in operative communication with the plurality of fasteners and an attachment point about the opening, wherein the tether is configured to permit travel of the floatation device within the water storage tank.

Abstract: A biofilm reducing agent (BRA) and a mineral deposit distorting agent (MDDA) are admixed to irrigation water in amounts sufficient to substantially eliminate biofilm formation in the emitters (14) of an irrigation system (10) and produce amorphous mineral deposits in the emitters that are easily washed away by the irrigation water as it flows through the emitters (14). The BRA may be an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of chlorine, ozone, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxy peracitic acid, iodine, bromine, hydrogen dioxide, chlorate salts, chlorite salts and hypochlorite compounds and mixtures thereof. The MDDA is a phosphonate selected from the group comprising AMP, ATMP, HEDP, EDTMPA, HMDTMPA, DETPMPA, BHMPTMPA, PBTC, HPA, PCA, NTMP, and DTPMP.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating impure water by introducing a solution of electrolyticially generated silver citrate into the impure water wherein the silver is electrolytically generated in a solution of citric acid and water.

Abstract: This is a method that is an environmentally friendly hybrid microbiological control compromising a physical method through fine filtration, which removes nutrients, bacteria and suspended solids from open recirculating cooling systems. The method for microbiological control in cooling systems wherein a recirculating fluid containing an oxidising or a non-oxidising biocide or a mixture of an oxidising and a non-oxidising biocide and is passed through a fine filtration system resulting in reduced microbiological matter, suspended solids and nutrients.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus is provided to treat ballast water that has exited a ballast tank before being expelled from a water-borne ship. Within the contactor apparatus, means are provided for supplying a combination of acoustic energy and dissolved ozone. The acoustic energy can be provided at two or more frequencies (e.g., at 16 and 20 kHz). The acoustic energy and dissolved ozone, together, offer a more-effective and more-efficient mode of disinfecting the ballast water before release.

Abstract: An improved singlet oxygen generator (SOG) and method of using gas phase electronically excited states of oxygen for bio-medical and chemical treatment applications are disclosed. According to the invention, both gas phase O2(1?) and O2(1?) are used for medical treatment, sterilization, and deactivation of biological and chemical agents, including diseased tissue and biological and chemical weapons. The improved SOG is compact and scalable, portable, capable of operating in a zero-gravity or low gravity environment, may use gaseous diluent or buffer gas, and is capable of operating at pressures as high as one atmosphere. The SOG is capable of operating within a short distance of the target site for the electronically excited states of oxygen, which are delivered to the target site via a conduit. The SOG and delivery system provide higher yields of electronically excited oxygen with longer lifetimes suitable for bio-medical applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inhibiting the biological acidification of water which is in contact with materials containing sulfur in reduced form or with elemental sulfur, susceptible to oxidation on the part of Thiobacilli, comprising putting said materials in contact with soluble inorganic salts at concentrations ranging from 0.4 normal to saturation.

Abstract: A composition and method for cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining contained bodies of water such as swimming pools, wading pools, fountains, ornamental ponds, etc. The composition includes pre-determined percentages of copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and aluminum sulfate by weight. The composition and method reduce amounts of chlorine and an amount of labor associated with the cleaning, sanitization and maintenance of contained bodies of water.

Abstract: A method is shown for reducing or eliminating the levels or activities of potentially harmful or contaminating organisms or cells by applying nanophase manganese (VII) oxide to solutions, surfaces or materials to eliminate, reduce or prevent the growth of potentially harmful, contaminating or undesirable microorganisms, such as algae and bacteria.

Abstract: The growth of biofilm present in open recirculating water systems is inhibited by introducing into the water comprising such a water system (a) a source of free halogen, e.g. e chlorine and (b) a source of di(lower alkyl) substituted-2-oxazolidinone, the mole ratio of (a) to (b) and the combined amount of (a) and (b) being sufficient to at least inhibit the growth of the biofilm, e.g., the bacteria comprising the biofilm, the source of free available halogen being present in less than biostatic amounts.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising transporting at least two portable tanks to a well site to be serviced, and hydraulically injecting biocide into a first of the two tanks, wherein a second of the two tanks serves as a fluid source for conveying the biocide into the first tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: Provided are methods of modifying solid particles with functional agents to provide anti-microbial media. The anti-microbial media comprise a surface-modified inorganic component which is a reaction product of an anti-microbial component and an inorganic component. Methods of making the media include agitating inorganic base material in a processing tank substantially simultaneously with spraying the anti-microbial component into the processing tank to form a coated base material. Methods of making the media also include maintaining a ratio of the anti-microbial component to the inorganic component such that the coated base material is below its compaction point. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for water remediation in general and particularly, for killing bacteria, algae and other microorganisms in water used to fracture-stimulate oil and gas wells and using a coagulant and/or a flocculant for removing the dead microorganisms. A biocide is first introduced into a pit or tank containing the water to be treated and after the microorganisms are dead, the flocculent is added to the biocide-treated water to remove the dead microorganisms. Sequential introduction of the biocide and flocculant into the water to be treated may be accomplished by a number of techniques and after each biocide application the water is tested to determine the remaining living microorganism concentration. The clarity of the treated water is then determined after removal of the dead microorganisms from the water using the flocculant.

Abstract: Process, apparatus and article for treating an aqueous solution containing biological contaminants. The process includes contacting an aqueous solution containing a biological contaminant with an aggregate composition comprising an insoluble rare earth-containing compound to form a solution depleted of active biological contaminants. The aggregate includes mote than 10.01% by weight of the insoluble rare earth-containing compound. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from a cerium carbonate, a cerium oxalate or a cerium salt. The composition can consist essentially of cerium oxides, and optionally, a binder and/or flow aid. The aggregate includes no more than two elements selected from the group consisting of yttrium, scandium, and europium when the aggregate is to be sintered.

Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.

Abstract: A water treatment method for reducing/eliminating and preventing biofilm buildup in recirculating water systems. The method includes providing both NuTower™ and a biocide in a recirculating water system.

Abstract: A two part biocide composition containing metal ions and bromine donor for killing microorganisms in a body of water and a method of killing microorganisms in a body of water by placing both metal ions and a bromine in the body of water to allow use of lower concentrations of bromine than if bromine were used alone as a biocide.

Abstract: A method and system for providing Water for Injection using reverse osmosis. Water for Injection can be produced by reverse osmosis and the reverse osmosis membrane can be kept in a constantly self-sanitizing condition. One way of obtaining a constantly self-sanitizing condition is to maintain the reverse osmosis membrane at an elevated temperature during production of Water for Injection.

Abstract: An automatic, self-regulating method of water treatment for use in water circulating towers in which water is evaporated, and make up water is added, with components which synergistically function to cut chemical, energy, water, corrosion, pollution, and maintenance costs, by passing the water through a Water Conditioning unit to prevent adhering evaporation scale deposits along with their content of concentrated biofouling nutrients from forming on the flooded surfaces of the tower and its associated water flow circuit, adding a trace level of iodine to the input make-up water to enhance the further disinfection of nutrient-deprived surfaces from any residual biofllm and chance pathogen contaminations, and adding a trace level addition of zinc ions in the water such as by an assured treatment feeder to the input make-up flow for inhibiting residual iodine-resistant algal and bacterial organisms of hazard for restoring bionutrient tower conditions, such as within sun-lit environments, and apparatus for carryi

Abstract: A process has been found which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of introducing antimicrobial compounds into complex biofilm matrices through the use of liposome carriers, thereby removing the biofouling in industrial water bearing systems, including piping, heat exchanges, condensers, filtration systems and fluid storage tanks. According to one embodiment of the invention, antimicrobial compound containing liposomes are added to water systems prone to biofouling and biofilm formation. The liposomes, being similar in composition to microbial membranes or cells, are readily incorporated into the existing biofilm. Once the antimicrobial compound containing liposomes become entrained with the biofilm matrix, the decomposition or programmed disintegration of the liposome proceeds. Thereafter the biocidal aqueous core is released to react directly with the biofilm encased microorganisms.

Abstract: A system and method is described for destroying microbes in water from bathing apparatuses, such as swimming pools, using heat. Part of the stream from the pool is diverted, heated to an antimicrobial temperature, and recombined as a merged stream before it reenters the pool at a safe temperature. Further embodiments include addition of chemical antimicrobial agents, a controller, a storage vessel, and a cooler. Operating costs will increase little, if any, as compared with a conventional system.

Abstract: A method for controlling protozoa trophozites and cysts wherein biocides or control agents are encapsulated within microcapsules or manufactured into the core of liposomes, thereafter the biocide containing microcapsules or liposomes are then introduced into an aqueous system.

Abstract: A new, novel and useful disinfection and purification system comprised of organic compounds in synergistic action with selected metal ions and method of manufacture and use. One of the benefits that is derived from this system is the ability to quickly and easily treat a surface, fluid or medium for disinfection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoans, with a non-toxic, non-chlorinated mixture that effectively kills all such organisms in minutes or hours. The disinfection and purification system remains effective for long periods of time maintaining its disinfection capacity making it highly effective for stored or transported mediums such as potable drinking water. The disinfection and purification system may be incorporated with carbon block or membrane filters to disinfect filtered liquids such as water to render it potable.

Abstract: A water disinfection system using simultaneous multiple disinfectants includes a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a contact basin or clearwell acting as a plug flow reactor (PFR). The CSTR receives ammoniated water and free chlorine, and generates multiple disinfectants in primary disinfection water within the CSTR. The contact basin or clearwell receives primary disinfected water from the CSTR, the primary disinfected water containing the disinfectants. A method for water disinfection including mixing the non-disinfected treated water with ammonia to form ammoniated water, mixing the ammoniated water with free chlorine to form a primary disinfection water including multiple disinfectants, and maintaining the disinfectants in the primary disinfection water.

Abstract: A method of treating chloraminated water by adding copper ions is disclosed. The addition of copper ions inhibits microbial action in the water, thus reducing nitrification of ammonia and maintaining chloramine levels.

Abstract: A container for releasing a microbiocide component into a liquid composition susceptible to unwanted microbial growth (LCMG) includes a LCMG-impermeable casing separate and apart from an internal combustion engine housing, and having a hollow interior and at least one opening. A microbiocide component, for example, at least one LCMG-soluble microbiocide, is located in the hollow interior. At least one LCMG-permeable element is provided at or near an opening in the casing and is effective to provide for release of microbiocide component into the LCMG. Methods of releasing microbiocide component into LCMGs are also provided.

Abstract: An on-board ship water treatment system includes such features as drinking water purification and ballast water treatment. The on-board ship water treatment system includes an on-board ship water treatment vessel. A chlorine dioxide generator is fluidly connected to the on-board ship water treatment vessel. The chlorine dioxide generator includes a chlorine dioxide gas source and an absorption loop for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream. The absorption loop is fluidly connected to the chlorine dioxide gas source. A gas transfer assembly is interposed between the chlorine dioxide gas source and the absorption loop.

Abstract: Liquid and solid bromine-containing compositions are described. A liquid mixed halogen composition is also described. The highly concentrated liquid compositions and the high-activity solid compositions have excellent physical and chemical stability. The compositions are effective biocides in water treatment. Methods of preparing the compositions are also disclosed. These include combining a bromine compound in the oxidation state of ?1 with hydrogen peroxide and a complexing agent followed by the addition of an alkaline source. The methods may further include the use of a solid organic or solid inorganic halogenating agent, conducting a solid-liquid separation, and adding an alkaline source.

Abstract: A chemical/biological wastewater treatment plant method and apparatus employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental biological system for treating the separated treated wastewater by land applying it for plant consumption, and/or passing it through aqueous plant or microbial reduction of the dissolved solids and ammonia for BOD compliance to produce water of sufficient quality to meet open stream and ocean effluent discharge requirements; and disposing of the high BTU low moisture solids.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of water contaminated with organisms, in particular ballast water in ships, the system including a pump (5) pumping water from the sea trough a cavitation unit (7) and into one or more ballast tanks. The cavitation unit (7) will introduce a strong cavitation in the water, the cavitating action destroying any organic tissue and cell membranes of organisms present in the water. In the cavitation unit (7) hydrogen and steam are added to the water, while oxygen is removed. The oxygen-depleted water will exhibit a reduced corrosive effect on the ballast tanks.

Abstract: A process for killing microorganisms and controlling biofouling in high chlorine demand waters comprises mixing two components, one of which is an oxidant and the other an ammonium salt, and adding the mixture immediately to the aqueous system to be treated.

Abstract: Devices and methods for inactivating microbiological contaminants in a fluid are provided for use in water, air, and other fluid treatment applications. The device includes (i) a housing having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet; and (ii) an antimicrobial material secured in the housing between said at least one fluid inlet and said at least one fluid outlet. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial material is a biguanide dihydrate compound, such as a chlorhexidine dihydrate, which exhibits broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel biological systems and methods for efficiently reducing nitrate levels and otherwise conditioning aquarium water and water in similar environments, and the use of catholyte and anolyte for the improved conditioning of water in aquariums and improved growing conditions for aquatic life.

Abstract: A process for the disinfection of fully nitrified secondary effluent comprising first adding chlorine to the effluent, then adding combined chlorine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing the pathogen content of sewage sludge comprising (a) adding to the sludge an effective amount of a phosphorous-containing compound and (b) keeping the phosphorous-containing compound in contact with the sludge for a sufficient time to reduce the amount of pathogens present in the sludge by an amount equivalent to a logarithmic reduction of 2 or more.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprising separation unit operations inhibits or promotes the formation and precipitation of species by controlling the pH of wastewater to be treated entering into the separation unit operations. The separation unit operations include first and second reverse osmosis devices. The first reverse osmosis device treats wastewater having pH that is less than about 3.5 and the second reverse osmosis device treats wastewater, from the first reverse osmosis device, having a pH that is about 6 or higher.

Abstract: A modular waste disinfection system for the disinfection of substantially liquid infectious waste streams and methods of treating such waste streams are disclosed. The modular waste disinfection system includes a metal ion generation chamber for introducing metal ions into the waste material; an oxidant generation chamber in fluid flow communication with the metal ion generation chamber for disinfection of the waste material with an oxidizing agent; and a chelation chamber in fluid flow communication with the oxidant generation chamber for deactivation of metal ions in the waste material, wherein the waste is discharged to a sanitary sewer after disinfection.