Abstract: Alkane-utilizing bacteria are used to degrade pollutants comprising petroleum compounds. In-situ or ex-situ techniques may be used to reduce or eliminate petroleum pollutants from liquid, gas and solid sources. In a preferred embodiment, petroleum concentrations in various environments are reduced by contacting the petroleum pollutants with butane-utilizing bacteria in the presence of oxygen to degrade the petroleum pollutants by cometabolism or direct metabolism. Suitable alkane-utilizing bacteria include Pseudomonas, Variovorax, Nocardia, Chryseobacterium, Comamonas, Acidovorax, Rhodococcus, Aureobacterium, Micrococcus, Aeromonas, Stenotrophomonas, Sphingobacterium, Shewanella, Phyllobacterium, Clavibacter, Alcaligenes, Gordona, Corynebacterium and Cytophaga.

Abstract: A modular insert for curb-inlet storm drains creates a composite collection system for trash and for oil or other hydrocarbons and related chemicals. A hopper contains a multitude of irregular, macroscopic fragments of a hydrophobic, compliant, oil-absorbent, copolymer material having high surface area. Preferably, the material is formed with a binder in a novel extrusion process. The fragments absorb and retain permanently a high quantity of oil and other chemicals passing through the hopper, while permitting a high water flow-through rate. The fragments are held in place by a removable bottom plate, which allows replacement of the filtering fragments, and an internal basket. Trash and debris are collected in the internal basket. The hopper is configured to be suspended in a storm drain adjacent to a curb inlet on a bracket and can be installed or serviced through a conventional manhole entry. The hopper has a side cutout that permit lateral overflow from one of the modular units to an adjacent one.

Abstract: In a method of removing organic contaminants from a liquid, an oxidizing gas is formed into sub-micron size bubbles which are dispersed into a flowing initially contaminated liquid, after which the treated liquid is recovered. The oxidizing gas is preferably selected from a group including ozone and chlorine dioxide and is utilized immediately upon its manufacture.

Abstract: A process for removing toxins from blood is disclosed. The process involves contacting the blood with a microporous ion exchanger to remove toxins in the blood. Alternatively, the blood can be contacted with a dialysis solution which is then contacted with the ion exchanger. The microporous ion exchangers are represented by the following empirical formulae:A.sub.p M.sub.x Zr.sub.1-x Si.sub.n Ge.sub.y O.sub.m (I)andA.sub.p M.sub.x Ti.sub.1-x Si.sub.n Ge.sub.y O.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing hydrocarbon contaminants and heavy metal ion contaminants from wastewater stream comprising the introduction of iron ions into the stream. In one embodiment, the ions are introduced by applying an electrical current through a bed of iron particulates in the form of steel wool and iron nodules. In another embodiment, the iron salts are added to the waste stream and the iron ions are reduced to a more reactive lower valence state by electric current.

Abstract: An integrated system for destruction of organic waste comprises a hydrolysis step at moderate temperature and pressure, followed by direct chemical oxidation using peroxydisulfate. This system can be used to quantitatively destroy volatile or water-insoluble halogenated organic solvents, contaminated soils and sludges, and the organic component of mixed waste. The hydrolysis step results in a substantially single phase of less volatile, more water soluble hydrolysis products, thus enabling the oxidation step to proceed rapidly and with minimal loss of organic substrate in the off-gas.

Abstract: Arsenic and TOC are removed from drinking water or wastewaters by use of finely-divided metallic iron in the presence of powdered elemental sulfur or other sulfur compounds such as manganese sulfide, followed by an oxidation step. A premix may be produced for this process, by adding the iron, sulfur and oxidizing agent to water in a predetermined pH range. The iron and sulfur are mixed for a period of time dependent upon the temperature and pH of the water and the presence of complexing or sequestering minerals and organic acids in the water. An oxidizing agent is added to the mixture and agitating is continued. In a preferred embodiment the oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide. Water is decanted from the mixture after a sufficient reaction time, to produce a concentrated premix. This premix can be added to water intended for drinking or to industrial effluents containing toxic materials.

Abstract: Organic materials such as raw refuse, waste plastics, waste biomass, sludges, etc. are decomposed by the use of supercritical water to selectively produce hydrogen. A thermochemical reaction is promoted to reduce the supercritical water and selectively produce hydrogen, without substantially adding any oxidizing agent to the supercritical water of a specific temperature and pressure, in the presence of a carbon dioxide-absorbing substance in an amount sufficient to absorb all of the generated carbon dioxide, so that carbon contained in the organic wastes reduces the supercritical water, and hence the organic materials are completely decomposed and also hydrogen gas is removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for active in situ multi-element gas sparging for bioremediation or physico-chemical degration for removal of contaminants in a soil formation containing a subsurface groundwater aquifer or a substantially wet unsaturated zone, the multi-gas contained in bubbles, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of injection wells extending to a depth of a selected aquifer; introducing an oxidizing agent comprising ozone mixed with ambient air to provide a multi-element gas by means of microporous diffusers, without applying a vacuum for extraction of stripped products or biodegration by-products, wherein said diffusers form micro-fine bubbles containing said multi-element gas that oxidizes, by stripping and decomposition, chlorinated hydrocarbons from the aquifer and surrounding saturated soil formation into harmless by-products; also including a pump for agitating water in the well selecting microbubbles, injecting them into the aquifer and effective to alter the path of micro-fine bubbles through a poro

Abstract: A method of creating an environment which promotes dehalogenation and/or degradation of halogenated organic chemical contaminants in water, sediment, or soil by adding a combination of fibrous organic matter and certain multi-valent metal particles to the water, sediment or soil.

Abstract: An arrangement (2) for cleansing polluted water that enters into a catch basin includes a container (4), which is intended to be arranged in the catch basin and which has an upper, substantially horizontal intake opening (30) for receiving the downward moving polluted water, and a pollution-absorbing material (6) that is arranged in the container for cleansing polluted water that flows from the intake opening. The arrangement further includes a particle separator (8) which in arranged above the container (4) and which forms an outer surface (18) with a shape such that solid particles in the incoming, polluted water are diverted by the outer surface so that the particles fall outside of the intake opening (30) of the container, whereas water is led in under the particle separator (8) by surface wetting to the outer surface and falls down into the container via its intake opening.

Abstract: A storm-drain insert has separate collection systems for trash and oil or other hydrocarbons. A tilted grate separates trash from oily inlet water and directs the trash to a separate basket, and the water flows through a corrugated, flexible canister containing a hydrophobic, compliant, oil-absorbent, copolymer material arranged in a number of bodies having high surface area. Preferably, the material is formed with a binder in a novel extrusion process. The inserts can be suspended in a storm drain adjacent to a curb inlet.

Abstract: A column of solvent containing foaming contaminants is provided. Gas is injected into the solvent in the column so as to generate foam in the column. Foam generation continues so as to push the foam up in the column, wherein much of the solvent that is in the foam is allowed to drain back down into the column. The drier foam is pushed out of the column and into a container. The foam is broken up into gas and the liquid foaming contaminants. The gas is vented and recirculated for injection into the column for foaming purposes. A portion of the liquid in the container is recirculated as a spray, which spray breaks up the foam. Another portion of the liquid in the container is recirculated into the column as reflux. Another portion of the liquid in the container is removed from the system in order to remove foaming contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: The reduction of halogenated organic compounds with an iron powder can be markedly accelerated to realize an enhanced reaction rate by the combined use of a reducing substance that is water-soluble and which exhibits weak acidity in water. The reducing substance such as sodium hydrogensulfite may be injected into the ground simultaneously with the iron powder or it may be preliminarily added to the contamination source via a different route than the iron powder which is subsequently injected. An amount of water containing 100 ppm of trichloroethylene (TCE) as a halogenated organic compound was provide; 500 ppm of sodium hydrogensulfite was added and 6,000 ppm of an iron powder was subsequently added; the time profile of the TCE concentration in the mixture was measured; as shown in FIG. 1, the TCE concentration decreased rapidly with the lapse of time and more than 90% of TCE was reduced in 8 days.

Abstract: A process is described for the acclimation and enrichment of an activated sludge culture for the degradation of high concentrations of methanesulfonic acid, so as to render it non-toxic to the aquatic environment.

Abstract: A hydrothermal process (10) is integrated into a wastewater treatment facility (12) to fully oxidize an undigested wastewater sludge produced by the treatment facility. A thickened and conditioned feed mixture comprising sludge from the treatment facility is first pressurized to a critical pressure and then heated to a reaction initiating temperature below the critical temperature. An oxidant is injected into the feed mixture at the reaction initiating temperature to initiate an oxidation reaction in low light-off temperature constituents of the feed mixture to produce a partially reacted mixture and raise the temperature of the partially reacted mixture to at least the critical temperature for water in a supercritical water oxidation reactor (52). Heat from the supercritical water oxidation reaction is used to heat the feed mixture and also, to condition the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant preferably by thickening and heating the sludge.

Abstract: Butane-utilizing bacteria are used to degrade hydrocarbon pollutants such as trichloroethene (TCE). In-situ or ex-situ techniques may be used to reduce or eliminate hydrocarbon pollutants from liquid, gas and solid sources. In a preferred embodiment, TCE concentrations in various aqueous environments are reduced by contacting a contaminated water source with butane-utilizing bacteria in the presence of oxygen to degrade the TCE by cometabolism or direct metabolism. Suitable butane-utilizing bacteria include Pseudomonas, Variovorax, Nocardia, Chryseobacterium, Comamonas, Acidovorax, Rhodococcus, Aureobacterium, Micrococcus, Aeromonas, Stenotrophomonas, Sphingobacterium, Shewanella, Phyllobacterium, Clavibacter, Alcaligenes, Gordona, Corynebacterium and Cytophaga. The butane-utilizing bacteria have relatively low TCE toxicity in comparison with conventional methane-utilizing bacteria, and demonstrate an improved ability to degrade TCE.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting oil from water, particularly spillage water from gasoline stations and water that emanates from vehicle-washing plants. The method and apparatus utilize filters to which contaminated water from the vehicle-washing plant and other contaminated water is passed. The water is cleansed in one or more mutually sequential filters arranged in the flow direction of the water. The water is cleansed by first causing the water to flow through a collection filter in which oil and coarse particles are collected in a first cleansing stage. The water from the collection filter is passed through a fine filter adapted to lower the oil content of the water to a level below about 50 to 70 mg/l in a second cleansing stage. The water from the fine filter then flows through a membrane filter that is adapted to filter-off at least 75% of the oil remaining in the water during a third cleansing stage.

Abstract: A method and composition for the remediation of environmental contaminants in soil, sediment, aquifer material, water, or containers in which contaminants were contained, wherein contaminants are reacted with a remediating composition comprising a metal and a sulfur-containing compound to produce environmentally-acceptable, chemically reduced products. The method is useful for treating contaminants such as halogenated hydrocarbons, pesticides, chemical warfare agents and dyes. The remediating composition preferably contains comminuted, commercial grade iron and iron sulfide. The addition of an alcohol to the reactants enhances the rate of the remediation reaction, particularly for contaminants of soils and sediments.

Abstract: A peptide comprising at least the following amino acid sequence:Lys Xa1 Phe Lys Arg Ile Val Xa2 Arg Ile Xaa Xa2 Phe Leu Arg Xa2 Leu Val (SEQ ID NO: 1)wherein, Xa1 represents a hydrophobic amino acid residue, each of Xa2 independently represents a hydrophilic amino acid residue, and Xaa represents an arbitrary amino acid residue;an antimicrobial agent, a medicine including a bacterial infection-treating agent and an endotoxin shock suppressant which each comprise the peptide as an active ingredient; and an endotoxin-removing agent comprising the peptide immobilized to an insoluble carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the concentration of contaminants in an aqueous water system, wherein the contaminants are measured with the bioreactor containing a biofilm or microbial community which acts on the water to be analyzed to provide a measure of the amount of the dissolved organic carbon which is biodegradable. A bed for facilitating regulation of water flow through the bioreactor is provided, and an autosampling mechanism enables the measurement of total organic carbon, inorganic carbon and oxygen, between sample inflow and sample outflow at specified time intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of contaminated water by biodegradation is provided. In particular, the apparatus and method are suited for the biodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) such as trichloroethylene and related compounds or benzene and related compounds. The process employs an immobilized soil bioreactor (ISBR) having a headspace re-circulation system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surfactant solution, and to using an aqueous solution of the surfactants, optionally with an antifoaming additive, for removing or washing MFAC contaminants from equipment, sludge, scale, and soil, among others. Examples of MFAC and related contaminants that can be removed by practicing the invention include at least a member of the tetraalkylleads, including but not limited too, tetramethyllead, trimethylethyllead, dimethyldiethyllead, methyltriethyllead, and tetraethyllead. While any suitable surfactant can be used for practicing the invention, an aqueous solution containing at least one member from the group of nonionic alcohol ethoxylates, including but not limited to the polyethoxylated aliphatic alcohols, is particularly effective at removing MFAC contaminants.

Abstract: A water treatment system that a pair of series connected reactor vessels, each of which provides for flow of water to be treated through an annular treatment region that surrounds a longitudinally-extending source of ultraviolet radiation, has porous wall surrounding the annular treatment region, and an annular air/oxygen chamber between the porous wall and the exterior of the vessel. In one reactor, the ultraviolet source produces radiation having a wavelength in the range of about 185 nanometers, oxygen permeates through the porous wall as a fine bubble mist, the tangential aqueous stream shears the mist from the wall, the oxygen bubbles encounter UV light, and the oxygen is converted to ozone which in turn reacts with water in the water to produce hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Process for the photocatalytic purification of waste water contaminated by tetrahydrothiophene, applicable to the purification of condensation water collected along gas distribution lines for household and industrial use.

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds are removed from contaminated soil by introducing one or both a water soluble peroxygen compound, such as a persulfate, and a permanganate into the soil, either in situ or ex situ, in amounts and under conditions wherein both the soil oxidant demand is satisfied and volatile organic compounds in the soil are oxidized. In a preferred embodiment, when both are used the peroxygen satisfies the soil oxidant demand and the permanganate oxidizes the volatile organic compounds. Sodium persulfate is the preferred persulfate and potassium permanganate is the preferred permanganate. The persulfate and the permanganate may be added to the soil sequentially, or may be mixed together and added as an aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for removing polyamine chelating agents from aqueous solutions comprising oxidising the chelating agents with oxygen in the presence of an equivalent amount of a transition metal such as iron, followed by biologically reducing the chelates in the presence of an electron donor, and optionally by membrane filtration. The biological reduction is carried out with denitrifying and/or sulphate-reducing bacteria.

Abstract: It has been found that in sol-gel processes utilizing TMAH, it is possible to treat a trimethylamine (TRIMA)-containing solution with hydrogen peroxide to form trimethylamine oxide--(CH.sub.3).sub.3 N.sup.+ --O.sup.- (TRIMAO), a water soluble compound which is less volatile and less odorous than TRIMA, and which is capable of being sent to a standard wastewater treatment plant. The hydrogen peroxide is generally added to the TRIMA-containing solution in a H.sub.2 O.sub.2 :TRIMA ratio of at least 3:1, advantageously at least 10:1. Because of the resultant TRIMAO solution's ability to be sent to a standard wastewater treatment facility, improved productivity and lowered expense of the overall fiber fabrication process are obtained. The invention is also suitable for treatment of triethylamine.

Abstract: A hydrothermal reaction is performed on an aqueous medium without adding an oxidizing agent, and then another hydrothermal reaction is performed in the presence of an oxidizing agent, thereby reducing a chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous medium. An apparatus for performing a hydrothermal reaction has a fluid inlet being capable of introducing an oxidizing agent in a fluid form during a hydrothermal reaction.

Abstract: There are here provided a method for biodegrading trichloroethylene which comprises the step of bringing an aqueous medium containing trichloroethylene into contact with microorganisms having a trichloroethylene degrading ability derived from intestines of termites to degrade trichloroethylene; a method for obtaining the microorganisms; a method for remediating a soil by the use of the microorganisms; and a method for biodegrading an chlorinated organic compound with the microorganisms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimizing the electrolytic production of a halogen in a water treatment system having a halogen salt dissolved therein. The flow rate to the electrolytic cell is maintained below a predetermined maximum beyond which the remaining flow is diverted from the cell. The flow going to the cell is monitored for flow rate, water temperature and conductivity and the operation of the electrolytic cell is adjusted in response.

Abstract: A cover for a sewage shaft comprising a shaft lid (1) including apertures (2) for the passage of sewage, a filtering element (3) spanning the region of the apertures (2) being arranged at the lower side of this lid, wherein the filtering element (3) projects into the apertures (2) and, at its upper side, ends substantially flush with the upper side of the shaft lid (1).

Abstract: A composition and method of removing hydrocarbons from a contaminated sludge which comprises hydrocarbons, solid particles and water is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a contaminated sludge including hydrocarbons and solid particles such that the hydrocarbons are bound to at least some of the solid particles; applying a treatment fluid to the contaminated sludge, the treatment fluid comprising water, a silicate, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a phosphate builder and a caustic compound; contacting the contaminated sludge with the treatment fluid for a time sufficient to remove the hydrocarbons from at least some of the solid particles; separating the hydrocarbons from the treatment fluid and from the solid particles; recovering the hydrocarbons; and recycling the treatment fluid by applying the treatment fluid to additional contaminated sludge.

Abstract: The microbiological degradation of alkylene amine acetates under alkaline conditions using microorganisms present in activated sludge is achieved by contacting the alkylene amine acetate-containing waste, at a pH of about 9 or less, with activated sludge containing a wide range of microorganisms, in the absence of carrier materials.

Abstract: A wetland bioreactor treatment cell for use in a waste water treatment process for reducing stated water quality indicators of the waste water is provided. The wetland bioreactor treatment cell comprises a vegetated containment area containing porous media for receiving an influent comprising water and organic waste material with the containment area having a front end and a rear end. A manifold distributor structure for receiving and distributing the influent into the containment area is provided with the manifold distributor structure being positioned entirely within the front end of the containment area and the manifold distributor structure having a port for allowing cleaning or maintenance of the manifold distributor structure. A hydraulic upflow structure is positioned nearingly adjacent and downstream from the manifold distributor structure with the hydraulic upflow structure maintaining a substantial amount of suspended solids in the front end of the containment area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for purifying water wherein a highly dispersed, hydrophobic flocculant is produced in situ. In the preferred methods, a dispersion of a water-insoluble, metallic soap is produced in situ by the reaction of an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, multivalent metal salt with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, alkali soap. The apparatus of the present invention includes a first mixing chamber for producing in situ an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic flocculant. The apparatus further includes a second mixing chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber and a flocculation/separation basin. The hydrophobic flocculant is evenly dispersing within the contaminated water by introduction into the second chamber through a high pressure pump and sparger.

Abstract: Process for separating and/or isolating organic compounds which are soluble in water, some of which are adsorbed on finely divided inorganic solids, by adsorption of this fraction and isolation of the loaded solid, which is characterised in thata) the solutions containing the organic compounds are placed in contact with a suitable solid, then cross-flow filtration is performed byb) allowing the suspensions produced to flow alongside a porous surface/membrane, whereinc) a pressure difference is set up between the side being flowed over and the opposite side of the surface/membrane,d) so that a fraction of the solution from which adsorbable compounds (a) have been partly or completely removed and is flowing over the surface/membrane passes through the surface/membrane in atransverse direction with respect to the direction of flow (filtrate flow),e) the non-adsorbed organic compounds (b) are isolated from this fraction,f) the fraction of solution or suspension which does not pass through the surface/membrane, op

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for oxidizing an aqueous medium, which contains organic and/or oxidizable inorganic substances, at an increased temperature and an increased pressure for reducing the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous medium to a predetermined desired level. The aqueous medium is introduced into a tubular reactor with an oxygen-containing medium. The tubular reactor contains a mechanism for dispersing bubbles of gaseous oxygen. The reactor contains sections through which the mixture of aqueous medium and oxygen containing medium serially flows. A degree of back-mixing in any one of the sections is equal to or less than the degree of back-mixing of an upstream section and the farthest downstream section has a smaller degree of back-mixing than the farthest upstream section.

Abstract: A process for treating produced water for removal of a majority of the water-insoluble petroleum oil components using an oil-adsorbent, such as an organophilic clay or an acid-activated smectite clay, such as acid-activated calcium bentonite clay, to provide a reduced-oil produced water in a first or pretreatment step; and then treating the reduced-oil produced water with a macroreticular adsorbent resin, such as styrene cross-linked with divinylbenzene, or a polyvinyl pyridine resin to remove marginally water-soluble petroleum oil components, such as C.sub.6 + carboxylic acids, phenolics, naphthenic carboxylic acid compounds, and aromatic carboxylic acids, such as benzene carboxylic acids.

Abstract: A nonionic surfactant having cyclic 1,3-dioxane and/or 1,3-dioxolane functionality which is irreversibly splittable by lowering the pH of its aqueous solution is useful in various processes requiring the removal of emulsified hydrophobic contaminants or other hydrophobic materials from an aqueous stream. After splitting of the surfactant into its component aldehyde and polyol, the hydrophobic components phase-separate and can be removed from the aqueous stream by routine means.

Abstract: A process for the destruction of organic compounds selected from the group consisting of nitriles, aromatics, heteroaromatics, amides, organic acids, aldehydes and alcohols from wastewater, comprising contacting volatilized wastewater with a catalyst at an elevated temperature in the absence of added oxygen, so as to convert volatile organic compounds and ammonia to a mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide which are separated and removed from the stream, yielding a purified aqueous stream, substantially free of organic compounds.

Abstract: Butane-utilizing bacteria are used to degrade hydrocarbon pollutants such as trichloroethene (TCE). In-situ or ex-situ techniques may be used to reduce or eliminate hydrocarbon pollutants from liquid, gas and solid sources. In a preferred embodiment, TCE concentrations in various aqueous environments are reduced by contacting a contaminated water source with butane-utilizing bacteria in the presence of oxygen to degrade the TCE by cometabolism or direct metabolism. Suitable butane-utilizing bacteria include Pseudomonas, Variovorax, Nocardia, Chryseobacterium, Comamonas, Acidovorax, Rhodococcus, Aureobacterium, Micrococcus, Aeromonas, Stenotrophomonas, Sphingobacterium, Shewanella, Phyllobacterium, Clavibacter, Alcaligenes, Gordona, Corynebacterium and Cytophaga. The butane-utilizing bacteria have relatively low TCE toxicity in comparison with conventional methane-utilizing bacteria, and demonstrate an improved ability to degrade TCE.

Abstract: The metal oxide media includes oxides and hydroxides of iron, and other metals. The material is derived from basic-oxygen steel-making process, and includes a high calcium content. The oxide surfaces facilitate the adsorption of phosphorus, and the increased pH facilitates the precipitation of calcium and other phosphates. The oxides are a catalyst for converting organic phosphorus to inorganic form. Limestone may be added to the oxides, to ensure a long-term source of calcium, and to maintain high pH for long periods.

Abstract: A method for oxidatively breaking down organic compounds that have low biodegradability and are difficult to oxidize chemically in aqueous effluents, by using a water-soluble peroxide oxidant in the presence of a water-soluble iron or manganese metallophthalocyanine immobilized on an ionic resin consisting of a cross-linked insoluble copolymer derived from a vinylaromatic monomer comprising cationic or anionic groups. The method is particularly suitable for oxidatively decomposing polyhalogenophenols and halogenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Treatment of halogenated hydrocarbon contaminants in groundwater is accomplished by passing the water through a bed of granular iron (43). An electrical circuit (47) is promoted for providing electrons for reducing the contaminant. The circuit may be made using a DC supply, by configuring an electrolytic circuit, or by providing a layer of a second metal such as zinc placed next to the iron bed, thereby creating a galvenic circuit.

Abstract: Ozonolysis is an effective process for improving the quality of produced water. A process for reducing the concentration of water soluble organic materials dissolved in produced water consists of introducing into the produced water a sufficient amount of gaseous ozone by use of a means for maximizing the collision frequency of ozone gas and the produced water. The temperature of the produced water is between from about 80.degree. to about 180.degree. F. The process renders a water effluent with markedly reduced oil and grease content. The water effluent can be used on land as a drinking or irrigation water supply source and may be safely discharged into navigable waters.

Abstract: Arsenic and TOC are removed from drinking water or wastewaters by use of finely-divided metallic iron in the presence of powdered elemental sulfur or other sulfur compounds such as manganese sulfide, followed by an oxidation step. A premix may be produced for this process, by adding the iron, sulfur and oxidizing agent to water in a predetermined pH range. The iron and sulfur are mixed for a period of time dependent upon the temperature and pH of the water and the presence of complexing or sequestering minerals and organic acids in the water. An oxidizing agent is added to the mixture and agitating is continued. In a preferred embodiment the oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide. Water is decanted from the mixture after a sufficient reaction time, to produce a concentrated premix. This premix can be added to water intended for drinking or to industrial effluents containing toxic materials.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide an apparatus for purifying water containing organic halides therein improved so as to substantially achieve perfect removal of organic halides from water which has conventionally been considered to be impossible. The object set forth above is achieved, according to the invention, by an apparatus for purifying water containing organic halides therein characterized in that particles, fibers, nonwoven fabric, porous body or sintered body containing hydroxycarboxylic acid or polymer thereof having a chemical structure expressed by general formula: ##STR1## where R1-R6 are identical or different and represent hydrogen atom, hydroxyl-, carboxyl-, amino-, cyano- or alkyl-group having 1-5 carbons, p represents a natural number 1-10, and q and r represent an integer 0-10) as a main ingredient is used as organic halide adsorbent; and a residual concentration of organic halides in water can be decreased to the order of ppb.

Abstract: Oil well production fluid composed of oil and water and containing in excess of 100 ppm water soluble petroleum carboxylates in anionic form dissolved in the water is treated by acidifying the fluid to a pH of 6.0 or lower with a combination of a strong organic acid and a strong mineral acid and then is intimately mixed. The oil and water are separated one from the other. The content of the water soluble organics in the water is thereby substantially transferred to the oil phase. In a second aspect of the invention, water used to extract corrosive compounds to render the oil suitable for fueling gas turbine power plants is acidified to a pH of 6.0 or lower and is thereafter intimately mixed with fuel oil.

Abstract: A photocatalyst composition containing a substantially non-oxidizable binder which allows large amounts of photocatalytic particles to be adhered to a surface. Upon application to a surface, the composition dries or cures to form an adherent, abrasion-resistant, thermostable, and photocatalytic coating.