Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide methods for reducing a concentration of a contaminant associated with a medium, which can be any substance or material, such as soil, water, air, and/or fluid. In one exemplary method, the medium is treated with a ferric chelate and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant.

Abstract: A process for treating wastewater containing nitro-hydroxy-aromatic compounds using oxidative sub-critical conditions. The wastewater to be treated is adjusted to contain excess hydroxide equivalent to greater than three moles of free hydroxide per mole of total nitro-hydroxy-aromatic compounds, and a sub-stoichiometric amount of an oxidant is supplied to the wastewater. The nitro-hydroxy-aromatic compounds may include nitro-phenol salts or nitro-cresol salts.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from slurry samples is set forth. The method includes the utilization of repeated pressurizing and depressurizing steps to disrupt solidified particles in solid-containing slurries thereby increasing decontamination efficiency. An expansion fluid is injected into the slurry sample sufficient to create microbubbles when the slurry sample is depressurized. The micro bubbles mechanically disrupt the solidified particles increasing contaminant exposure. The microbubbles also provide for increased interfacial regions where contaminants can accumulate at gas-liquid thin films that are in close proximity to and can be effectively removed using a suitable expansion fluid and optional decontamination agents.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems, methods and apparatus for polishing a wastewater stream comprising a plurality of contaminants are provided. One system includes a vessel containing a plurality of natural media filtration agents selected to remove selected ones of the plurality of contaminants from the wastewater stream. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of bauxite residue and at least one other natural media filtration agent. In another embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of compost and at least one other natural media filtration agent. The vessel includes a wastewater inlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents. The vessel includes a wastewater outlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from produced water of an oil or gas well comprising the step of contacting the produced water with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) to remove the contaminants from the water.

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: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of removing acidic and/or aromatic contaminants, such as benzene, xylene, toluene, phenols and polyphenols, from produced water of an oil or gas well. The method comprises the step of contacting the produced water with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) to remove the contaminants from said water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for decontaminating aqueous media comprising organic contaminants. The process is targeted at reducing the COD and/or the TOC of an aqueous medium comprising organic molecules. It consists in subjecting the aqueous medium to an electron beam generated by an electron accelerator in the presence of a catalyst and in then removing the precipitates formed from the treated solution, said catalyst comprising a metal ion persulfate and optionally an Fe(II) salt or an Fe(III) salt.

Abstract: A method for the removal of entrained hydrocarbons, particularly aromatics, from water by extracting the hydrocarbons in the water with a hydrocarbon which is relatively less soluble in the water than the entrained hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbons are then separated from the water by a process of coalescence/separation. The extractant is suitably a paraffinic hydrocarbon which, while having an affinity for the entrained hydrocarbon, is relatively less soluble in water than hydrocarbons such as aromatics. The hydrocarbons removed from the water can be recirculated to the feed with the composition of the recirculating phase being controlled to achieve the desired level of hydrocarbon removal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for chemical analysis, bacterial disinfection, oxidative destruction and/or mineralization of organic compounds comprising using zero-valent iron and/or zero-valent iron-containing bimetallic compounds, preferably in acidic solution and/or in the presence of oxygen.

Abstract: A method for producing a decomposer of an organic halogenated compound comprises subjecting an iron powder produced beforehand to plastic deformation that gives the iron powder particles a flat shape. Further, an iron powder and a copper salt powder are mechanically mixed in a ball mill to produce a copper salt-containing iron particle powder in which the particles of the two powders are joined. In this case, the method for producing the decomposer of an organic halogenated compound is characterized in that the iron powder is mechanically deformed to give the particles a flat shape.

Abstract: A decomposer of organic halogenated compounds comprises iron powder constituted of flat iron particles of a planar ratio of 2 or greater. Further, a decomposer of organic halogenated compounds comprises a copper salt-containing iron particle powder constituted of copper salt-carrying iron particles having a flat shape with a planar ratio of 2 or greater whose surfaces have adhered thereto copper salt particles that are finer than the iron particles.

Abstract: The treatment of contaminated waters or soils by an oxidizing agent and a catalyst is described. The addition of silica as a catalyst to an oxidizing agent with or without an additional metal catalyst showed a greater remediation effect. Subsequent normal bacterial processes are unimpeded since the treatment process does not leave residual chemicals.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide methods for reducing a concentration of a contaminant associated with a medium, which can be any substance or material, such as soil, water, air, and/or fluid. In one exemplary method, the medium is treated with a ferric chelate and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant.

Abstract: A process for removing naphthenic acids from an aqueous stream using a composition comprising calcium and activated carbon, and optionally a process for removing naphthenic acid and selenium compounds from an aqueous stream, is disclosed.

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: The present invention provides a method for treating water containing phenolic material such as bisphenol A, phenol, para tertiary butyl phenol, and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxyphenyl)ethane, as well as water soluble polycarbonate oligomers, and dispersed polycarbonate particles by extracting the phenolic material from the water using a water immiscible organic liquid containing an amine coupling catalyst. The treated water is then steam stripped to remove residual organic liquid and the amine. The organic liquid, containing the bisphenol A, phenol, para tertiary butyl phenol, and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxyphenyl)ethane, as well as water soluble polycarbonate oligomers and dissolved polycarbonate particles can be fed back to the coupling step of the polycarbonate process without further regeneration or treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dialysis method of recovering foreign substances, particularly low-molecular weight inorganic and/or organic substances, from semipermeable membrane of varying length and dimensions, using a PLE (pressurized liquid extraction) apparatus. The membranes are preferably in the form of a tube, for example semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) which, in the form of passive samplers, accumulate foreign substances/pollutants on an absorbent or adsorbent.

Abstract: A waste stream is treated in a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, connected below a zero-valent metal column reactor incorporating a metal with reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0); the combination preferably configured as a single unit. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Most of the Fe0 is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), mixed with the reduced product, and fed to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. The output is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. The system is monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.

Abstract: A method for the biodegradation of nitroaromatic-containing wastewater, including: (a) providing activated sludge as biological matrix, (b) adding a nitroaromatic-degrading microorganism to the activated sludge, (c) adding nitroaromatic-containing wastewater to the material of step (b) and (d) adding at least one carbon source which is more readily utilizable than the nitroaromatic to be degraded to the material of step (c).

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for cleaning tar-bearing waste water (17), a mixture of water and hydrocarbons, e.g. comprising polyaromatic hydrocarbons and phenols, the mixture is separated into a low-boiling-point part and a high-boiling-point part, bringing the low-boiling-point part on vapour form in a boiler (1), and the low-boiling-point part is cracked in vapour form at a high temperature in a reactor (2), providing light combustible gases, which can be utilised in e.g. gas engines, gas turbines or the like. Furthermore, the high-boiling-point part may be used for energy supply to the process or other processes or as an alternative be cracked for providing light combustible gases.

Abstract: A method for processing environmental samples to remove or otherwise reduce the level of certain chemical species. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates a process for reducing the level of inorganic and/or organic chemical species in wastewater or other aqueous or semi-aqueous environments or other waste environments. The present invention further provides compositions of bacteria useful in modulating the redox potential of an environment to generate redox mediator species which facilitate the removal of particular inorganic or organic molecules from the environment or from samples therefrom. The redox potential is preferably modulated through microbial-mediated oxidation or reduction of metal cations under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, respectively. The present invention is further directed to a computer program which facilitates the controlled modulation of the redox potential of an aqueous or semi-aqueous environment or other environments.

Abstract: A process for extracting from aqueous solution the alkali metal or ammonium salt of a phenol, naphthol, anthrol or phenanthrol or the corresponding thiol, which comprises contacting an aqueous alkaline or neutral solution of the alkali metal or ammonium salt, in which is dissolved an alkali metal or ammonium fluoride, chloride, bromide, hydroxide, nitrate, nitrite, sulphate, sulphite, sulphide, thiosulphate, phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, cyanate, cyanide, thiocyanate, borate, chlorate, chlorite, hypochlorite, perchlorate, chromate, dichromate or permanganate, with a partially water-miscible organic solvent so as to transfer aqueous solution of the alkali metal or ammonium salt of the phenol, naphthol, anthrol or phenanthrol or corresponding thiol into the solvent while retaining separate aqueous and solvent phases, and thereafter separating the solvent phase containing the alkali metal or ammonium salt and water from the aqueous phase, the ratio of solvent to water in the separated so

Abstract: Alkaline waste waters formed in the washing of crude nitrobenzene which has been prepared by the adiabatic nitration of benzene with nitrating acid, washed in an acidic washing process, and then washed in an alkaline washing process are treated. The alkaline waste water being treated generally contains benzene in a concentration of from about 100 to about 3000 ppm and nitrobenzene in a concentration of from about 1000 to about 10,000 ppm. In the process of the present invention, undissolved benzene and/or nitrobenzene are separated from the alkaline waste water, residual benzene and/or nitrobenzene is/are then optionally stripped out of the alkaline waste water, and the alkaline waste water from which benzene and/or nitrobenzene has been removed is heated to a temperature of from 150 to 500° C. under excess pressure with the exclusion of oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separation of a mixture comprising an organic and an aqueous phase making use of a solid phase system. Still further the invention refers to a specific solid phase system, namely a spin column which can be used in order to carry out said method in an easy way. According to preferred embodiments the organic phase is phenol or phenol/chloroform.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide metal powder capable of decomposing and remedying various range of organic halogen compounds including organic halogen compounds which are difficult to be decomposed by a conventional decomposition and remediation method. Metal powder for decomposition of organic halogen is prepared in such a manner that the metal powder contains at least two kinds or more of metal elements, the respective metal elements forming phases, the respective metal elements therein serving as major constituents thereof, wherein difference in standard oxidation-reduction electric potential between any two kinds among the above-described metal elements is 778 mV or more in absolute value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants in water under anaerobic conditions is disclosed. The method includes adding to contaminated water a composition including an aqueous mixture of at least one carbohydrate and at least one alcohol and/or bacteriastat. The apparatus includes a source of growing nitrifying bacteria effective for treating contaminants under aerobic conditions, a source of growing bacteria effective for denitrification under anaerobic conditions, and a controller for introducing the growing bacteria in a predetermined amount over a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method for in situ bioremediation of contaminants in the environment is described. The method includes adding an electron donor to ground water in an amount sufficient for a microbe in the ground water to use the electron donor for reducing the contaminant into an innocuous derivative thereof. Illustratively, the electron donor contains about 0.1 to 75% by weight of chitin, such as crustacean shell, partially deproteinized crustacean shell, ground mushrooms, or a fungal fermentation broth. The chitinous electron donor can be added to the ground water as a particulate solid or aqueous slurry.

Abstract: A system for treating sediments contaminated with organic contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other contaminants polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) includes treating the sediments with ozone to react the contaminants. The system is particularly effective for remediation of PCBs. In an in-situ system for remediating sediments in underwater sediment beds that are contaminated with (PCBs) and other contaminants, the contaminated sediments are treated with ozone with an ozonator conveyed over the sediment bed to mix the sediment with the ozone. The ozone reacts with the PCBs to form more reactive and biodegradable products. The treated sediment is then redeposited upon the sediment bed.

Abstract: A sparging system for in-situ groundwater remediation for removal of contamination including dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons and dissolved hydrocarbon petroleum products including the use in injection wells of microfine bubble generators, matched to substrates of selected aquifer regions, for injection and distribution of said bubbles containing oxidizing gas through said aquifer and to selectively encapsulating gases including oxygen and ozone in duo-gas bubbles which, in the presence of co-reactant substrate material acting as a catalyst, are effective to encourage biodegradation of leachate plumes which contain biodegradable organics, or Criegee decomposition of leachate plumes containing dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system for treating sediments contaminated with organic contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other contaminants polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) includes treating the sediments with ozone to react the contaminants. The system is particularly effective for remediation of PCBs. In an in-situ system for remediating sediments in underwater sediment beds that are contaminated with (PCBs) and other contaminants, the contaminated sediments are treated with ozone with an ozonator conveyed over the sediment bed to mix the sediment with the ozone. The ozone reacts with the PCBs to form more reactive and biodegradable products. The treated sediment is then redeposited upon the sediment bed.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: A biofilter system of the present invention utilizes an Alternating-Aerobic-Anoxic (AAA) process in a single reactor to provide efficient and cheap removal of carbonaceous materials, nitrogenous materials, and/or mixtures thereof from aqueous waste. The biofilter system of the present invention is particularly suitable for treating aqueous waste from aquaculture, industrial processes and animal husbandry. The biofilter system includes: a main biofilter chamber containing therein aerobic and anaerobic bacteria without physical separation; an inlet port and an outlet port connected to the main biofilter chamber; and a means for oxygenating the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the main biofilter chamber, including means for timing the oxygenation of the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to provide alternating periods of high-oxygen conditions and anoxic conditions.

Abstract: A process for treating a solid-liquid mixture by cavitation to decompose at least some contaminant associated with the solid particles, the contaminant either being absorbed into the pores of the solid or onto the surface of the solid particles. The process includes the step of subjecting the mixture to cavitation such that a portion of the contaminant is chemically decomposed. Typically the chemical decomposition occurs at the surface of the solid particle. Typically the cavitation process is an ultrasonic treatment step, although other cavitation processes are applicable, for example high shear mixing. The cavitation effect is capable of achieving physico-chemical changes at the particle surfaces. The localized high temperatures on bubble collapse (as high as 5000K) can decompose contaminant substances such as PCB and other hazardous materials including polybrominated biphenyl PBB), organochloride and organophosphate compounds, pesticides and the like.

Abstract: A sparging system for in-situ groundwater remediation for removal of contamination including dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons and dissolved hydrocarbon petroleum products including the use in injection wells of microfine bubble generators, matched to substrates of selected aquifer regions, for injection and distribution of said bubbles containing oxidizing gas through said aquifer and to selectively encapsulating gases including oxygen and ozone in duo-gas bubbles which, in the presence of co-reactant substrate material acting as a catalyst, are effective to encourage biodegradation of leachate plumes which contain biodegradable organics, or Criegee decomposition of leachate plumes containing dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A product for the selective and rapid removal of toxic chlorocarbon compounds from fluid streams is provided in the form of a self supporting porous composite structure containing a multitude of water absorbent particles of cellulosic origin interbonded by hydrophilic microporous polyvinylchloride (PVC). A large number of the composite structures may be confined within a vessel adapted to receive a flow of fluid containing chlorocarbon compounds sought to be removed.

Abstract: Trace impurities such as organic compounds in an inert, non-reactive or reactive liquid such as ammonia, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, and chlorine are reduced by at least a factor of 5 using liquid purifying systems that contain an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon. The moisture level of the purified reactive liquid is only slightly higher than that of the contaminated liquid.

Abstract: An improved method for water treatment which comprises subjecting a water to be containing a hazardous material such as a dioxin or PCB to an ozone treatment contacting the water with fine bubbles of ozone having an average diameter of 0.5 to 3 microns; and a combination of the ozone treatment with one or more of a hydrogen peroxide treatment, a UV radiation treatment, an electrolysis treatment and a treatment with a carbonaceous filter material. The above ozone treatment or combination of treatments can be used for surer realization on of an intended effect of a water treatment, which is difficult to achieve by the use of a conventional method wherein ozone or hydrogen peroxide is simply mixed with a water to be treated. In particular, the combination of treatments leads to a more improved effect of water treatment.

Abstract: A method for reducing the toxicity of onium compounds, such as ammonium compounds and phosphonium compounds, by the use of certain additives is described. Suitable additives include, but are not necessarily limited to, carboxylic acids (e.g. naphthenic acids), sulfonic acids, organophosphonic acids, phenolic compounds, ether sulfates, phosphoric acid esters, sulfonated fatty acids, sulfated fatty acids, oligocarboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof, and alkali metal salts of these compounds and amine salts of these compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices and apparatus for bioremediation of mixed waste aquifers, based on a synergistic combination of reductive treatment using zero-valent iron and anaerobic biotransformations. Also disclosed are methods for in situ and ex situ remediation of groundwater and wastewater via these iron-bacterial compositions in a variety of devices including batch reactors, permeable and semipermeable reactive barriers, flow-through reactors, fluidized bed reactors, and sediment tanks.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a simple method which can efficiently convert dioxins and/or PCBs contained in liquid into unharmful substances. Such a method according to the present invention is by introducing a liquid containing dioxins and/or PCBs, and oxygen containing gas to a reactor in which catalystexists, and conducting wet-oxidation reaction under liquid phase condition of the introduced liquid. According to the present inventive method, a simple method which can efficiently extract dioxins, PCBs and/or component containing thereof, from soil may be provide by a method comprising of; contacting soil and/or ash containing dioxins and/or PCBs with a liquid. Further, the present invention provides a method for cleaning the unit used for decomposing or oxidizing dioxins and/or PCBs contained in liquid by introducing cleaning solution to the unit and conducting cleaning operation under liquid phase condition.

Abstract: Spent caustic and other wastewater streams are pretreated by continuous chemical oxidation. According to one aspect, a wastewater stream is pretreated by continuous chemical oxidation in a plug flow reactor. According to another aspect, a catalyst and an oxidizer are fed into a wastewater stream at first and second predetermined points of addition. Compounds in the wastewater stream susceptible to chemical oxidation are reacted with the chemical oxidizer. A modular, optionally fully automated apparatus is provided for pretreating spent caustic and other wastewater streams.

Abstract: A method of quickly decomposing and removing an organic chlorine compound, which comprises coating a liquid containing an organic chlorine compound on the surface of a photocatalyst so that the liquid does not flow, said photocatalyst comprising a hollandite-type crystal phase represented by the formula: AxMyN8-yO16 (wherein A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Ba and Na, M is a bivalent or trivalent metal element, N is an element which forms a rutile-type oxide, such as Ti, Sn or Mn, provided that A may be a Na element, only when M is Cr, and x and y satisfy 0.7<x≦2.0 and 0.7<y≦2.0, respectively), followed by irradiation with light in air so that the organic chlorine compound undergoes quick and complete oxidative destruction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the techniques of treating a liquid material to be treated, which enables efficient fractional removal of toxic materials such as PCB in a liquid mixture. The treatment method of the invention comprises the step of permitting a liquid material containing materials having different solidifying points to be cooled at a temperature at which desired material(s) is solidified while others are not solidified and the step of separating the solidified material from other liquid materials whereby the desired material is separated, and therefore large facilities are not necessary and toxic materials can be reliably separated and removed.

Abstract: The remediation treatment creates environmentally neutral species from hydrocarbon contaminants. For soils having a low porosity, fissures are created in the site by, for example, fluid, i.e., hydraulic or pneumatic, fracturing. A catalyst is injected into the site and is permitted to diffuse through the site. An oxidizing agent is then introduced into the site to release a free radical in a Fenton-type reaction. The compounds react to release a free radical, which acts upon the contaminants to form environmentally neutral species. Diffusion of both compounds is aided by turbulence induced in the groundwater. A pH-adjusting compound is added to optimize reaction conditions. Reaction vapors are collected above ground, filtered, and vented to the atmosphere, reducing the chance for gas pressure buildup and possibly dangerous, potentially explosive conditions.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency and usable life in a cross flow membrane filter used to remove contaminants from bilgewater. The bilgewater is passed upstream of the cross filter membrane through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The contaminants are thereby immobilized at the media. The purified output from the infused filtration media is then provided as input for the cross flow membrane filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated Penicillium strain capable of eliminating a nitroaromatic compound by mineralization and a microbiological method for eliminating a nitroaromatic compound present in a solution or in a soil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a toxic contaminant from porous material by placing the material and a fluid solvent for the toxic in a drum and rotating the drum around its horizontal axis. Also provided is apparatus for placing the drum in a sealable container and sealing the container during the decontamination cycle.

Abstract: The decontamination of PCB-containing transformers to obtain treated transformers containing less than 50 parts per million (ppm) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) can be achieved using a method wherein the transformer is initially drained of all PCBs; then the core/coil assembly is removed. The internal surfaces of the transformer are then cleaned using a solvent. Finally, a new core/coil assembly is installed. The method is simple and can be completed within a substantially shorter period of time than methods known in the art.

Abstract: In a method for processing a biologically hardly degradable waste water including benzene ring materials, the waste water is oxidized by using ozone to produce oxalic acid. Then, the oxalic acid is reacted using a chemical reaction to produce oxalate. Finally, the oxalate is separated out from the waste water.