Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention relate to a composite for oil-water separation, synthesis methods and applications of the same. The composite includes a nanostructured powder or porous material having surfaces with nanoscale features, formed from a pristine powder or porous material by a surface nanostructuring process, and single or multilayers of a low surface energy oligomer or polymer coated on the surfaces of the nanostructured powder or porous material. The composite is hydrophobic (or superhydrophobic) and oleophilic (or superoleophilic) operably repelling water and absorbing oil, or oleophobic (or superoleophobic) and hydrophilic (or superhydrophilic) operably repelling oil and absorbing water.

Abstract: A graphene oxide adsorbent for removing dissolved substances from water or other liquids comprises a substrate having a coating layer of graphene oxide. The dissolved substances may be dissolved heavy metals, radioactive compounds, or other organic and inorganic substances. The substrates may be particulate substrates. The substrates may be adsorbents. The graphene oxide adsorbents can be beneficially used in filters and batch reactors, among other devices, for water treatment and for environmental remediation.

Abstract: Methods, kits, cartridges and compounds related to generating chlorine dioxide by exposing ClO2? to at least one of a manganese porphyrin catalyst or a manganese porphyrazine catalyst are described. Methods, kits, cartridges and compounds related to decomposed cyanide ions and hydrogen cyanide for water decontamination.

Abstract: Problem The present invention provides, in a metal-adsorbing material used for the removal and recovery of a wide range of heavy metals in treated solutions such as industrial waste water, service water, and environmental water, a gel-like metal-adsorbing material having a large amount of metal adsorption and capable of meeting various demands; and also provide a metal adsorbent having a gel-like metal-adsorbing material supported on a porous carrier. Means for Resolution A metal-adsorbing polymer selected from polyethyleneimine and polyallylamine is crosslinked with a polyglycidyl ether, whereby a gel-like metal-adsorbing material having a large amount of metal adsorption and capable of meeting various demands is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the reduction of pitch in an aqueous medium generated in a papermaking or pulping process, comprising the following steps: a) providing an aqueous medium comprising pitch generated in a papermaking or pulping process; b) providing a ground calcium carbonate and/or a precipitated calcium carbonate; c) providing a hydrophobising agent selected from an aliphatic carboxylic acid having between 5 and 24 carbon atoms; d) contacting the ground calcium carbonate and/or the precipitated calcium carbonate of step b) with the hydrophobising agent of step c) for obtaining a hydrophobised ground calcium carbonate and/or a hydrophobised precipitated calcium carbonate; and e) contacting the aqueous medium provided in step a) with the hydrophobised ground calcium carbonate and/or the hydrophobised precipitated calcium carbonate obtained in step d), to the use of a hydrophobised ground calcium carbonate and/or a hydrophobised ground calcium carbonate for reducing the amount of pi

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel photocatalyst composition and a process of using the photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) in water. Palladium doped nano zinc oxide photocatalyst was prepared by zinc nitrate hexahydrate and an ammonium carbonate and the photocatalyst composition demonstrated more than 90-99% degradation of MTBE at room temperatures in a photo catalytic reaction conducted in an oxygen saturated aqueous medium.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for removing a target oil from an aqueous fluid stream using a capture medium. In embodiments, the capture medium can comprise an anchor substrate and a modifier technology supported on the anchor substrate, where the modifier technology complexes with the oil to form a removable complex.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation and making use of a catalyst for the photo-catalytic degradation of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in water. Palladium doped on composite Cerium oxide-zinc oxide (Ce2O3—ZnO) photo-catalyst was prepared by wetness incipient impregnation method. This catalyst composition demonstrated 99.6% degradation of MTBE at room temperature in a photo catalytic reaction conducted in oxygen saturated aqueous medium in the presence of UV light.

Abstract: Porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and metallated porous MOFs are provided. Also provided are methods of metallating porous MOFs using atomic layer deposition and methods of using the metallated MOFs as catalysts and in remediation applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for zero valent nanoparticles coated with a stabilizer to inhibit oxidation, where the coating includes at least one of activated carbon, graphene, an inorganic oxide, and an organic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanopolymetallic reducing agent filler comprising 20%-70% iron powder, 10%-30% tourmaline power, 2%-15% copper power, 3%-10% bamboo charcoal powder, 2%-15% kaoline, 2%-15% magnesite powder, 2%-15% pyrolusite powder, and 10%-30% zeolite powder. All percentages described above are by weight. A process of forming the nanopolymetallic reducing agent filler is also provided, including grinding and ball milling raw materials of each component respectively into powder particles of 10 nm-100 ?m, which are then mixed uniformly by weight percentage and granulated to form a granular mixture, and sintering the granular mixture at high temperature or cold pressing it into a granular filler.

Abstract: A water treatment product and a method of water treatment are disclosed. The water treatment product comprises a layer and a water treating agent. The layer comprises a substance sensitive to a parameter directly or indirectly indicative of water quality of a body of water to which the layer is exposed. The layer deteriorates when the parameter indicative of water quality is poor. The water treating agent is thereby exposed to the body of water when the layer deteriorates, thereby improving the water quality.

Abstract: A scale suppression media and methods of making augmented polyacrylate resin beads combined with a directing agent to facilitate the formation of calcite and aragonite forms of calcium carbonate, the directing agent deposited directly into said polyacrylate resin beads. A strong acid monovalent salt, such as a metal ion, is added to the polyacrylate resin, and is adapted to be time released, and templates the calcium carbonate in the influent to form crystals in the water with reduced deposition of scale on the surfaces of material in contact with the water. The pores of the resin are filled with metal templating agent, and the agent is released as the influent passes over the resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an economic process for preparing surface-reacted calcium carbonate. The present invention further relates to a surface-reacted calcium carbonate having an increased specific BET surface area, and the use of a process for adjusting the specific BET surface area.

Abstract: Described herein is a filtration medium comprising a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a thermolysis product of (i) a carbon substrate having a surface of COxEy, wherein E is selected from at least one of S, Se, and Te; and wherein x and y are greater than 0; and (ii) a metal salt; and methods of removing chloramine from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Described herein is a liquid filtration device is disclosed comprising a fluid conduit fluidly connecting a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet; and a water filtration medium disposed in the fluid conduit; the water filter medium comprising a metal-containing particulate, wherein the metal-containing particulate comprises a thermolysis product of a metal carboxylate; and methods of removing chloramines from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Described herein is a liquid filtration device is disclosed comprising a fluid conduit fluidly connecting a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet; and a water filtration medium disposed in the fluid conduit; the water filter medium comprising a metal-containing particulate, wherein the metal-containing particulate comprises a thermolysis product of a metal salt wherein the salt is selected from nitrogen-containing oxyanions, sulfur-containing anions, chlorides, phosphates, and combinations thereof; and methods of removing chloramines from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification of water and/or dewatering of sludges and/or sediments, to the use of a surface-treated calcium carbonate for water purification and/or dewatering of sludges and/or sediments, as well as to the use of a surface-treated calcium carbonate for reducing the amount of polymeric flocculation aids in water and/or sludges and/or sediments and to a composite material comprising a surface-treated calcium carbonate and impurities originated from different sources obtainable by said process.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent including silica of which a raw material is a material originating from a plant which includes silicon, and a silane coupling agent which modifies a surface of the silica. A value of a specific surface area of the silica in accordance with a nitrogen BET method is 10 m2/g or more, and a pore volume of the silica in accordance with a BJH method is 0.1 cm3/g or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a surface-treated calcium carbonate, the use of this surface-treated calcium carbonate in a process for the control of organic material in an aqueous medium, as well as to a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and organic material, such as a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and to the use of such a composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of water, wherein a surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate is brought into contact with the water to be purified, the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being the reaction product of a natural calcium carbonate with an acid and carbon dioxide, which is formed in situ by the acid treatment and/or supplied externally.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a floating type adsorbent for removal of phosphate that can effectively remove phosphate from aqueous phase through reaction between an amine function attached on the surface of a sponge and phosphate. This adsorbent can be regenerated by desorbing the adsorbed phosphate, a method for fabricating same and a method for regeneration the floating type adsorbent for removal of phosphate. The floating type adsorbent for removal of phosphate according to the present disclosure is fabricated by immersing a sponge in a mixture solution of an amine precursor and anhydrous toluene to form an amine function on the surface of the sponge. The amine precursor may be 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and the APTES and the anhydrous toluene may be mixed at a volume ratio of 0.5-1:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adsorbent precipitated on a carrier and to a method for producing said adsorbent. The carrier comprises a polymer-based spherical activated charcoal. The adsorbent comprises an inorganic precipitate capable of adsorbing a metal cation or a mixture of metal cations from a liquid, preferably aqueous, medium. The adsorbent precipitated on a carrier is used to remove, for example, Cs+ from water containing Cs+, in particular from water contaminated with radiotoxic 137Cs+.

Abstract: Agent for removing dissolved phosphorus compounds from water according to the invention, containing a biopolymer and metal compound, is characterized by being in the form of spherical capsules which contain the biopolymer or derivatives thereof with the ionic character crosslinked in the presence of at least one water-soluble polyvalent metal compounds.

Abstract: A water treatment composition includes a water soluble film formed into a sealed pouch. The pouch contains a composite of a phosphate removing substance, a polymer flocculant, or an enzyme, or any combination. The phosphate removing substance, the polymer flocculant, and the enzyme are bound to each other within the composite. The pouch is added to a body of water. The pouch dissolves to release the compounds and treat the water.

Abstract: A method uses anionic and cationic polymers added in, any order or simultaneously, to aqueous media for the removal of substances. The sequential addition of the two biopolymers, anionic xanthan, followed by cationic chitosan, causes the rapid formation of very large and cohesive fibrillar aggregates that may exhibit high solids to liquid ratios and that quickly settle out from the aqueous media. The aqueous media can be easily separated from the large fibrillar aggregates by settling under gravity or by filtration through a porous containment device, such as a synthetic or non-synthetic woven or non-woven fabric including a geotextile fabric or a solid containment device containing a solid mesh screen.

Abstract: New multifunctional synthetic nanoparticles are adapted for water treatment, with environmentally-functional layers, optional capping layers, and synthetic antiferromagnetic cores. With high surface-to-volume ratio, these nanoparticles are very efficient in water treatment, including but not restricted to water disinfection, photo-catalytic degradation, contaminant adsorption, etc., in the context of drinking water or waste water treatment. Meanwhile, their magnetic cores are highly magnetically responsive and can be separated by 99% within 10 min using simply a permanent magnet. Moreover, once some non-degradable chemicals (like perfluorinated compounds) are absorbed to the particle surface, these chemicals can be further degraded by introducing hyperthermia or eddy current heating. These particles can be redispersed after the external magnetic field is removed, and can therefore be used in a regenerative treatment process, substantially reducing the cost while eliminating contaminated byproducts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-layered compacted solid water-purification product, comprising at least one first layer and at least one second layer, characterized in that the first layer comprises at least one flocculating system and at least one dispersion system, the second layer comprises at least one disinfectant which liberates free chlorine on contact with water and at least one excipient for the disinfectant, whereby said excipient releases the disinfectant into the water at a controlled rate such that the combination of excipient and disinfectant releases 0.1 to 100 mg/l of free chlorine per hour. The invention further relates to the method for production of such a product.

Abstract: A process for conversion of conventional sand granules (or other particulates) to a ‘core-shell’ adsorbent granules in which GO (or GO-f) coating imparts nano structural features on the surface of the sand granules (or other particulates). Such materials are useful in a variety of engineering applications such as water purification, catalysis, capacitors, proppants, casting, and magnetic shielding.

Abstract: A reaction product of silicious material, aluminum metal, and an aqueous solution is disclosed. The reaction product may be used to form a sorbent that is used to purify water of contaminants such as biological matter, dyes, soluble metals, arsenic, or radioactive elements. Additives may be added to the reaction product to further improve the sorption qualities of the sorbent. Water purification devices having the sorbent are also disclosed.

Abstract: Amphiphilic copolymers formed from plant oil-derived vinyl ether monomers and polyethylene glycol alkyl vinyl ethers are provided. Nanoparticles coated with these amphiphilic polymers are well-suited for water remediation applications.

Abstract: An anthropogenic sorbent material modified for sequestering and/or attenuating multiple chemical and/or biological pollutant species, both organic and inorganic, in an aqueous environment is disclosed as well as a method of sequestering and/or attenuating multiple chemical and/or biological pollutant species, both organic and inorganic, in an aquatic ecosystem by capping at least a portion of a sedimentary basin of the aquatic ecosystem.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surface-modified membranes and other surface-modified substrates exhibiting switchable oleophobicity and oleophilicity in aqueous media. These membranes and substrates may be used for variety of applications, including controllable oil/water separation processes, oil spill cleanup, and oil/water purification. Also provided are the making and processing of such surface-modified membranes and other surface-modified substrates.

Abstract: Compositions for converting contaminants or dispersing compounds are described. Systems and methods of using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nanocomposite is disclosed comprising reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and at least one of a metal and an oxide of the metal. Also disclosed is an adsorbent comprising the nanocomposite and an adsorbent comprising the nanocomposite bound to silica by using chitosan. A filtering device comprising the nanocomposite and/or the adsorbent is also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for producing the nanocomposites, adsorbents, and filtering devices described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetite-birnessite mixture, to a synthesis method therefor, and to a water-treatment method using the same. The magnetite-birnessite mixture synthesis method according to the present invention includes: a first synthesis step in which magnetite is synthesized; a second synthesis step in which manganese is made to adsorb onto the surface of the magnetite by supplying manganese while maintaining a basic state in the presence of the magnetite, and then synthesizing birnessite on the surface of the magnetite by supplying an oxidizing agent and sodium, thereby synthesizing a mixture in which magnetite and birnessite are bound together; and a purification step in which the mixture of magnetite and birnessite is purified.

Abstract: A method and kit is provided for reducing cyanuric acid levels in pool water comprising the steps of adding a reducing agent to remove substantially all of the chlorine from the water, adding a source of melamine to react with the cyanuric acid to form melamine cyanurate, and removing the precipitated melamine cyanyurate. Following completion of the method, the pool water is then re-chlorinated. The application of this method addresses the “green water” problem typically associated with the removal of cyanuric acid from swimming pools with melamine.

Abstract: Compositions for cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining contained bodies of water such as swimming pools, wading pools, fountains, ornamental ponds, etc. The compositions include pre-determined percentages of hydrates of copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and aluminum sulfate by weight. The composition uses hydrates of copper, zinc and aluminum sulfates instead of the anhydrous metal salts. The hydrate forms can be mined, transported, processed, mixed and packaged without climate controlled conditions necessary for anhydrous metal salts. Hydrates in the composition can gain additional water molecules or lose attached water molecules during manufacture, processing, transportation or use of the composition, without negatively affecting the physical format of the composition or reducing its effectiveness. The compositions reduce amounts of chlorine and an amount of labor associated with the cleaning, sanitization and maintenance of contained bodies of water.

Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble shell or membrane of a suitable substance, e.g., various salts, sugars, water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol. The capsules are ballasted to make their specific gravity greater than the water they displace. The ballast may comprise any non-toxic metal, sand, clay, or other non-organic material, and/or fish bait or other food for aquatic animals. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. Various to means of dispensing the capsules from various mobile carriers are also disclosed, including dispensing by hand from shore or by a diver, from a small boat or larger ship, and/or from aircraft.

Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble shell or membrane of a suitable substance, e.g., various salts, sugars, water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol. The capsules are ballasted to make their specific gravity greater than the water they displace. The ballast may comprise any non-toxic metal, sand, clay, or other non-organic material, and/or fish bait or other food for aquatic animals. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. Various means of dispensing the capsules from various mobile carriers are also disclosed, including dispensing by hand from shore or by a diver, from a small boat or larger ship, and/or from aircraft.

Abstract: A fiber containing ferrate, which comprises (1) one or more ferrate compounds, wherein the ferrate compound is selected from a group consisting of a metal ferrate(V) compound, metal ferrate(VI) compound, and a mixture thereof; and (2) one or more nonaqueous polymers. Also, methods are disclosed that make and/or use the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compacted solid product for water purification comprising:—at least a first layer comprising at least a coagulant/flocculant system comprising at least one polyvalent inorganic salt, at least one water-soluble cationic polymer and at least one high-molecular-weight anionic polymer,—at least a second layer comprising at least one disinfectant that releases active chlorine on contact with water, characterized in that said coagulant/flocculant system moreover comprises a sodium alginate. The invention also relates to the method for preparing such a product.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions that employ sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as a scale inhibitor. According to the invention, scale inhibiting compositions are disclosed which include, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and a polymer such as polymaleic acid, polyacrylic acid or mixtures, copolymers or terpolymers of the same and optionally may also include a phosphonate. The scale control composition may be incorporated into a detergent/cleaning composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a concentrated cooling water additive that is substantially non-corrosive within a pH range of 2-12 and contains polymeric dispersant(s) and aromatic azole(s) that exhibits improved stability, possibly as a result of the interaction of the hydrophobic groups in the dispersant polymer and the aromatic azole(s). This improved stability allows for both reduced corrosivity of the formula and reduced manufacturing costs. Benefits of the disclosed formulations include improved safety for handling and shipment, more concentrated formulations available in liquid form, reduced shipping costs and storage space, reduced heat of neutralization during product manufacture, reduced costs of manufacture due to removal of need for caustic or acid addition and reduced environmental compliance costs associated with washing and waste handling step.

Abstract: A fluid leak detection system includes a reservoir, a predetermined quantity of a disinfecting liquid contained within such a reservoir, and at least a pair of elongated conduits. A mechanism for automatically opening the distal end of the at least one conduit includes a leaking fluid absorbent member disposed along the distal end of each of the conduits. The fluid-dissolvable member is dissolved by the leaking fluid and absorbed by the member to permit the conduit to be unfolded and allow the disinfecting liquid to flow outwardly from the distal end of the at least one conduit. The system further includes a support frame attached to a support surface, an interface, a communications device electrically coupled to a switch, a monitoring station, and a communications link connecting the communications device to the monitoring station.

Abstract: A rigid, water-soluble container is made of an injection molded poly(vinyl alcohol) and/or a cellulose ether, which container encases a fabric care, surface care or dishwashing composition; and a capsule container comprising at least two components made of one or more material(s) that can be molded and which are water soluble or water dispersible or in which a substantial part of the surface of these components is water soluble or water dispersible so as to leave perforations throughout the wall when the capsular container is placed in contact with an aqueous environment. The container has one to six compartments, preferably one, two or three, the content of the various compartments being accessible to the aqueous environment when the capsular container is exposed to such an aqueous environment.

Abstract: A process for preparing a water-soluble article comprising a water-soluble primary thermoformed component and a water-soluble secondary component arranged therein comprises: (a) forming the primary component into a pocket, by thermoforming in the cavity of a thermoforming mould; (b) adding the secondary component to the mould; (c) introducing the contents of the primary component into the pocket; and (d) sealing the primary component, characterised in that the cavity of the thermoforming mould has a recess to receive the secondary component.

Abstract: A process for preparing a water-soluble article comprising a water-soluble primary thermoformed component and a water-soluble secondary component arranged therein comprises:— (a) forming the primary component into a pocket, by thermoforming in the cavity of a thermoforming mould; (b) adding the secondary component to the mould; (c) introducing the contents of the primary component into the pocket; and (d) sealing the primary component, characterised in that the cavity of the thermoforming mould has a recess to receive the secondary component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of water-softening using a water-softening product and products useful in such methods. The invention describes improved products and processes for their preparation wherein a water-softening composition is held between a water permeable water-insoluble web.

Abstract: Methods of treating aqueous coolants in open circulating water cooling tower systems are provided. The methods including placing a controlled release additive composition in contact with an open circulating aqueous coolant in an open circulating water cooling tower system. The controlled release additive composition includes a core having at least one additive selected from corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors; and a coating, for example, a polymeric coating, substantially surrounding the core. The coating is substantially insoluble in the aqueous coolant, and is effective to slow the release of the at least one additive into the aqueous coolant.