Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery that the rate of reaction of the desulfurization of fossil fuels is enhanced by the addition of an oxidoreductase to the biocatalyst. The invention is drawn to a method for enhancing the rate of desulfurizing a fossil fuel containing organic sulfur compounds, comprising the steps of:a) contacting the fossil fuel with an aqueous phase containing a biocatalyst capable of cleaving carbon-sulfur bonds and a rate-enhancing amount of an oxidoreductase, thereby forming a fossil fuel and aqueous phase mixture;b) maintaining the mixture of step (a) under conditions sufficient for cleavage of the carbon-sulfur bonds of the organic sulfur molecules by the biocatalyst, thereby resulting in a fossil fuel having a reduced organic sulfur content; andc) separating the fossil fuel having a reduced organic sulfur content from the resulting aqueous phase.

Abstract: Contamination by organic materials is treated by applying an aqueous composition comprising organisms which are useful in degradation of the contaminant, a nutrient for the organisms and a polymer which is soluble in or dispersible in the water and which increases the viscosity of the composition. The composition is useful in the treatment of contaminated liquids and solids and in the protection of solid surfaces against contamination.

Abstract: Organisms that degrade hydrocarbon-based substances are encapsulated in wax to form organism-containing wax microshells that are used for removing oil-based substances such as oil spills on land and water. The organism is preferably of the genus Candida that produce lipase. The microshell may contain nutrients that sustain the organism. The wax is paraffin wax or beeswax, and the microshell may be coated with talc or carbon powder to provide insulation and to prevent one microshell from sticking to another. When used for remediating an oil spill on water, the microshells are preferably contained in a buoyant container that acts as a flotation device. The flotation device may contain flotation means such as gas-filled microballoons that facilitate flotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for obtaining organic solvent resistant microorganisms which comprises subjecting a microbial parent strain to mutagenesis and then to selective cultivation in the presence of 0.1% to 10% by volume (v/v) of concentrations of a toxic organic solvent, and the organic solvent resistant microorganisms obtainable by the method. In addition according to the present invention, a microorganism which is natively hydrophilic and has useful functions but does not show resistance to organic solvents and can not express the useful functions in the organic solvents may be converted into a microorganism capable of growing in the presence of such toxic organic solvents and expressing the useful functions that the hydrophilic parent strain bears natively.

Abstract: A bacterial culture which comprises a Campylobacter-like species is provided. The bacterial culture is capable of oxidizing a sulfide compound in a fluid such as, for example, a produced brine. Also provided is a process for substantially reducing sulfide content in a fluid wherein the process comprises contacting the fluid with a bacterial culture which comprises a Campylobacter-like species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing bacteria capable of degrading hydrocarbons, such as petroleum or petroleum products and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing contaminating hydrocarbons from regions which are subjected to extreme temperatures. The temperatures are generally outside the range of optimum growth of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms. The method can involve the steps of contacting the region with hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, and adjusting the temperature of the region contacted with the microorganisms to optimize their growth.

Abstract: A method of biotreating a solid material to remove an undesired compound using a nonstirred surface bioreactor is provided. According to the method the surface of a plurality of coarse substrates is coated with a solid material to be biotreated to form a plurality of coated coarse substrates. The coarse substrates have a particle size greater than about 0.3 cm and the solid material to be biotreated has a particle size less than about 250 .mu.m. A nonstirred surface reactor is then formed by stacking the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a heap or placing the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a tank so that the void volume of the reactor is greater than or equal to about 25%. The reactor is inoculated with a microorganism capable of degrading the undesired compound in the solid material, and the solid material is then biotreated in the surface bioreactor until the undesired compound in the solid material is degraded to a desired concentration.

Abstract: The strains of Actinetobacter species (bicoccus) B-6445, Arthrobacter species S-1212, and Rhodococcus species S-1213 were deposited on Jan. 1, 1993 in the All-Union Collection at the All-Union research institute for genetics and selection of microorganisms. A method for biological purification from oil pollutions and spills incorporates introduction of a bacterial culture into the pollution or spill, used as the bacterial culture being made of the strains mentioned before, taken either individually or in any combination with one another, the weight ratio between the bacterial culture and the oil pollution being 1:10-10.sup.5, respectively.

Abstract: A non-biocidal method for inhibiting microbially influenced corrosion of susceptible metal surfaces having an anaerobic biofilm containing active sulfate-reducing bacteria comprising contacting the biofilm with a liquid dispersion of anthraquinone compound.

Abstract: An in situ thermally enhanced microbial remediation strategy and a method for the biodegradation of toxic petroleum fuel hydrocarbon and halogenated organic solvent contaminants. The method utilizes nonpathogenic, thermophilic bacteria for the thermal biodegradation of toxic and carcinogenic contaminants, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, from fuel leaks and the chlorinated ethenes, such as trichloroethylene, chlorinated ethanes, such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and chlorinated methanes, such as chloroform, from past solvent cleaning practices. The method relies on and takes advantage of the pre-existing heated conditions and the array of delivery/recovery wells that are created and in place following primary subsurface contaminant volatilization efforts via thermal approaches, such as dynamic underground steam-electrical heating.

Abstract: A particulate material, as well as a method of manufacturing and using the material, for promoting growth of petroleum degrading bacteria to aid in bioremediation of oil spills on water and in wetlands which consists of a core of microbial available nutrients having a coating, comprised of oleic acid and either stearic acid, palmitic acid, or a mixture thereof, which is lipophilic, and biodegradable, for retaining the nutrient in the oil for gradual release to microorganisms between applications of the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing metals from a fossil fuel comprising the steps of contacting the fossil fuel with a biocatalyst selected from the group consisting of an enzyme which degrades porphyrin molecules under conditions suitable for the removal of the metals from the fossil fuel; and separating the metals from the fossil fuel. Preferred embodiments of the biocatalyst include heme oxygenase and cytochrome C reductase, such as cytochrome C reductase from Bacillus megaterium, Catharanthus roseuse, Escherichia coli, animal cells, plant cells or yeast cells. The cytochrome C reductase can be contacted with the fossil fuel in an aqueous medium as a substantially cell-free preparation or cell preparation. In one embodiment of the invention, the metals are recovered from the resulting metal containing stream.

Abstract: A bioremediation process is provided comprising adding cedar pieces to a hydrocarbon contaminated soil in an amount ranging from about 5 to about 15 wt. % based on the weight of the contaminated soil and applying sufficient nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients to the soil to provide a C:N:P ratio in the range of about 100:10:1 to about 100:1:0:1.

Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable oil pan used for the collection and disposal of used motor oil drained from an automobile's crankcase. The preferred oil pan is formed from a cut-out of lightweight corrugated paperboard and contains an absorbent filler material inside. Such absorbent filler material contains petrophilic micro-organisms which enable it to absorb the oil drained from the crankcase of a car and prevent it from leaching back out into the environment. When the oil comes in contact with the petrophilic micro-organisms in the filler material, those petrophilic micro-organisms act upon the oil and begin a bio-remediation process whereby the danger represented by the hydrocarbons in the oil is reduced to a level which is considered acceptable by most general waste facilities. Accordingly, the entire oil pan, with filler material and used oil contained inside, may be simply disposed of along with one's general supply of trash.

Abstract: A bacterial culture which comprises a Campylobacter-like species is provided. The bacterial culture is capable of oxidizing a sulfide compound in a fluid such as, for example, a produced brine. Also provided is a process for substantially reducing sulfide content in a fluid wherein the process comprises contacting the fluid with a bacterial culture which comprises a Campylobacter-like species.

Abstract: Coal is treated aerobically or anaerobically to produce humic acid, volatile fatty acids, lower alcohols, and/or methane using a consortium of bacteria designated Mic-1 or KSARC56. This process can also be used to convert aromatic compounds, such as phenols and derivatives thereof, to methane and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method for treating and conditioning poultry manure to form an organic product that is capable of biologically removing hydrocarbon based molecules from soils and other surfaces. Poultry manure is composted by mixing and agitating the poultry manure contained in a mixing station. During this process, specific and selected microorganisms are added to the poultry manure. These microorganisms are specific in that they have a special affinity for consuming and reducing hydrocarbons. The added microorganisms are caused to multiply and proliferate by continuously agitating and aerating the poultry manure. Finally, a treated and conditioned poultry manure product is formed and thereafter, the formed poultry product is screened and bagged and in select cases can be pelletized.

Abstract: A method is presented for releasing petroleum and hydrocarbon products sorbed onto or entrained by organic natural fibers in an aqueous medium through the use of enzymes to degrade the organic natural fiber sorbents utilized for oil spill cleanup, the method provides an opportunity for achieving responsible separation of oil from oil spill sorbent materials. Natural organic fibers which have been utilized to adsorb petroleum and hydrocarbon products are separated from these petroleum and hydrocarbon products by reducing the natural organic fiber links to the point that the adsorbed or entrained oil no longer has sufficient binding surface or fiber link to remain held by the fibers, thus floats to the surface of the aqueous medium. Aqueous medium enzyme compositions are provided which are suitable for degrading organic natural fibers inclusive of cellulose-based and protein-based fibers resulting in release of adsorbed, absorbed and/or entrained petroleum products.

Abstract: The biodegradation of hydrocarbon contaminated water is enhanced by the adding to the contaminated water a hydrocarbon solution of (a) a mixture of a sorbitan ester of a C.sub.7 to C.sub.22 monocarboxylic acid and a polyoxyalkelene adduct of a sorbitan ester of a C.sub.7 to C.sub.22 monocarboxylic acid, the adduct having from 4 to 50 polyoxyalkelene units, (b) an alkyl glycoside wherein the alkyl group has from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and the gylcoside is a mono or diglycoside, or a mixture thereof, in amounts sufficient to promote the growth of indigenous microorganisms.In another embodiment of the invention a source of microbial assimilable nitrogen and phosphorous also is supplied to the contaminated water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing metals from a fossil fuel comprising the steps of contacting the fossil fuel with an oxygenase which degrades porphyrin molecules under conditions suitable for the removal of the metals from the fossil fuel; and separating the metals from the fossil fuel. Preferred embodiments of the oxygenase include heme oxygenase and cytochrome C reductase, such as cytochrome C reductase from Bacillus megaterium, Catharanthus roseuse, Escherichia coli, animal cells, plant cells or yeast cells. The cytochrome C reductase can be contacted with the fossil fuel in an aqueous medium as a substantially cell-free preparation or cell preparation. In one embodiment of the invention, the metals are recovered from the resulting metal containing stream.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing organic sulfur from a sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous fuel substrate such as coal or petroleum products having sulfur-carbon bonds. The process comprises contacting the substrate with a microorganism having all the identifying characteristics of Rhodococcus species ATCC 55309 or ATCC 55310 which cleaves the sulfur-carbon bonds resulting in the removal or the organic sulfur from the substrates.

Abstract: A method of dispersing a hydrocarbon includes the steps: providing a bacterium selected from the following group: ATCC 85527, ATCC 75529, and ATCC 55638, a mutant of any one of these bacteria possessing all the identifying characteristics of any one of these bacteria, and mixtures thereof; autoclaving the bacterium to derive a dispersant solution therefrom; and contacting the dispersant solution with a hydrocarbon to disperse the hydrocarbon.Moreover, a method for preparing a dispersant solution includes the following steps: providing a bacterium selected from the following group: ATCC 75527, ATCC 75529, and ATCC 55638, a mutant of any one of these bacteria possessing all the identifying characteristics of any one of these bacteria, and mixtures thereof; and autoclaving the bacterium to derive a dispersant solution therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides for enhanced bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils and waters by treating soil or water with a composition comprising of a metal chelated macrocyclic amido amines or mixtures thereof represented by the structural formula: ##STR1## where R is selected from linear or branched alkanes with 8 to 22 carbons, linear or branched alkenes with 4 to 22 carbon atoms;T.sub.1, T.sub.2 and T.sub.3 are independently selected from ethylene, trimethylene, CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 (NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.x where x is an integer from 1 to 10;MaQb is a metal compound wherein M is a cation selected from cations of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Mn; and,Q is an anion selected from nitrate, phosphate anions; and a and b are integers from 1 to 3 necessary to satisfy the valence requirements of M and Q.a phosphorous source, and a diluent.

Abstract: Soil bacteria can be isolated which produce an enzyme capable of catalyzing the degradation of mannan-containing hemicellulose under conditions combining high pH and high temperature. Such bacteria can be cultured or used as sources of genetic information with which to engineer other microorganisms to produce the enzyme. Commercially useful quantities of native or recombinant hemicellulase can thus be produced by cultures consisting essentially of microorganisms capable of producing the enzyme.

Abstract: A method for reducing the viscosity of viscous petroleum liquids, such as heavy crude oil and bitumen, is disclosed. The method is appropriate for use with viscous petroleum liquids that contain sulfur-bearing heterocycles, the physicochemical properties of the heterocycles contributing significantly to the viscosity of the liquid. The method comprises contacting the viscous petroleum liquid with a biocatalyst that converts sulfur-bearing heterocycles into molecules that lack physicochemical properties condusive to viscosity. The biocatalyst works in a sulfur-specific manner, such that the sulfur-bearing heterocycle is altered at the sulfur heteroatom thereof. Through biocatalysis, carbon-sulfur bonds are cleaved and/or polar substituents such as hydroxyl groups are joined to the sulfur heteroatom, the hydrocarbon framework of the sulfur-bearing heterocycle, or both. Preferred biocatalysts for viscosity reduction include preparations of Rhodococcus rhodochrous ATCC No.

Abstract: A method for the deep desulfurization of a liquid fossil fuel containing organic sulfur comprising aromatic sulfur-bearing heterocycles is described, wherein the fossil fuel is (a) subjected to hydrodesulfurization or microbial desulfurization, (b) contacted with a biocatalyst in an aqueous medium in an amount and under conditions sufficient for the conversion of aromatic sulfur-bearing heterocycles to inorganic sulfur, wherein the biocatalyst comprises bacteria or a substantially cell-free preparation thereof having the capability of the parent microorganism for catalyzing the removal of sulfur from aromatic sulfur-bearing heterocycles, thereby preparing a deeply desulfurized fossil fuel; and (c) separated from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A method of inhibit sulfide production in a media containing sulfate-reducing bacteria is disclosed. The method comprises adding particles of a finely divided sulfide production-inhibiting anthraquinone to the medium. The particles have a particle size of 0.1 to 2.5 microns, preferably 2 to 0.1 microns.

Abstract: A process for biodegradation of crude oil wastes and for recovery of contaminated land including the steps of extracting sludges containing the wastes, collecting the sludges into a container, mixing an alkaline salt with the sludges so as to react the salt with the sludges under a generally constant degree of humidity, adding black earth to the mixed alkaline sludges so as to neutralize the alkaline sludges and to degrade the oil wastes through chemical reactions, adding a material to the neutralized sludges so as to enrich the sludges, and forming a humus of the neutralized sludges by the organic degradation of the neutralized sludges through fermentation or putrefaction. The material added to the neutralized sludges so as to enrich the sludges can be selected from the group including sawdust, rice husks, sugar cane bagasse, and animal excrement.

Abstract: The strains of Acinetobacter species (bicoccus) B-6445, Arthrobacter species S-1212, and Rhodococcus species S-1213 were deposited on Jan. 1, 1993 in the All-Union collection at the All-Union research institute for genetics and selection of microorganisms.A method for biological purification from oil pollutions and spills incorporates introduction of a bacterial culture into the pollution or spill, used as the bacterial culture being made of the strains mentioned before, taken either individually or in any combination with one another, the weight ratio between the bacterial culture and the oil pollution being 1:10-10.sup.5, respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated method for the desulfurization and desalting of a fossil fuel, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a fossil fuel with; (i) a sufficient amount of an aqueous solution capable of depleting the fossil fuel of forms of water soluble salt contaminants; and (ii) an effective amount of a biocatalyst capable of depleting the fossil fuel of forms of sulfur-bearing organic molecules; (b) incubating the above mixture whereby; (i) the fossil fuel is significantly depleted of forms of water soluble salt contaminants; and (ii) the biocatalytic agent selectively catalyzes carbon-sulfur bonds in sulfur-bearing organic molecules generating a significant amount of water-soluble inorganic sulfur molecules; both reactions occurring without depleting the fossil fuel of combustible organic molecules; and (c) separating the aqueous component from the fossil fuel component, the fossil fuel now being significantly reduced in sulfur and salt contamination and the aqueous component now being

Abstract: Method of decontamination of a hydrocarbon-polluted environment by the use of bacterial compositions. The method is a process of biological decomposition of the hydrocarbons using, as decontaminating active ingredients, bacterial compositions composed of one or more strains from among the following microorganisms: Azotobacter vinelandii 21, Pseudomonas sp.9, Pseudomonas sp.19, Pseudomonas sp.31 and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus 23. In the method, prior analysis of the chemical composition of the pollutants is essential in order to select, in accordance with this composition, the mixture of strains of the most active microorganisms from among the five mentioned above, taking into account the natural conditions of the polluted environment. The bacterial composition also contains inorganic salts supplying N and P, and additives needed for bacterial growth.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of new, modified organisms, through challenge growth processes, that are viable in the extreme temperature, pressure and pH conditions and salt concentrations of an oil reservoir and that are suitable for use in microbial enhanced oil recovery. The modified microorganisms of the present invention are used to enhance oil recovery and remove sulfur compounds and metals from the crude oil. The processes are comprised of steps which successively limit the carbon sources and increase the temperature, pressure and salinity of the media. This is done until microbial strains are obtained that are capable of growing in essentially crude oil as a carbon source and at a temperature range from about 70.degree. C. to 90.degree. C., at a pressure range from about 2,000 to 2,500 psi and at a salinity range from about 1.3 to 35%.

Abstract: A continuous cyclic process for desulfurizing a petroleum liquid which contains organic sulfur molecules, a significant portion of which are comprised of sulfur-bearing heterocycles. This process involves oxygenating the petroleum liquid and treating it with a biocatalyst capable of catalyzing the sulfur-specific oxidative cleavage of organic carbon-sulfur bonds in sulfur-bearing aromatic heterocyclic molecules such as dibenzothiophene. a particularly preferred biocatalyst is a culture of mutant Rhodococcous rhodocrous bacteria, ATCC No. 53968. In the present process, the activity of this biocatalyst is regenerated; it can be used for many cycles of treatment. A system for conducting the continuous cyclic process of biocatalytic desulfurization of petroleum liquids is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating a sulfur compound from a fossil fuel containing sulfur compounds comprising contacting said fossil fuel with a biosorption agent which binds said sulfur compound, thereby forming a sulfur-biosorption complex and separating said sulfur-biosorption complex. The method can further include introducing said separated sulfur biosorption complex to an aqueous phase having an effective amount of oxygen and water to form a reaction medium, optionally adding a biocatalyst which degrades the sulfur compound; incubating the medium for a sufficient period of time to produce an organic product, an inorganic sulfur and spent biocatalyst; and isolating said biosorption agent and/or biocatalyst from said organic product and said inorganic sulfur. The invention also relates to the preparation of the products of the oxidation reaction of organic sulfur compounds by a biocatalyst, such as 2-hydroxybiphenyl compounds.

Abstract: A particulate material, as well as a method of manufacturing and using the material, for promoting growth of petroleum degrading bacteria to aid in bioremediation of oil spills on water and in wetlands which consists of a core of microbial available nutrients having a coating, comprised of oleic acid and either stearic acid, palmitic acid, or a mixture thereof, which is lipophilic, and biodegradable, for retaining the nutrient in the oil for gradual release to microorganisms between applications of the material.

Abstract: The bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil is enhanced by applying to the soil a hydrocarbon solution of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of: (a) mixture of a sorbitan ester of a C.sub.7 to C.sub.22 monocarboxylic acid and a polyoxyalkylene adduct of a sorbitan monoester of a C.sub.7 to C.sub.22 monocarboxylic acid, the adduct having from 6 to 50 polyoxyalkylene units, (b) an alkyl glycoside wherein the alkyl group has from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and the glycoside is a mono or diglycoside and (c) a mixture of (a) and (b) and (c) and thereafter applying microbial nutrients to the soil in amounts sufficient to promote the growth of indigenous microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel capsule for protecting sensitive ingredients in detergent compositions. The capsule, in addition to a protected sensitive ingredient, contains an oil dispersion containing the active and a polymer shell surrounding the dispersion. The oil is defined by its ability to meet a tripartite definition and the shell is a water soluble or water dispersible polymer as defined.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for enhancing the biodegradation of biodegradable organic wastes comprising a combination of organic-waste consuming microorganisms and liposomes wherein the liposomes supply essential nutrients for bacterial growth while concomitantly increasing the polarity and wettability of the waste, thereby increasing their availability for enhanced bacterial interaction therewith and methods for the use thereof.

Abstract: A method of deeply desulfurizing a fossil fuel which contains a variety of organic sulfur compounds, some of which are labile to hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and some of which are refractory to HDS, comprising the steps of (a) subjecting the fossil fuel to HDS or a similar method of desulfurizing labile organic sulfur compounds, and b) subjecting the fossil fuel to biocatalytic desulfurization (BDS) using a biocatalyst which is capable of selectively liberating sulfur from HDS-refractory organic sulfur compounds. In this manner, a fossil fuel is produced which does not generate sufficient levels of hazardous, sulfur-containing combustion products that it requires post-combustion desulfurization when it is burned. Moreover, the deeply desulfurized fossil fuel can be produced using only a mild HDS treatment, rather than requiring conditions which may be severe enough to be detrimental to the fuel value of the desired product.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting sulfide production by sulfate-reducing bacteria by contacting certain anthraquinones with the medium containing the sulfate-reducing bacteria is disclosed, as well as an automated screening test for such inhibition.

Abstract: The use of a dextrin as the carbon source for achieving a complete nutrient medium capable of sustaining microbial activity in subterranean formations is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an economical and efficient method for the elimination and biodegradation of soil and groundwater containing polar organic solvents, especially acetone. The bioremediation methods of the present invention comprise contacting the bacteria Xanthomonas maltophilia or Bacillus thuringiensis with the contaminated medium under appropriate conditions. In addition, the present invention provides for a composition of matter useful in the bioremediation of a medium, e.g., groundwater or soil contaminated with polar organic compounds, such as acetone.

Abstract: A novel process for sustaining microbial activity in subterranean formations which comprises introducing in addition to microbial nutrients, a sequestering anion. This process may include the sequential injection of sources of individual nutrient components which are deficient in said subterranean formation, whereby the injected phosphorus source is more readily transportable due to the presence of a sequestering agent in the formation.

Abstract: A microbial process for selective cleavage of organic C--S bonds which may be used for reducing the sulfur content of sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous materials, Microorganisms of Rhodococcus rhodochrous and Bacillus sphaericus have been found which have the ability of selective cleavage of organic C--S bonds. Particularly preferred microorganisms are Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain ATCC 53968 and Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC 53969 and their derivatives.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated method for the desulfurization and desalting of a fossil fuel, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a fossil fuel with; (i) a sufficient amount of an aqueous solution capable of depleting the fossil fuel of forms of water soluble salt contaminants; and (ii) an effective amount of a biocatalyst capable of depleting the fossil fuel of forms of sulfur-bearing organic molecules; (b) incubating the above mixture whereby; (i) the fossil fuel is significantly depleted of forms of water soluble salt contaminants; and (ii) the biocatalytic agent selectively catalyzes carbon-sulfur bonds in sulfur-bearing organic molecules generating a significant amount of water-soluble inorganic sulfur molecules; both reactions occurring without depleting the fossil fuel of combustible organic molecules; and (c) separating the aqueous component from the fossil fuel component, the fossil fuel now being significantly reduced in sulfur and salt contamination and the aqueous component now being

Abstract: A microcapsule for use in degrading a hydrocarbon comprising a core material, a coating material, and at least one microorganism capable of degrading said hydrocarbon, said core material comprising a lipophilic material containing nutrients necessary for the sustenance of said microorganism, said coating material being water-insoluble, and said capsule having a density such that said microcapsule is kept in close proximity to said hydrocarbon to be degraded whens said microcapsule is applied thereto; and the method of using the microcapsule to degrade hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Oil spills on natural bodies of water can be cleaned up through the use of flocculation/microorganism compositions including amine-substituted clay flocculation agents and microorganisms including bacillus species, pseudomonas species, azobacter species and xanthomonas species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for injecting microbial nutrients into a subterranean formation wherein microorganism are provided a phosphorus nutrient source, and said phosphorus nutrient source into said formation under acid conditions.

Abstract: A method for identifying soil microbial strains which may be bacterial degraders of pollutants comprising the steps of placing a concentration of a pollutant in a substantially closed container, placing the container in a sample of soil for a period of time ranging from one minute to several hours, retrieving the container, collecting the contents of the container, and microscopically determining the identity of the bacteria present. Different concentrations of the pollutant can be used to determine which bacteria respond to each concentration. The method can be used for characterizing a polluted site or for looking for naturally occurring biological degraders of the pollutant. Then bacteria identified as degraders of the pollutant and as chemotactically attracted to the pollutant are used to inoculate contaminated soil.