Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyester is extracted from biomass by dissolving the PHA in a non-halogenated solvent which comprises a PHA-good solvent or a mixture thereof. Suitable PHA-good solvents can be selected from the disclosed alcohols, esters, amides and ketones. The PHA can be recovered, for example, by cooling, by solvent evaporation, or by addition of a PHA-poor solvent, wherein the PHA-poor solvent preferably dissolves less than about 1% (w/v) of the PHA at a temperature below the solvent boiling point. Preferred PHA types for use in the invention are poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), and polymers/copolymers of hydroxyterminated polyhydroxybutyrate.

Abstract: Porous biosupports for the support of microorganisms which are used in the biotreatment of an aqueous waste stream comprising a polymeric material and, optionally, fiber reinforcement, adsorbent material and/or inorganic filler wherein the biosupport has a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of water and pores of sufficient diameter to enable microorganisms to readily colonize within the pores, a process for preparing same, and processes for biodegrading an aqueous waste stream containing organic contaminants utilizing the porous biosupports.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a microencapsulated composition comprises: (a) combining (i) a triisocyanate that is an adduct of linear aliphatic isocyanates having the formula O.dbd.C.dbd.N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --N.dbd.C.dbd.O, where n is from about 4-18, (ii) an aliphatic diisocyanate that contains a cycloaliphatic or aromatic ring moiety, the aliphatic diisocyanate having from about 6-32 carbon atoms, most preferably from about 8-18 carbon atoms, and (iii) a water-immiscible composition comprising a core chemical; (b) adding an aqueous liquid and forming an oil-in-water emulsion; (c) adding a polyamine to the emulsion; and (d) reacting the triisocyanate, the diisocyanate, and the polyamine, thereby producing a plurality of microcapsules having a capsule wall, with at least a major portion of the core chemical encapsulated within the capsule wall of the microcapsules. Suitable core chemicals include agricultural chemicals such as herbicides and safeners.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to the use of a variety of antidotal compounds to safen crop plants from the phytotoxicity of azolopyrimidine sulfonamide herbicides.

Abstract: A combination respiratory filter and sampling device has been developed which collects airborne contaminants for respiratory exposure measurements. The devices, which fit existing commercial half-mask respirators, are generally smaller and lighter in weight than existing filters, and have low resistance to airflow, so they can be comfortably worn by people performing their normal work duties. Each device consists of at least a front, a middle and a back section which can be independently separated and analyzed by traditional laboratory techniques. The filtering and sampling media thicknesses and types can be adapted to target specific compounds.

Abstract: There is provided an aqueous dispersion of microcapsules containing the herbicide clomazone dissolved in an inert high boiling organic solvent which is an edible oil. Vapor transfer of the herbicide outside the targeted area is controlled without substantial sacrifice of the efficacy of the herbicide.

Abstract: A combination respiratory filter and sampling device has been developed which collects airborne contaminants for respiratory exposure measurements. The devices, which fit existing commercial half-mask respirators, are generally smaller and lighter in weight than existing filters, and have low resistance to airflow, so they can be comfortably worn by people performing their normal work duties. Each device consists of at least a front, a middle and a back section which can be independently separated and analyzed by traditional laboratory techniques. The filtering and sampling media thicknesses and types can be adapted to target specific compounds.

Abstract: A combination respiratory filter and sampling device has been developed which collects airborne contaminants for respiratory exposure measurements. The devices, which fit existing commercial half-mask respirators, are generally smaller and lighter in weight than existing filters, and have low resistance to airflow, so they can be comfortably worn by people performing their normal work duties. Each device consists of at least a front, a middle and a back section which can be independently separated and analyzed by traditional laboratory techniques. The filtering and sampling media thickness and types can be adapted to target specific compounds.

Abstract: A combination respiratory filter and sampling device has been developed which collects airborne contaminants for respiratory exposure measurements. The devices, which fit existing commercial half-mask respirators, are generally smaller and lighter in weight than existing filters, and have low resistance to airflow, so they can be comfortably worn by people performing their normal work duties. Each device consists of at least a front, a middle and a back section which can be independently separated and analyzed by traditional laboratory techniques. The filtering and sampling media thicknesses and types can be adapted to target specific compounds.