Abstract: An absorbent pad includes a batt of cellulose fibers, superabsorbent particles intermixed within the batt of cellulose fibers, and an odor control material intermixed within the batt of cellulose fibers, wherein the odor control material is a particulate material including one or more fatty acid. The odor control material preferably further includes selected inorganic compounds, such as sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and iron. Various embodiments incorporate the absorbent pad in a diaper or other disposable hygiene product.

Abstract: A method for bioremediation of contaminants, comprising contacting a contaminant with composite particles including at least one microbial available nutrient species and at least one fatty acid species, and contacting the contaminant with oxygenated water including greater than about 4 parts per million dissolved oxygen. Water may be oxygenated on-site using various oxygenating devices, such as an aspirator, aerator, impeller and diffuser. Optionally, the oxygenated water may be prepared with wastewater that is being remediated. The method may be used to maintain a dissolved oxygen concentration of greater than a setpoint concentration, such as at least 4 ppm. A preferred oxygenated water stream or source has a dissolved oxygen concentration of greater than 50 ppm. Where the contaminant is in a wastewater, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the remediation zone or the oxygenated water stream may be measured with a dissolved oxygen sensor.

Abstract: A method for bioremediation of contaminants, comprising contacting a contaminant with composite particles including at least one microbial available nutrient species and at least one fatty acid species, and contacting the contaminant with oxygenated water including greater than about 4 parts per million dissolved oxygen. Water may be oxygenated on-site using various oxygenating devices, such as an aspirator, aerator, impeller and diffuser. Optionally, the oxygenated water may be prepared with wastewater that is being remediated. The method may be used to maintain a dissolved oxygen concentration of greater than a setpoint concentration, such as at least 4 ppm. A preferred oxygenated water stream or source has a dissolved oxygen concentration of greater than 50 ppm. Where the contaminant is in a wastewater, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the remediation zone or the oxygenated water stream may be measured with a dissolved oxygen sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for washing eggs with a wash mixture of water and composite particles that comprise a mixture of microbial nutrients bound together by a solid fatty acid material. The shells of eggs are contacted with the wash mixture and organic material is removed from the egg shells into the wash mixture. The composite particles in the wash mixture foster microbial degradation of the organic material within the wash mixture. The wash mixture leaves the egg shells whiter than enzyme solutions and maintains the cleaning action for a longer period of time.

Abstract: Composition and method for promoting growth of microbes that are capable of degrading animal waste. The method includes applying a nontoxic composition to a bedding substrate that is disposed to receive animal waste. The composition comprises a carboxylic acid, preferably the carboxylic acid is a fatty acid, and more preferably a combination of a saturated fatty acid and an unsaturated fatty acids. Specifically, a preferred composition comprises a saturated fatty acid having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms and an unsaturated fatty acid having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms. A still more preferred composition used both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids having from 16 to 20 carbon atoms. Optionally, the composition may include or encapsulate nutrients, an oxygen-releasing compound, or microbes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for promoting growth of microbes capable of degrading organic material in various wastewater streams. The method includes applying a composition that comprises fatty acids, preferably a combination of one or more saturated fatty acids and one or more unsaturated fatty acids which are shown to provide synergistically greater microbial degradation than any of the saturated or unsaturated fatty acids alone. Because the unsaturated fatty acids tend to be in the liquid phase at room temperature, it is preferred to provide the combination of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids together to form a solid particulate at room temperature and remain a solid even at elevated outdoor temperatures.

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 or linoleic 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: 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.