Abstract: Provided is a granular filtration media comprising a mixture of granular filtration media and less than 5% of nanofibers based on the dry weight, method of making the same and uses of the same for removing contaminants from water, including metals, heavy metals, synthetic or natural organic matters, colloidal or suspended particles to improve the chemical safety and purity of water for the purpose of water purification, specifically, one embodiment of the present invention disclosed is use of the granular filtration media to remove particulate lead from high pH water.

Abstract: A method for removing components from an aqueous medium is described. The method includes dispensing a formulation comprising one or more of zinc chloride, calcium chloride, zirconium acetate and zirconium oxychloride to an aqueous medium. The method includes allowing the formation of floccules in the aqueous medium, wherein the floccules contain the component to be removed. The method includes separating the floccules from the aqueous medium to remove the component.

Abstract: Therapeutic and prophylactic treatments of aquatic species and aquatic diseases through the controlled introduction of a heterocyclic N-halamine into an aquatic habitat.

Abstract: Chitosan-containing blends and methods of dissolving and using chitosan are disclosed. A blend includes a solid acid or a solid agent that generates a proton in situ in the presence of water mixed together with a dry solid chitosan, and may optionally contain other components. The blends are in a dry, free-flowing, particulate form. Methods of dissolving a blend typically comprise adding a quantity of the blend to a low volume of water and mixing until the chitosan and solid acid or solid agent are dissolved and then further diluting this mixture by the addition of water, or used as-is. Devices containing the blends are also described along with methods of using the devices, such as for controlled release of solubilized chitosan in a body of water, such as a stream, containing impurities (e.g., particles, sediment, or suspended matter or dissolved substances) to cause flocculation or precipitation of such impurities.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the growth and biomass of algae and algae lipids by growing the algae in the presence of a polycationic substance such as soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of harvesting algae from an aqueous environment by growing the algae in aggregated clumps and/or mats (formed by the inclusion of soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin or other polycationic or cationic substances) that can be easily removed from the aqueous environment either by filtration, surface skimming, and/or growing in a porous containment device, such as a natural or synthetic fabric, and removing the fabric from the aqueous environment containing the aggregated algae. The methods disclosed have direct applications in biofuel and energy production, agricultural feedstock production, nutrient production, greenhouse gas reduction, removal of microconstituents from water, and water reclamation.

Abstract: Formulations, methods, and products for preventing or decreasing insolubilization of chitosan-containing compositions are provided. By employing embodiments discussed herein, the ability of a chitosan-containing composition to properly solubilize at a desired time may be preserved.

Abstract: Chitosan-containing blends and methods of dissolving and using chitosan are disclosed. A blend includes a solid acid or a solid agent that generates a proton in situ in the presence of water mixed together with a dry solid chitosan, and may optionally contain other components. The blends are in a dry, free-flowing, particulate form. Methods of dissolving a blend typically comprise adding a quantity of the blend to a low volume of water and mixing until the chitosan and solid acid or solid agent are dissolved and then further diluting this mixture by the addition of water, or used as-is. Devices containing the blends are also described along with methods of using the devices, such as for controlled release of solubilized chitosan in a body of water, such as a stream, containing impurities (e.g., particles, sediment, or suspended matter or dissolved substances) to cause flocculation or precipitation of such impurities.

Abstract: Chitosan-containing blends and methods of dissolving and using chitosan are disclosed. A blend includes a solid acid or a solid agent that generates a proton in situ in the presence of water mixed together with a dry solid chitosan, and may optionally contain other components. The blends are in a dry, free-flowing, particulate form. Methods of dissolving a blend typically comprise adding a quantity of the blend to a low volume of water and mixing until the chitosan and solid acid or solid agent are dissolved and then further diluting this mixture by the addition of water, or used as-is. Devices containing the blends are also described along with methods of using the devices, such as for controlled release of solubilized chitosan in a body of water, such as a stream, containing impurities (e.g., particles, sediment, or suspended matter or dissolved substances) to cause flocculation or precipitation of such impurities.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the growth and biomass of algae and algae lipids by growing the algae in the presence of a polycationic substance such as soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of harvesting algae from an aqueous environment by growing the algae in aggregated clumps and/or mats (formed by the inclusion of soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin or other polycationic or cationic substances) that can be easily removed from the aqueous environment either by filtration, surface skimming, and/or growing in a porous containment device, such as a natural or synthetic fabric, and removing the fabric from the aqueous environment containing the aggregated algae. The methods disclosed have direct applications in biofuel and energy production, agricultural feedstock production, nutrient production, greenhouse gas reduction, removal of microconstituents from water, and water reclamation.

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: A method for removing submicron colloidal particulates, such as hydrocarbons, from water. The method includes first adding a soluble, cationic polymer, such as chitosan, a salt, or solution of chitosan to water containing the submicron particulates and a halogenating agent, followed by adding a soluble, anionic polymer or anionic salt to the water. The resulting flocs are filtered to remove the submicron particulates.

Abstract: The water purification cartridge treats water with a halogen liberated from halogenated hydantoinyl resins and polymers, resulting in the safe, complete, and economical purification of non-potable water at low flow rates typically found in gravity feed filtration systems and at water pressures of less than 1 psig. The cartridge of the invention purifies non-potable water of bacteria, viruses, and some protozons without the need for additional power sources or risk to the consumer for exposure to chemicals that have been identified to have harmful, long-term effects. The cartridge described herein enables a gravity fed water purification system by combining the cartridge with conventional filters, such as porous diatomaceous earthen ceramic water filters or activated carbon filters packed either with granular activated carbon or block.

Abstract: A catch basin has a catch basin insert containing a water-soluble water treatment additive. The insert is made from a porous shell, which is segmented into individual pouches. Each pouch has an opening that can be opened and closed repeatedly to re-fill the water treatment additive. Adjacent pouches are separated by a strip of insert material to permit cutting the insert to a desired length. The water-soluble water treatment additive can be chitosan. Water treated with the additive is flocculated and removed in a filter.

Abstract: Heterocyclic and acyclic silane monomers and siloxane polymers, and their halogenated derivatives, are provided for the purpose of functionalizing surfaces or materials so as to render them biocidal upon exposure to oxidative halogen solutions. The biocidal function can be imparted either before or after bonding or adhesion to the surface or material. The biocidal surfaces and materials can then be used to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, as well as virus particles, which can cause infectious diseases, and those microorganisms which cause noxious odors and unpleasant coloring such as mildew. Examples of surfaces and materials which can be rendered biocidal in this invention include, but are not limited to, cellulose, chitin, chitosan, synthetic fibers, glass, ceramics, plastics, rubber, cement grout, latex caulk, porcelain, acrylic films, vinyl, polyurethanes, silicon tubing, marble, metals, metal oxides, and silica.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing and removing Cryptosporidium oocysts or Giardia cysts from water. The method comprises adding chitosan, a salt or solution of chitosan to water containing Cryptosporidium oocysts or Giardia cysts and a halogenating agent. The method may also include adding a secondary polyelectrolyte flocculant to the water. The resulting flocs are filtered to remove the Cryptosporidium oocysts or Giardia cysts.

Abstract: A composition and the method for sustaining the biocidal activity of chlorinated polystyrene hydantoin beads. The method comprises supplying a continuous low level halogen concentration to the chlorinated polystyrene hydantoin beads in the water to be treated that flows in contact with the chlorinated polystyrene hydantoin beads, resulting in treated water suitable for drinking.