Abstract: A method for fluidization of a particulate bed material in a fluidized bed reactor with an upflow of fliud being treated, wherein a step of recycling said treated fluid is provided and further comprising the steps of (a) uniformly collecting at least a portion of the fluid above the fluidized bed and lifting this fluid by at least one gaslift having an intake above the bed, and (b) recycling the lifted fluid under the bed via at least one downcomer positioned within the bed. An generic apparatus for conducting the method steps in a variety of applications is also provided. The fluidized bed reactor can be used for chemical, physical chemical, biological processes, and combinations thereof in the chemical processing, food, environmental and other industries.

Abstract: This is a method of treatment of materials with the use of a sacrificial metal and reducible ions which comprises steps ofa) contacting the material to be treated with the surface of the said sacrificial metal, wherein the said material to be treated is included in an aqueous solution or emulsion or suspension; andb) inducing treatment processes at the surface of the said sacrificial metal by providing said reducible ions included in an electrolyte, wherein the said reducible ions react with the said sacrificial metal to form oxidation-reduction products comprising dissolved or suspended reduced species and dissolved or suspended species from oxidizing the said sacrificial metal.The method can be used for treatment of water, groundwater, including in-situ, wastewater, polluted gases, solid waste, and other materials.