Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic carriers in which microorganisms requiring carriers for their growth in the step of treating wastewater have been immobilized, a process for producing the carriers and a method of treating wastewater. The present invention provides microorganisms-immobilized carriers with a high amount of microorganisms immobilized for use in wastewater treatment, the movement of which is controllable in a treatment chamber by magnetic force. Further the present invention provides a process for producing said carriers easily and a method for treating wastewater efficiently.

Abstract: A purifier treating a batch of liquid with ozone uses a reversible pump that directs liquid flow along different courses during forward and reverse pumping. In a forward mode, the pump directs ozonized liquid through a purification course that purifies the liquid; and in a reverse mode, the pump withdraws ozonized liquid from the purification course and redirects the withdrawn liquid to a reverse destination, which can be a purified liquid output or a return of the withdrawn liquid to a liquid container.

Abstract: A process and system for waste water treatment including a concentration means positioned at the front of the treatment system in order to concentrate the starches and sugars contained in a waste stream. In a mixing vessel, the concentrate stream is treated with a variety of additives in order to increase consumption of the biological components and to produce a stream having a predictable and predetermined level of soluble starches. The waste stream is solubilized by subjecting the stream to heat and enzyme treatment such that the starches and complex sugars are converted to simple sugars. In a fermentation vessel, a carefully selected yeast strain is introduced into the waste stream and permitted to feed on the sugars. The operating conditions in the vessel (e.g. pH, temperature, oxygen supply, and mineral supply) are carefully controlled to enhance consumption of the biological components in the waste stream.

Abstract: An improved method for in situ microbial filter bioremediation having increasingly operational longevity of an in situ microbial filter emplaced into an aquifer. A method for generating a microbial filter of sufficient catalytic density and thickness, which has increased replenishment interval, improved bacteria attachment and detachment characteristics and the endogenous stability under in situ conditions. A system for in situ field water remediation.

Abstract: In a reactor for water treatment of the type that contains particle-like carriers on which a biofilm grows that generates a desired decomposition of the contamination, a forced current is created such that the water in another current flows downwardly. In a special embodiment the upwardly flowing current is created in a tube. The reactor proves to be exceptionally effective and can be utilized together with other water purification and water treatment equipment. It is a distinctive feature that the downflowing current tears air down thus causing an exceptionally high oxygen concentration in the water. The reactor can furthermore be used for denitrification. Among other things the invention provides a minibiological purification plant servicing a single or very few households. As micro film carriers are preferably used, particles having an outwardly open cell structure for increasing the total effective surface area.

Abstract: A peat bale for use in a peat water filtration system, wherein the peat bale has a permeable wrapping to maintain the bale of peat at a predetermined density and which allows for the inflow and outflow of water through the bale.

Abstract: This invention relates to gas-impermeable, solid state materials fabricated into membranes for use in catalytic membrane reactors. This invention particularly relates to solid state oxygen anion- and electron-mediating membranes for use in catalytic membrane reactors for promoting partial or full oxidation of different chemical species, for decomposition of oxygen-containing species, and for separation of oxygen from other gases. Solid state materials for use in the membranes of this invention include mixed metal oxide compounds having the brownmillerite crystal structure.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for bioremediation that comprise components of constructed microbial mats with organic and inorganic materials are described. The compositions, methods and devices can be used for bioremediation of different individual contaminants and for mixed or multiple contaminants, and for production of beneficial compositions and molecules.

Abstract: Selenium-containing wastewater is sequentially treated through use of biological treatment means (6), chemical treatment means (12), and filtration means (14). In the biological treatment means (6), raw waste water (16) is subjected to anaerobic biological treatment so as to reduce selenate ions and/or selenite ions (soluble selenium) present in the raw waste water (16) to simple selenium, which is insoluble, to thereby remove the selenate ions and/or the selenite ions in the form of insoluble simple selenium. In the chemical treatment means (12), for example, a metal salt that reacts with soluble selenium to form an insoluble selenium compound is added to water treated by the biological treatment means (6), to thereby remove residual soluble selenium in the form of the insoluble selenium compound. In the filtration means (14), an insoluble substance remaining in water treated by the chemical treatment means (12) is removed through filtration.

Abstract: A continuous loop reactor system has flow channels in the form of 3-dimensional spirals, defined by a pair of nested vortical walls and vanes which extend from the innermost of the vortical walls towards the outermost wall without contact. The vanes in combination with the vortical walls define a false bottom ditch for treating waste water, particularly for oxidative denitrification. Air exposure is limited to the beginning portion of the spiral flow pattern where the process is still in its aerobic stage. Denitrification is completed in an anoxic stage as waste water progresses further along the pattern. Aeration and motivation are provided by a lift tube/aerator assembly. By employing a false bottom, frictional surface area is decreased and sediment accumulation is eliminated between two vertically adjacent flow paths to provide energy efficient water treatment at low minimum flow rates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of contaminated water by biodegradation is provided. In particular, the apparatus and method are suited for the biodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) such as trichloroethylene and related compounds or benzene and related compounds. The process employs an immobilized soil bioreactor (ISBR) having a headspace re-circulation system.

Abstract: A mixed culture reactor biologically removes organic pollution and nitrates by the anoxic route. The reactor includes a central stirred section having a lower part in which biological treatment of supplied raw water takes place. The central reactor section contains a suspension of an attached biomass of low concentration, in the order of a few grams per liter. At least one propelling screw is positioned within a jacket that is coaxially located in the reactor central section to ensure the circulation of the water to be treated. The water to be treated circulates in one direction within the jacket and in an opposite direction outside the jacket. The speed of circulation is selected so that bioparticles remain in suspension within the reactor central section. A release zone is located externally of the reactor central section and communicates with a lower part thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the oxygen content of water at an outlet of a unit for dissolving oxygen in water. The method comprises measuring the oxygen content C.sub.o of the water at the outlet of the unit with a sensor, and comparing the oxygen content C.sub.o with a setpoint value C.sub.set. If the measured oxygen content C.sub.o is less than the setpoint value C.sub.set, a cycle of feeding oxygen to the unit is initiated. The feed cycle comprises a period T.sub.i of injecting oxygen into the unit, during which a valve controlling the flow rate of the oxygen feeding the unit is in the open position, and a pause period T.sub.p during which the valve is in the closed position. The pause period corresponds substantially to the inertia of the unit in responding to the oxygen being injected. The invention also relates to units for dissolving oxygen in water. Particular applicability is found in fish farming.

Abstract: A method for removing selected biodegradable materials from a body of water. In the first step of this method, a plurality of bio-suspension elements are disposed within an enclosure which is floating at least partially submerged in a body of water; the bio-suspension elements provide surfaces for supporting the growth of at least five different biological microorganisms. The different biological microorganisms are intermittently introduced into the enclosure along with water; the water is continuously aerated and fed into the enclosure at a rate of at least about 60 feet per minute. The treated water so produced is continuously removing from the enclosure at a rate of at least about 60 feet per minute. The pH, the total dissolved solids, the temperature, and the flow rate of the treated water is continuously measured.

Abstract: The present invention is a plumbing device for buildings that installs inline with a drainpipe to separates large solids component of wastewater from small solids and liquid components of said wastewater, thereby creating two separate output streams. The second stream of mostly liquid can be directed first to a heat exchanger and then to a sewer or wastewater recycling device.

Abstract: A system for capturing HAPs/VOCs from an existing or planned air stream and destroying the contaminants in the air stream by microbial degradation is disclosed. In general, the system is composed of a reservoir with a filter structure positioned above it. The filter structure contains a capture or filtration media through which contaminated air or vapors must pass. HAPs/VOCs in the air or vapors are filtered out and absorbed by the capture media. The reservoir contains a tank water bath that is inoculated with microorganisms that are selected to degrade the hazardous materials or pollutants removed by the capture media. Sprinkler heads above the filter structure spray the filter structure with a sprayed water bath also inoculated with the microorganisms, whereby contaminants caught in the filter structure are leached out and bioremediated.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for removing polyamine chelating agents from aqueous solutions comprising oxidising the chelating agents with oxygen in the presence of an equivalent amount of a transition metal such as iron, followed by biologically reducing the chelates in the presence of an electron donor, and optionally by membrane filtration. The biological reduction is carried out with denitrifying and/or sulphate-reducing bacteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-sewer wastewater treatment comprising steps of largely spontaneously growing acidogenic bacteria in sewer lines and providing methanogenic bacteria in these lines. Methanogenic bacteria can be grown using wastewater, solid, or other waste, or other organic feedstock as a substrate. Methanogenic bacteria can be cultivated at a wastewater treatment plant or at other locations in special reactors, or provided from anaerobic wastewater pretreatment plants. Digestion gases can be either vented out or collected and used.

Abstract: A bio-treatment system for removing biological wastes from man-made tanks used to commercially cultivate aquatic animals. The system includes an aqua-culture tank in combination with a filtration tank wherein a screen is attached internally across the cross-section of the filtration tank above a buoyant filter media contained inside the filtration tank, the screen located at a higher level than a water level in the aqua-culture tank. Filtering of the water is accomplished by pumping water from the aqua-culture tank upwardly through the filtration tank and the buoyant filter media in the filtration tank. The filtered water flows out the top of the filtration tank and flows by gravity back to the aqua-culture tank.

Abstract: A Microthrix parvicella (and other microorganisms) foaming controlling method of waste water treatment includes a step of injecting polymer to the aeration basins of an industrial or domestic waste water activated sludge treatment systems. When polymer is present in the aeration basin it reduces the buoyancy of the Microthrix parvicella, most likely by reducing the cell surface hydrophobicity or by coagulation and flocculation of the Microthrix parvicella (and other microorganisms) floc. This allows foam causing microorganisms to escape the treatment system.