Abstract: Compositions and methods of use of constructed microbial mats, comprising cyanobacteria and purple autotrophic bacteria and an organic nutrient source, in a laminated structure, are described. The constructed microbial mat is used for bioremediation of different individual contaminants and for mixed or multiple contaminants, and for production of beneficial compositions and molecules.

Abstract: A waste water system adapted to receive liquid waste from a septic tank or the like and purify the same.There is a primary processing section comprising a first processing tank to receive the waste water. This primary section has air operated valve means to cause the operating steps, namely the opening and closing of the inlet and outlets of the tank, aeration of the liquid in the tank, supplying a dose of a treatment liquid into the liquid of the tank, and also causing recirculation of some of the biomass in the tank back to the septic tank. The liquid from the first processing section is transmitted to a second processing section where the liquid is circulated through filters, and also through an ultra-violet heater to cause final purification of the liquid. There is a control system which is responsive to liquid level in the two tanks, and also responsive to air pressure in a compressed air manifold that supplies pressurized air to various valves to control the operation of the system.

Abstract: There are here provided a method for biodegrading trichloroethylene which comprises the step of bringing an aqueous medium containing trichloroethylene into contact with microorganisms having a trichloroethylene degrading ability derived from intestines of termites to degrade trichloroethylene; a method for obtaining the microorganisms; a method for remediating a soil by the use of the microorganisms; and a method for biodegrading an chlorinated organic compound with the microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for producing a material for heavy metal absorption or for analytically detecting heavy metals, especially uranium and radium, comprises the steps of: providing a material containing nitrogen which is organically bonded in a polymer; treating said material with potassium permanganate in an alkaline solution; and treating the material with iron(II) hydroxide in an alkaline solution. The material produced in this way is suitable for being used for a method of analytically detecting heavy metals and heavy metal istopes in a sample liquid as well as for a method of cleaning contaminated liquids.

Abstract: A propylene oxide/styrene monomer aqueous purge stream is contacted with a solid iron promoted alumina catalyst at conditions effective to decompose peroxides contained therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating waste material to remove selected components form the waste is described using a reactor or a series of reactors in fluid communication with each other for receiving the waste to be treated as influent. The influent forms a biomass including the waste and microorganisms and is treated by controlling the metabolic activity of the microorganisms by monitoring the oxygen utilisation rate or the potential oxygen utilisation rate of the biomass so as to determine the required amount of oxygen to be supplied to the biomass and to determine the period of aeration of the biomass in order to maintain a predetermined oxygen utilisation rate or value so as to remove the selected components of the waste. The preferred selected components to be removed are nitrogenous, carbonaceous and/or biological phosphorus containing materials or derivatives.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the aerobic purification of waste water in a reactor containing unsupported granular active sludge. The oxygen necessary for maintaining aerobic conditions within the reactor is provided in the form of an oxygen-containing gas. The oxygen-containing gas is preferably introduced into the reactor at such a place that the oxygen-containing gas provides at least some mixing action in the reactor. The invention also provides a reactor suitable for this process.

Abstract: An integrated system and method for removing excess nutrients from water, for removing the nutrients from the removal site, and for enhancing soil includes bioremediating water to be treated with cultured algae or another suitable plant matter in an attached periphyton bed, harvesting the algae/plant matter to produce a wet algal biomass, and mixing the wet biomass with a shredded fibrous material to produce a pulp. The pulp can be molded into a biodegradable package that can be utilized as a delivery vehicle to a site having nutrient-enrichable soil, where the package can be used as a soil amendment after being used as a delivery vehicle.

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 composition and method for preserving Pseudomonads is described. The composition includes an alkali metal nitrate, and optionally monoammonium phosphate as a buffer in an aqueous solution to preserve the bacteria. The compositions are useful for bioremediation.

Abstract: A process for reducing the production of biomass during activated sludge treatment of pulp and paper mill effluents, involving a conditioning of the recycled activated sludge (RAS) prior to its return into the aeration tank is described. The conditioning is typically performed within the sludge return line and involves RAS exposure to a waste acidic effluent originating from bleach plants of kraft, sulphite mills or other mill sources.

Abstract: A process is described for the aerobic treatment of effluent in a reactor of the UASB type, into the bottom of which the effluent to be treated is fed and, at the same time, oxygen is fed in an amount such that the growth of a facultative and an aerobic biomass is promoted. An apparatus for the aerobic treatment of effluent is also described, which apparatus consists of a UASB rector, distributors for supplying liquid and aeration means being located at the bottom of the reactor and means for integrated settling of biomass and gas collection being located at the top of the reactor. The apparatus can also be an integrated anaerobic/aerobic reactor.

Abstract: A high pressure automatic lime mud precoat filter cake heel removal system provides for steady kiln operation. The system provides multiple points of washing located such that washing of the entire filter can be accomplished in a short period of time. Each washing point comprises preferably two nozzles at predetermined angles to optimize washing of the filter media. The system is reciprocatively driven by a fractional horsepower gear motor connected to a torque converting coupling which is, in turn, connected to a threaded jack shaft or lead screw. The gear motor is controlled by a dual speed reversing variable frequency drive; limit switches automatically control cycling of the system in conjunction with logic circuits and sensors. This system is variably controlled so that cycle times may range optionally from approximately one to approximately five hours in length.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the microbial degradation of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs) at a concentration of 100-200 mg/kg soil in contaminated environments, using natural, non-toxic, environmentally-acceptable compounds for application to such environments, such that PCB-contaminated environments are bioremediated by inducing a metabolic pathway in PCB-degrading microbes. Inoculated or indigenous PCB-degrading microbes, such as Arthrobacter strain B1B are induced to decontaminate the PCBs. Also disclosed are a plant and chemical screening assays for identifying plants that produce metabolites which promote PCB cometabolism. Further disclosed is a method for bioremediating PCB-contaminated environments in a commercially practical manner using l-carvone, a nontoxic and inexpensive chemical component of spearmint, for the in situ cleanup of PCB-contaminated soils, to induce Arthrobacter strain B1B to cometabolize and to substantially degrade PCBs.

Abstract: An antimicrobial solid material having a satisfactory antimicrobial activity for a long term against sewage in any form of circulating, static and flowing waters or contacting portions thereof and a utilizing method thereof are provided. An antimicrobial solid material as one embodiment of the present invention comprises both of an antimicrobial metal ion and an antimicrobial metal in a metal state. In general, it is believed that antimicrobial metal ions have a potent antimicrobial effect when they exist in a liquid to be treated with a certain concentration or more, but they are rapidly released and exhausted so that their antimicrobial effects cannot last long. On the other hand, it is believed that the antimicrobial metal in a metal state does not have a prompt effect, but exhibits a certain bacteriostatic and fungistatic effect continuously for a long term.

Abstract: A method and a system for the treatment of organic hazardous wastes from plant waste and associated wastewater treatment processes, whereby the waste is either introduced directly, or continuously separated from wastewater, and routed to a bioreactor, and whereby no organic solids are generated for further offsite disposal. The system disclosed includes a bioreactor, containing selected bacteria, untreated sludges, and recirculated biomass, and a liquid/solid separator allowing water to be utilized elsewhere in the system and returning solids to the bioreactor. The biodegradation process, initiated continuously, converts hazardous organic constituents in waste stream and wastewater sludges from plant operations to inert materials, for extensive periods of operation, without the need for solids removal, external solids treatment or disposal.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for biologically treating water. The inventive process preferably comprises the steps of: (a) adding a sulfur-containing oxygen scavenger to the water in an amount effective for at least reducing the amount of dissolved free oxygen contained in the water; (b) removing at least a portion of a substance from the water by exposing the water to microorganisms effective for biologically removing the substance therefrom; and (c) feeding a biostimulant to the microorganisms effective for increasing the rate at which step (b) occurs. The inventive apparatus preferably comprises a system for adding the sulfur-containing oxygen scavenger to the source water stream and a system for feeding the biostimulant to the microorganisms.

Abstract: An wastewater treatment system is provided. The system includes a cylindrical tank having a sidewall, a bottom, an upper portion and a lower portion. A cone-shaped hopper, open at both ends, is positioned in the tank. The hopper's upper opening is larger than the lower opening.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a wastewater treatment process wherein the waste activated sludge is digested to produce treated biosolids which are then directed to a dewatering facility that removes water from the treated biosolids. Before or during the dewatering process, both a low molecular weight polymer and a high molecular weight polymer are added to the treated biosolids. The addition of the two polymers of different molecular weights results in the treated biosolids coagulating and then forming flocs of biosolids that effectively drives water from the flocs and renders the flocs more susceptible to an efficient and effective dewatering process.

Abstract: An improved method for aeration of septic tanks and the like by drawing atmospheric air into an expansion chamber and from there into agitated sludge to provide low pressure small microbubbles which have long hold times in the sludge material.