Abstract: An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying 10 microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method produces nitrate ions on-site from water, natural gas and air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The apparatus generates nitrate ions and brings the nitrate ions into contact with an aqueous system. Hydrogen sulfide present in the aqueous system is removed and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing into the system nitrate ions, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated by the apparatus and added to the aqueous system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method produces nitrate ions on-site from water, natural gas and air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The apparatus generates nitrate ions and brings the nitrate ions into contact with an aqueous system. Hydrogen sulfide present in the aqueous system is removed and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing into the system nitrate ions, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated by the apparatus and added to the aqueous system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide present in an aqueous system is removed and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing into the system nitrite and nitrate and/or molybdate ions, whereby denitrifying microorganisms outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide and the nitrite along with the denitrifying microorganisms remove hydrogen sulfide already present in the system. The system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms and which is essentially free of hydrogen sulfide can enhance oil recovery by means of a microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: A pipetter is connected to a hypodermic needle by an adapter. The adapter includes a conduit with male and female ends and a predetermined volume. The female end of the conduit is dimensioned to receive the end of the pipetter to form a substantially air-tight friction fit. The male end of a conduct is dimensioned to be inserted into the needle holder to form a substantially air-tight friction fit. The volume of the conduit is greater than a volume of the fluid to be transferred. The adapter allows one to combine the advantages of a hypodermic needle with the superior volumetric measuring capabilities of a pipetter, while eliminating the waste associated with disposable syringes.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide present in an aqueous system is removed and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing into the system nitrite and nitrate and/or molybdate ions, whereby denitrifying microorganisms outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide and the nitrite along with the denitrifying microorganisms remove hydrogen sulfide already present in the system. The system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms and which is essentially free of hydrogen sulfide can enhance oil recovery by means of a microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of releasing metals from catalysts in a form that is readily recoverable using denitrifying bacteria is disclosed. The method can be used to regenerate catalysts and to recover metals from catalysts, especially molybdenum and nickel.

Abstract: Drilling mud is rapidly decomposed by admixing one or more enzymes with the mud to selectively degrade one or more polymeric organic viscosifiers therein. A method of cleaning up a well site drilling mud pit containing drilling mud is provided. Also provided are a composition and method of removing residual drilling mud from a wellbore and around the well face.

Abstract: Drilling mud is rapidly decomposed by admixing one or more enzymes with the mud to selectively degrade one or more polymeric organic viscosifiers therein. A method of cleaning up a well site drilling mud pit containing drilling mud is provided. Also provided are a composition and method of removing residual drilling mud from a wellbore and around the well face.

Abstract: A system for removing cyanide and related species from a cyanide-containing waste fluid, for example, of the sort generated by mining operations, includes means for generating hydrogen peroxide by the burning of a fuel and the quenching of that burning with the waste fluid. At least a portion of the cyanide content of the waste fluid is eliminated by oxidation with the hydrogen peroxide, and the quenching can also provide organic material to serve as a carbon source for microbes which degrade residual cyanide in the treated waste stream.

Abstract: A system for removing cyanide and related species from a cyanide-containing waste fluid, for example, of the sort generated by mining operations, includes means for generating hydrogen peroxide by the burning of a fuel and the quenching of that burning with the waste fluid. At least a portion of the cyanide content of the waste fluid is eliminated by oxidation with the hydrogen peroxide, and the quenching can also provide organic material to serve as a carbon source for microbes which degrade residuel cyanide in the treated waste stream.

Abstract: A method of producing methane from the anaerobic fermentation of waste materials, such as municipal solid waste, in a series of cavities in the earth holding such solid waste material and covered with earth excavated from the next adjacent cavity. Various forms of apparatus for withdrawing the product gas of the anaerobic fermentation, separating the carbon dioxide from the methane in the product gas and injecting the thus separated carbon dioxide into an adjacent covered cavity to purge air therefrom and enhance the anaerobic fermentation of the waste material therein is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel articles are prepared by forming or shaping protein/polymeric material blends. The resulting articles are attractive to masticating animals. Uses for such as synthetic bones and as a bait or lure are disclosed. Novel compositions as well as method for making the novel articles of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Single cell protein is produced in an aqueous fermentation process employing an oxidizable sulfur energy source plus a carbon dioxide source, such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, in a controlled oxygen aqueous environment. The process also can employ carbon dioxide containing off-gases from a conventional aqueous fermentation process employing a conventional oxidizable carbon energy source, such as methanol.

Abstract: The concentration of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alcohol in an essentially water immiscible organic system is accurately determined by a simple and quick process. A sample of the water immiscible organic system containing less than about 0.01% (W/V) of the alcohol is contacted with an aqueous layer of alcohol oxidase immobilized on an electrode for measuring dissolved oxygen content. Ethanol in the water immiscible organic system partitions into the aqueous layer where alcohol oxidase catalyzes oxidation of the alcohol. Oxygen consumed during the oxidation is measured by the electrode, and the concentration of alcohol determined therefrom. To obtain less than about 0.01% alcohol in the sample, the sample may be diluted with the water immiscible organic system.