Abstract: A microorganism capable of degrading an estrogenic substance contained in wastewater and the like; a method for the simple and effective degradation of an estrogenic substance contained in domestic wastewater, wastewater discharged from a livestock farm, or the like by using the microorganism; and an apparatus for achieving the degradation are provided. An estrogenic substance-degrading microorganism which belongs to the genus Pseudaminobacter, Gordonia, Nocardia, Zoogloea, Pandoraea, Cryptococcus or Trichosporon and has an ability to degrade an estrogenic substance; a method for the degration of an estrogenic substance by using the microorganism; and an apparatus for achieving the degradation are provided.

Abstract: Antibody-sensitized latex for use in determination of a bacterium belonging to the genus Nitrospira, the latex comprising latex particles each having a specific gravity of about 1.5 g/mL and an average particle diameter in the range of 1.0-1.5 ?m and an antibody adsorbed thereon. The antibody is specific to a bacterium belonging to the genus Nitrospira having an activity of nitrite oxidization. The latex is mixed with a sample, allowed to stand for a predetermined period of time, and observed on the presence or absence of agglutination of the latex particles in the mixture. This latex permits detection and determination of a bacterium belonging to the genus Nitrospira which is found in biological sewage treatment systems, such as streams and activated sludge, as well as in water of rivers, lakes and seashore, and in soil habitats, in a simple and easy manner.

Abstract: A microorganism capable of degrading an estrogenic substance contained in wastewater and the like; a method for the simple and effective degradation of an estrogenic substance contained in domestic wastewater, wastewater discharged from a livestock farm, or the like by using the microorganism; and an apparatus for achieving the degradation are provided. An estrogenic substance-degrading microorganism which belongs to the genus Pseudaminobacter, Gordonia, Nocardia, Zoogloea, Pandoraea, Cryptococcus or Trichosporon and has an ability to degrade an estrogenic substance; a method for the degration of an estrogenic substance by using the microorganism; and an apparatus for achieving the degradation are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody showing a high specificity to Nitrosomonas europaea or Nitrobacter agilis, and a monoclonal antibody-sensitized latex for detecting Nitrosomonas europaea or Nitrobacter agilis used for facilitating the detection of nitrifying bacteria present in activated sludge, water, soil or microorganism-immobilized carriers, and besides a method of detecting nitrifying bacteria using said monoclonal antibody-sensitized latex. The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody to nitrifying bacteria having ammonia oxidation activities or nitrite oxidation activities present in activated sludge or soil, or microorganism-immobilized carriers. This monoclonal antibody to Nitrosomonas europaea or Nitrobacter agilis is prepared by culturing clones of fused cells (hybridomas) obtained by fusing antibody-forming cells and tumor cells obtained from an animal immunized with Nitrosomonas europaea or Nitrobacter agilis.

Abstract: An erythrocyte preservative is provided which contains an erythrocyte membrane strengthening agent, optionally a purine base and/or purine nucleoside and optionally an anticoagulant. Blood products which contain the above erythrocyte preservative and can be stored for a prolonged period of time are also provided.