Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for producing biofuel from a biological material that includes protein and a biofuel feedstock, such as triglycerides. In a specific example, the biological material is hydrolyzed to obtain the biofuel feedstock, such as by treatment with a base. Free fatty acids or triglycerides are then extracted using an organic solvent. The free fatty acids or triglycerides are converted to fatty acid esters, useable as biofuel, by esterification or transesterification, respectively. In a more specific example, the biological material is converted to a biofuel in a one step process by treating the biological material with base and an appropriate alcohol. In some implementations, a disclosed method uses chicken feathers obtained from a chicken processing operation as the biological material.

Abstract: Methods for rendering a cyanide or cyanide-containing compound substantially insoluble in an aqueous solution or suspension of cyanide-containing materials comprising: mixing a reagent comprising a thiosulfate salt with said solution or suspension; and adding to said material a complexing agent selected from the group consisting of divalent copper salts, divalent iron salts, divalent cobalt salts, activated carbon and mixtures of the foregoing are provided.

Abstract: A process for removing or stabilizing arsenic and/or selenium from aqueous streams or slurries is provided that includes contacting the streams or slurry with a composition containing lanthanum chloride. The lanthanum chloride composition can optionally contain various lanthanides. The composition can optionally contain ferric or ferrous sulfate. The process is preferably conducted by adjusting the pH of solution to between about 8 or 10, adding 2 moles of lanthanum chloride for every mole of arsenic or selenium ions present in solution, adding 5 to 6 moles ferric or ferrous ions for every mole of arsenic or selenium ions present in solution and adjusting the oxidation potential of the solution to between 200-400 mV for removal of selenium ions and between 100-200 mV for removal of arsenic ions.