Abstract: A test device provides an enclosed culture device for safe determination of the presence of a targeted microorganism. A test chamber is concentrically received within a culture chamber, and caps allow selective opening of one chamber without opening the other. A window in the test chamber allows selective flow of liquid between chambers, the window being so placed as to require particular manipulation of the chambers. The test chamber contains a culture medium and, through appropriate manipulation, a sample in the culture chamber is caused to wet the culture medium. The device is then incubated, and the sample in the culture chamber maintains high humidity in the test chamber because of the window. A pre-treatment vial is also provided so the sample can be treated before being placed into the culture chamber, to eliminate interfering organisms or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing for the presence of selected microorganisms can be used in the field or in the laboratory. A sample to be tested is mixed with a culture medium for promoting growth of the selected microorganisms. A test device of a semi-permeable material is inverted in the culture medium, and the test device is held to a vertical position. The microorganisms create a biofilm within the test device, and the test device subsequently retains gas generated by the microorganisms. The gas lowers the density of the test device, causing the test device to float. The floating is taken as an indication of the presence of the selected microorganisms; and, by measuring the time required for the test device to float, the size of the population of the selected microorganisms can be determined.

Abstract: A method for reducing organic contaminants in a well initially breaks down complex organic compounds by radiation with gamma radiation. The remaining materials are subjected to oxygen radicals in the water, the oxygen radicals reacting with the materials to assist in the degradation. A carrier is formed with a plurality of containers fixed together by struts, and each container has a quantity of radioactive material to provide the radiation. Air, oxygen and or peroxide may be fed to the well to provide enough oxygen to produce the oxygen radicals, or the water may be cavitated to free the oxygen in the water.The apparatus & method may also be adapted with proper shielding for use in surface applications, such as surface water intakes (biofouling by Asiatic clams), general ground water and haz-waste treatment.

Abstract: A testing device allows field tests to determine the presence of microorganisms in a given fluid. A container may have a culture medium in dry form, and a floatable device in the container. When a liquid sample is placed into a container, the floatable device floats on the surface and intercedes the exchange of oxygen from the atmosphere to the liquid. An oxygen content sufficient for aerobes is provided at the surface of the liquid, a reduced oxygen content for microaerobes provided just below the intercedent device, and no-oxygen content for anaerobes is provided at the bottom of the container. Selection of the culture medium can assist in detecting specific organisms, and further information can be gained by observing colorations, gas bubbles, precipitates and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a well wherein chemicals are applied to the well screen with steam. The well screen may be first washed with a sterilizing agent, and subsequently a chemical mix is added to the steam. The chemical mix includes a sterilizing agent, an acid, and perhaps a surfactant. The well is capped during treatment so the well becomes pressurized; and, the chemical mix is forced out beyond the well screen. The surfactant aids in penetrating the clog, while the sterilizing agent kills any plant or animal life that is causing or contributing to the clog. Some sterilizing agent may remain to prevent regrowth of life forms that may feed on other chemical components. The well may be surged to assist further in breaking up the mass clogging the well.