Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that relate to the bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes, particularly the bioremediation of vinyl chloride by Dehalococcoides-like organisms. An isolated strain of bacteria, Dehalococcoides sp. strain VS, that metabolizes vinyl chloride is provided; the genetic sequence of the enzyme responsible for vinyl chloride dehalogenation; methods of assessing the capability of endogenous organisms at an environmental site to metabolize vinyl chloride; and a method of using the strains of the invention for bioremediation.

Abstract: A fluidized membrane bioreactor comprising a bioreactor including biochemically active organisms; fluidized particles which is a support media to be attached by the organisms; and membranes which permit treated water to pass through except the organisms, wherein the fluidized particles are in direct contact with the membranes. The membranes are installed internally or externally to the bioreactor. The particles may be granular activated carbon or other suitable materials. The fluidized particles serve not only as support media for microorganisms, but also as media for sorption or otherwise retention of matter that can cause membrane fouling and as an abrasive material for cleaning the membrane surface.

Abstract: A fluidized membrane bioreactor comprising a bioreactor including biochemically active organisms; fluidized particles which is a support media to be attached by the organisms; and membranes which permit treated water to pass through except the organisms, wherein the fluidized particles are in direct contact with the membranes. The membranes are installed internally or externally to the bioreactor. The particles may be granular activated carbon or other suitable materials. The fluidized particles serve not only as support media for microorganisms, but also as media for sorption or otherwise retention of matter that can cause membrane fouling and as an abrasive material for cleaning the membrane surface.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that relate to the bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes, particularly the bioremediation of vinyl chloride by Dehalococcoides-like organisms. An isolated strain of bacteria, Dehalococcoides sp. strain VS, that metabolizes vinyl chloride is provided; the genetic sequence of the enzyme responsible for vinyl chloride dehalogenation; methods of assessing the capability of endogenous organisms at an environmental site to metabolize vinyl chloride; and a method of using the strains of the invention for bioremediation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that relate to the bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes, particularly the bioremediation of vinyl chloride by Dehalococcoides-like organisms. An isolated strain of bacteria, Dehalococcoides sp. strain VS, that metabolizes vinyl chloride is provided; the genetic sequence of the enzyme responsible for vinyl chloride dehalogenation; methods of assessing the capability of endogenous organisms at an environmental site to metabolize vinyl chloride; and a method of using the strains of the invention for bioremediation.

Abstract: A method of biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is provided that includes providing a type II methanotrophic bacteria, and disposing the type II methanotrophic bacteria in an unbalanced growth condition, where the unbalanced growth condition includes a nutrient-deficient media and a hydroxyalkanoic acid, and where the nutrient-deficient media has an absence of an essential nutrient required for cell replication of the type II methanotrophic bacteria.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that relate to the bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes, particularly the bioremediation of vinyl chloride by Dehalococcoides-like organisms. An isolated strain of bacteria, Dehalococcoides sp. strain VS, that metabolizes vinyl chloride is provided; the genetic sequence of the enzyme responsible for vinyl chloride dehalogenation; methods of assessing the capability of endogenous organisms at an environmental site to metabolize vinyl chloride; and a method of using the strains of the invention for bioremediation.

Abstract: A system for in-situ bioremediation includes a well extending into a saturated zone. The well includes a casing having two permeable sections in the saturated zone. Groundwater may be recirculated through the well and the saturated zone between the two permeable sections. Nutrients, such as oxygen and methane, may be added to the groundwater as it flows in the well. A venturi transfer device may be used to supply the nutrients.

Abstract: An improved method of removing contaminants from gas or liquids is disclosed. The contaminated fluid is brought into contact with a zeolite. The zeolite is then transferred to a vessel containing a bacterial culture which is used to regenerate the zeolite.

Abstract: A bioconversion reactor for the anaerobic fermentation of organic material. The bioconversion reactor comprises a shell enclosing a predetermined volume, an inlet port through which a liquid stream containing organic materials enters the shell, and an outlet port through which the stream exits the shell. A series of vertical and spaced-apart baffles are positioned within the shell to force the stream to flow under and over them as it passes from the inlet to the outlet port. The baffles present a barrier to the microorganisms within the shell causing them to rise and fall within the reactor but to move horizontally at a very slow rate. Treatment detention times of one day or less are possible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for purifying an underground water supply containing halogenated aliphatic compounds by in-situ biodegradation of said compounds, comprising injecting water into an aquifer zone, the injected water containing an electron donor capable of being utilized by an indigenous population of microorganisms contained in the groundwater supply as a primary growth substrate, and an electron acceptor for oxidation of the primary substrate, by separate addition of electron donor and electron acceptor temporally or spatially to stimulate growth of the microorganisms and to distribute them throughout the aquifer zone to cause in-situ degradation of the halogenated aliphatic compounds by metabolic activity of the microorganisms.

Abstract: Liquid which has been partially clarified in the settling zone of a clarifier tank is channelled through a filtration compartment containing a buoyant particulate filtration media. The media particles are periodically agitated so that trapped solids are separated from the media and retained in the clarifier tank.