Abstract: A novel series of compositions with aqueous chemicals decontamination activity and their uses is described. The preparation of esters of fatty acids with polyols that contain lactic acid is also described. These novel compositions release hydroxy acid and fatty acids slowly into water providing activity over long periods of time with the compounds exhibiting biodegradable characteristics and aiding in the biodegradation of contaminants.

Abstract: A process for treating high sulfur coal to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions when the coal is burned, which includes placing the coal in an aqueous basic soluble media saturated with a calcium salt which is pressurized with carbon dioxide. The pressure is then released to fracture the coal, and the aqueous fluids are substantially removed from the fractured coal by drying. A magnetic field is applied to the fractured coal to orient the calcium ions and to distribute the ions more uniformly on the fractured coal. The distributed calcium produces calcium sulfate when the coal is burned.

Abstract: The preparation of sucrose esters of Formula I (RZnX) are described and their use as environmentally friendly antifungal compounds where R is and X is selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, and R.

Abstract: The treatment of contaminated waters or soils by an oxidizing agent and a catalyst is described. The addition of silica as a catalyst to an oxidizing agent with or without an additional metal catalyst showed a greater remediation effect. Subsequent normal bacterial processes are unimpeded since the treatment process does not leave residual chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to series of compounds with aqueous metal decontamination activity and their uses in removing metals from aqueous media. The compounds are esters of organic acids or alcohols with polyols that contain a sulfhydral group (—SH). The compounds release sulfhydral slowly into the water providing activity over extended periods of time and exhibit biodegradable characteristics. The compounds may be used to remediate aqueous media.

Abstract: A novel method for measuring the oxidation-reduction potential of a solution is described using an indicator dye which changes electromagnetic absorbance over a range of oxidation-reduction potential.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments provide for a family of novel compositions to serve as substrates that release hydroxy acid slowly over time. Preferably the hydroxy acid is an ?-hydroxy acid, more preferably it is lactic acid. The compositions are preferably made by reaction of poly(lactic acid) with multifunctional alcohols. Also disclosed are formulations based on the compounds and methods of use for both the compositions and the formulations. The preferred use of the compositions and formulations is for bioremediation purposes wherein they provide a time-release source of lactic acid to support the growth and reductive activity of microbes present in a system or medium, such as an aquifer, bioreactor, soil, industrial process, wastestream, body of water, river or well. The microbes destroy or inactivate compounds which are capable of being reduced, such as nitrogen-containing organic compounds, oxygen-containing organic compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and halogen-containing organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to series of compounds with aqueous metal decontamination activity and their uses in removing metals from aqueous media. The compounds are esters of organic acids or alcohols with polyols that contain a sulfhydral group (—SH). The compounds release sulfhydral slowly into the water providing activity over extended periods of time and exhibit biodegradable characteristics. The compounds may be used to remediate aqueous media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of chromatographically separating a material comprising a mixture of sugars, primarily xylose and glucose, into separate streams, one enriched in glucose and another enriched in xylose. In one preferred embodiment, the sugar mixture is obtained from the strong acid hydrolysis of cellulosic and hemicellulosic materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to series of compounds with aqueous metal decontamination activity and their uses in removing metals from aqueous media. The compounds are esters of organic acids or alcohols with polyols that contain a sulfhydral group (—SH). The compounds release sulfhydral slowly into the water providing activity over extended periods of time and exhibit biodegradable characteristics. The compounds may be used to remediate aqueous media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions with aqueous metal or chlorinated hydrocarbon decontamination activity and their uses in removing metals or chlorinated hydrocarbons from aqueous media or soil. The compounds contain a sulfhydral group (—SH). The compounds release sulfhydral slowly into the water providing activity over extended periods of time and exhibit biodegradable characteristics. The compounds may be used to remediate aqueous media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally acceptable synthesis method of polyol esters that produces no toxic by-products methods during the synthesis and the resultant esters are environmentally friendly insecticides. The present invention also provides for the use of these esters in a mixture as safe effective insecticides.

Abstract: A process is described that removes by oxidation the excess ammonia (NH3) gas from flue gases that have been subjected to selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by ammonia injection. Methods for the removal of residual ammonia from flue gases prior to deposition on fly ash are discussed.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments provide for a family of novel compositions to serve as substrates that release hydroxy acid slowly over time. Preferably the hydroxy acid is an &agr;-hydroxy acid, more preferably it is lactic acid. The compositions are preferably made by reaction of poly(lactic acid) with multifunctional alcohols. Also disclosed are formulations based on the compounds and methods of use for both the compositions and the formulations. The preferred use of the compositions and formulations is for bioremediation purposes wherein they provide a time-release source of lactic acid to support the growth and reductive activity of microbes present in a system or medium, such as an aquifer, bioreactor, soil, industrial process, wastestream, body of water, river or well. The microbes destroy or inactivate compounds which are capable of being reduced, such as nitrogen-containing organic compounds, oxygen-containing organic compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and halogen-containing organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process of using agricultural biomass to make particle or fiberboards. The preferred biomass is selected with high cellulose and hemicellulose concentration and low silica content. The process utilizes short refining time and low steam pressure.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of gold and the platinum group metals from sources that contain relatively low amounts of the metals is described. The process is environmentally acceptable and uses no expensive and potentially dangerous organic solvents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally acceptable synthesis method of polyol esters that produces no toxic by-products methods during the synthesis and the resultant esters are environmentally friendly insecticides. The present invention also provides for the use of these esters in a mixture as safe effective insecticides.

Abstract: An acoustic viscometer and method for determining both the kinematic viscosity and the intrinsic viscosity of a liquid which includes an acoustic wave generator, a transmitting piezoelectric transducer, a receiving piezoelectric transducer, and a phase-shift detector. The transmitting piezoelectric transducer is positioned so as to be in contact with the liquid and is operably connected to the acoustic wave generator. The transmitting piezoelectric transducer propagates a longitudinal wave of known frequency through the liquid. The receiving piezoelectric transducer is spaced apart from the transmitting piezoelectric transducer and detects the longitudinal wave and a corresponding shear wave propagated through the liquid.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of gold and the platinum group metals from sources that contain relatively low amounts of the metals is described. The process is environmentally acceptable and uses no expensive and potentially dangerous organic solvents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally acceptable synthesis method of polyol esters that produces no toxic by-products methods during the synthesis. The present invention also provides for the use of these esters as safe and effective insecticides.