Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing and controlling a hazardous substance in a process of high-value biological conversion of an urban organic waste. The method includes: 1) mixing a sludge, a first urban organic waste and an organic acid with water for acclimation to obtain an acclimatized sludge; 2) stage 1 of biological conversion: mixing the acclimatized sludge with a second urban organic waste to perform anaerobic culture; 3) stage 2 of biological conversion: adding nitrate and bacteria to continue anaerobic culture so as to obtain an organic acid. In the present invention, sludge microbes are acclimatized and then added to high-value chemicals such as acetic acid, propanoic acid and lactic acid prepared in biological conversion of the urban organic waste and then added with bacteria. Thus, by controlling pH value, microbe addition amount and nitrate concentration, the unfavorable effect of the antibiotics and heavy metal ions.

Abstract: As an example embodiment, a system may detect water flow in a well water system and may responsively trigger a pump to inject a chlorinating substance into untreated water from the well. Further, the system may include a contact reservoir that allows the water and the chlorinating substance to combine. In this way, the chlorinating substance is drawn only when needed, but is given the opportunity to achieve time in solution with the untreated water. As a result, bacteria in untreated water may be dispatched, while other organic substances in the untreated water are given the opportunity to settle to the bottom of the contact reservoir. A static mixer may be used to mix the chlorinating substance and the untreated water prior to entering the contact reservoir and/or while in the contact reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a filter apparatus (1) for mechanically filtering a liquid (W). The filter apparatus (1) includes a filter chamber (5) for containing a plurality of filter elements (7) that form a filter pack (29) for filtering the liquid. The filter chamber (5) has a liquid inlet (12) and a liquid outlet (14). The filter apparatus (1) includes means for introducing air into the filter chamber (5) through one or more air inlets (25) to agitate the filter elements (7). The filter chamber (5) is substantially sealed and the air introducing means (22) may be configured to draw air into the filter chamber (5) as liquid is drained from said filter chamber (5). In certain embodiments, the filter chamber (5) may have a substantially constant profile or a substantially continuously tapered profile along its longitudinal axis (X-X). The present disclosure also relates to methods of filtering a liquid (W).

Abstract: An apparatus for wasting flocculant sludge from a clarifier is provided including a wasting pipe fluidly connectable to a waste conduit, a manifold fluidly connectable to the wasting pipe, an upper header for collecting the flocculant sludge fluidly connectable to the manifold, a return sludge pipe fluidly connectable to a return sludge well, a lower header for collecting settled sludge fluidly connectable to the return sludge pipe, and a drive mechanism for rotating the upper header and the lower header about a center axis. A wastewater treatment system is provided including the clarifier fluidly connectable to a source of a mixed liquor and the apparatus for wasting flocculant sludge. A method of separating settled sludge from a clarifier is provided including withdrawing flocculant sludge and withdrawing settled sludge. A method of retrofitting a clarifier is also provided including providing the manifold, the upper header, and the drive mechanism.

Abstract: Examples relate to devices, systems, and methods for collecting bodily waste as well as separating the liquids from the solids in the bodily waste. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein utilize a bodily waste separation device having an at least semi-rigid tray, a lid fluidly sealed to the at least semi-rigid tray, an output manifold fluidly sealed to the at least semi-rigid tray, an intake configured to fluidly connect the interior region of the at least semi-rigid tray to a source outside of the separation device, and a filter disposed between the at least semi-rigid tray and the output manifold.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides cassettes for use in automated cell engineering systems that include cell concentration filters for reducing fluid volume of a cell sample during or following automated processing. The disclosure also provides methods of concentrating a cell population, as well as automated cell engineering systems that can utilize the cassettes and carry out the methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to bio-electrochemical systems for the generation of methane from organic material and for reducing chemical oxygen demand and nitrogenous waste through denitrification. The invention further relates to an electrode for use in, and a system for, the adaptive control of bio-electrochemical systems as well as a fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a treatment process for a submerged lifting circulation type bio-membrane filter, wherein the treatment process comprises the following steps: two groups of symmetrically staggered filter curtains (2A and 2B) are adopted; the two groups of filter curtains (2A and 2B) are periodically lifted up and down in a reciprocating manner in a biofilter (1) under the action of a lifting mechanism (4), so that bio-membranes on the two groups of filter curtains (2A and 2B) are in contact with the atmosphere and sewage in turns, absorb organic matters in the sewage when lifting down for submerging, absorb oxygen when lifting up and exposing into to the atmosphere, and bring oxygen into the sewage and cause sewage turbulence in a water tank when lifting down for submerging again, so that the dissolved oxygen is uniformly distributed, thereby purifying the sewage.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of water, the method comprising the steps of anaerobic uptake and storage of at least a portion of the organic components in the water by a heterotrophic denitrifying biomass absorption of ammonium ions with an ammonium ion absorbent; and aerobic oxidation of the absorbed ammonium by a nitrifying biomass comprising ammonium oxidizing microorganisms, wherein the step of aerobic oxidation of the absorbed ammonium is preceded by the step of exposing at least a portion of the nitrifying biomass to atmospheric oxygen.

Abstract: A biological filler includes an embedding agent and an embedded complex. The embedded complex includes a scallop shell powder, 1,5-dihydroxyanthraquinone, and Thiobacillus denitrificans. The embedding agent includes a poly(vinyl alcohol)-sodium alginate blend membrane and a crosslinked composite membrane. The embedded complex is embedded by the embedded agent.

Abstract: Wastewater containing organic matter may be treated using a multi-zone apparatus. In a first zone, organic matter in the wastewater may, among other things, be converted to at least volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and, thereafter, a portion of the treated wastewater may flow to a second zone that may, among other things, convert the VFAs to methane.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system including a contact tank, a dissolved air flotation unit, a fermentation unit, and a biological treatment unit is disclosed. A method of retrofitting a wastewater treatment system by arranging the wastewater treatment system such that floated biosolids are fermented in an anerobic environment and fluidly connecting the biological treatment unit to receive at least a portion of the fermented solids is also disclosed. The method optionally includes providing a fermentation unit and fluidly connecting the fermentation unit to a biological treatment unit. A method of treating wastewater including combining the wastewater with activated sludge, floating biosolids from the activated wastewater, fermenting the floated biosolids, and biologically treating the effluent with the fermented solids is also disclosed. A method of facilitating delivery of soluble organic carbon to a biological treatment unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aerobic treatment system is disclosed herein in which an aerobic holding treatment tank, having an inlet adapted to receive wastewater and an outlet adapted to discharge treated wastewater therefrom, is in communication with an aeration pump having an inlet nozzle in communication with the aerobic holding treatment tank for providing a source of air to the contents of the aerobic holding treatment tank. The aerobic treatment system may further include a generation pump disposed below ground level and in fluid communication with the aerobic holding treatment tank. The generation pump is provided in fluid communication with a high pressure pump in fluid access with an evaporator fan and misting nozzle. The system may further include electronics to connect to grid power, backup electronics for connection to auxiliary power sources, and at least one solar collector for providing a source of electricity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting and treating wastewater (1) based on biodegradation-recombination-biodegradation process, comprising: a shell (1.1), the space inside the shell is divided into a first chamber (1.2) and a second chamber (1.3) by a divider wall (1.4), wherein: the first chamber (1.2) contains biological medium suitable for heterotrophic microorganisms growth; the second chamber (1.3) contains biological medium suitable for autotrophic microorganisms and heterotrophic microorganisms growth.

Abstract: As pellets grow from seed/sand in a fluidized bed pellent reactor, the weight of the reactor is measured and the density of the contents of the reactor is calculated, and the input flow of untreated water, water treatement chemical, and seed/sand are adjusted to provide improved removal of water hardness while reducing fine particulates in the outflow of softened water from the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for limiting the entrainment of solid particles placed inside a three-phase fluidized reactor, said device being constituted by an assembly of flat or truncated cone-shaped plates ranked vertically in one or more rows, and the maximum horizontal cross section area of the device being in the range 1 to 10 times the horizontal cross section area of the outlet pipework for the gas effluents. It also concerns a three-phase process employing said device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for removing antimicrobial material from a composition includes providing a container that contains a plurality of carbon elements such as granules, rocks and sheets. The carbon elements are submerged with a liquid and a composition that includes an antimicrobial material is deposited in the container. The carbon elements are configured to remove the antimicrobial material from the composition. The level of the liquid in the container is monitored and controlled to maintain a submerged condition of the carbon elements.

Abstract: A system and method to treat wastewater or non-potable water using a reactor that is perforated at its bottom arranged in a vessel at a depth. Air pressure from an air grid at a reactor bottom induces an uplift of liquid and media to move highly aerated liquid through the media, which provides surfaces for microbial attachment and growth. An alkali porous material is suspended in the upswelling liquid that dissolves to reduce acidity and balance the pH of the liquor. The upswell in the reactor is at a higher elevation than the vessel giving directional discharge outlets head or velocity creating stirring and mixing to an area surrounding the reactor. Interchange of mixed and unmixed liquor is provided via the bottom perforations. Provision is also made for unit to cycle off and on so that the media can decant and for solids to settle out of the treatment unit.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to the use of an upflow reactor for producing a dihydroxy compound, to a method for producing a dihydroxy compound, and to a method for manufacturing polycarbonate. The upflow reactor for producing a dihydroxy compound of the disclosure comprises: a vessel; a catalyst bed disposed in said vessel; a distributor in fluid communication with an inlet through which reactants are introduced to said distributor, said distributor being disposed at a lower end of said vessel and comprising distributor perforation(s) disposed in said distributor, at least part of which distributor perforations are in a direction facing away from said catalyst bed; and a collector through which said product dihydroxy compound is removed, said collector being disposed at an upper end of said vessel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable wastewater treatment system includes an anaerobic reactor in which organic material within the wastewater can be broken down, a membrane filter that receives wastewater from the anaerobic reactor and filters the water to produce permeate, and a small shipping container in which the reactor and the membrane filter are contained.

Abstract: Anaerobic digestion apparatus comprises a first chamber for retaining organic matter before and/or during anaerobic digestion and a second chamber for retaining organic matter during anaerobic digestion. The anaerobic digestion apparatus is configured to refrigerate or heat the first chamber to suppress methanogenesis in the first chamber. The anaerobic digestion apparatus comprises a controller programmed to regulate the anaerobic digestion process and to thereby reduce system perturbations. The flow of organic matter to the second chamber where methanogenesis is regulated. There is disclosed an inoculum for anaerobic digestion comprising Acetobacterium woodii and Methanosaeta concilii.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dehydrogenation tank. An atomization spray is disposed at the center of the upper part of the dehydrogenation tank, and flow stirring modules used for stirring a flowing solution are respectively disposed at the middle and the bottom of the dehydrogenation tank. Each of the two flow stirring modules includes at least two layers of flow stirring meshes. By means of disposing the atomizing spray and the flow stirring modules in the dehydrogenation tank, the TRO solution flowing into the dehydrogenation tank are fully stirred, so that hydrogen gas mixed with the TRO solution is able to diffuse out fully and rapidly, thereby increasing dehydrogenation efficiency as well as reducing volume of the dehydrogenation tank. In addition, the present invention also provides a ballast water treatment system having the dehydrogenation tank.

Abstract: A sewage treatment system, includes a solid-liquid separating apparatus having a first filtering medium packed layer packed with a predetermined filtering medium, configured to separate sewage to be treated into solid components and filtered water by passing the sewage through the first filtering medium packed layer upward, and configured to reversely wash the first filtering medium packed layer by passing the filtered water through the first filtering medium packed layer downward at a predetermining timing; and a trickling filter installed on a latter stage of the solid-liquid separating apparatus, having a second filtering medium packed layer packed with a filtering medium attached with microorganisms, and configured to allow the filtered water to fall into the second filtering medium packed layer by trickling the filtered water onto an upper part of the second filtering medium packed layer to flow out treated water acquired by biotreating the filtered water by the microorganisms.

Abstract: Compositions and methods and apparatus for growth and maintenance of microorganisms and/or bioprocesses using one or more gases as electron donors, electron acceptors, carbon sources, or other nutrients, and for a bioprocess that converts hydrogen and carbon dioxide, or syngas, or producer gas into lipid products, bio-based oils, or other biochemical products.

Abstract: One or more new, or existing, or modified, open bottom bio-remediation reactors R are contained within a commercial, industrial, or municipal waste water aeration treatment facility or tank directly above existing and/or new stand-alone diffusers located on the bottom of the facility or tank. The reactors R increase solubility of air and/or oxygen in water, increase energy efficiency, increase through put of treated waste water, and improve bio-remediation of the waste water. Also, a tube reactor having no packing substrates in a non-tube area is described.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for sewage deep denitrification with high pollutant carrying capacity and low energy consumption and a method for running the same, characterized in that: the apparatus mainly includes a settling tank, an electrodialysis device, a pH adjusting tank, a first chemical storage tank, a biofilter, a second chemical storage tank, a redox potential measuring device, a backwash pump, and a clean water tank, wherein the biofilter is provided with a gas collecting device, an uniform water distributor, a first filter bed, a second filter bed, a third filter bed, and a fourth filter bed sequentially from up to down, a second dosing port is arranged underneath the second filter bed, and the second chemical storage tank is communicated to the second dosing port respectively through a first flow path and a second flow path.

Abstract: Microbial growth of at least one microorganism may be decreased, prevented, and/or inhibited in a fluid by providing ultrasonic waves to the fluid. In an optional non-limiting embodiment, an amount of at least one gas may be provided to the fluid for further decreasing the microbial population, preventing microbial growth, and/or inhibiting microbial growth. In another non-limiting embodiment, the fluid may be a downhole fluid, such as but not limited to, drilling fluids, completion fluids, production fluids, injection fluids, stimulation fluids, refinery fluids, servicing fluids, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the fluid or downhole fluid may have a temperature ranging from about 25 C to about 100 C.

Abstract: System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.

Abstract: The invention comprises an activated sludge treatment system and process that aerates wastewater undergoing treatment using venturis.

Abstract: Methods of treating a high suspended solids liquor having a waste stream and a suspended solids content including powdered activated carbon and biological material by contacting the high suspended solids liquor with a membrane unit are disclosed. Methods of treating a waste stream by combining the waste stream with powdered activated carbon and biological material to produce the high suspended solids liquor and contacting the high suspended solids liquor with a membrane unit are also disclosed. Treatment systems including a membrane unit fluidly connected to a source of a high suspended solids liquor are disclosed. Treatment systems including a bioreactor fluidly connected to a source of a waste stream and a membrane unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bioreactor for treating sewage comprising an aerobic tank including a mixing cell for receiving sewage to be supplied from an inlet and mixing the sewage with activated sludge and an aerobic reactor tank in which the activated sludge adsorbs organic substance existing in the sewage; a backwashing cartridge filter for removing floc resulting from growth of the activated sludge adsorbing the organic substance; and an anaerobic tank for carrying out a denitrification process for denitrifying treated water flowed through the backwashing cartridge filter using anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria wherein the backwashing cartridge filter allows the sewage discharged from the aerobic tank to pass through the cartridge filter and separates the floc and the treated water using difference in size between the floc contained in the sewage and pores in the cartridge filter, and wherein foreign matter adsorbed on the cartridge filter is easily removed by means of washing water to be injected into

Abstract: Method for treating water comprising: a step for putting said water into contact with an adsorbent powdery material in a concentration of 0.1 to 5 g/L in a membrane reactor containing at least one submerged filtration membrane; a step of filtration by submerged membrane of said water containing said adsorbent powdery material in said membrane reactor, said membrane being at least partly constituted by an organic material; characterized in that it includes steps aimed at limiting the abrasion of said at least one submerged membrane by said adsorbent powdery material, said steps consisting in: putting said water containing said adsorbent powdery material into contact, in said membrane reactor, with a particulate polymer material constituted by particles in a concentration of 1 g/L to 10 g/L, said particles having an average diameter of 1 mm to 5 mm and a density of 1.05 to 1.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wastewater treatment plant and a method for it. The plant comprising at least one main reactor module (30) having a plurality of stackable filter-modules (50), each filter-module purifying wastewater independently by being individually charged batchwise with wastewater. The wastewater is discharged on each filter-module by means of a deflector (44) referenced to a filter-module (50), the deflector creating a back pressure in dependency of the gravity-flow-force of the wastewater leading to that the wastewater is spilled from the deflector (44) in an angle of discharge relative to a horizontal plane evenly onto every independent filter-module, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ternary sewage treatment method integrating microbial fuel cells with anaerobic acidification and forward osmosis membrane, and belongs to the technical field of sewage treatment. The method of the invention comprises the following steps: Sewage is driven into the anaerobic acidification device for mixture with the NaOH solution. The mixed liquid enters into the MFC for converting the enriched organics to bioelectricity and then flows back to the anaerobic acidification device. A part of the mixed liquid passes through the MF membrane module to form effluent and enters into the sedimentation basin for phosphate removal and finally passes through activated carbon adsorption column, another part passes through the FO membrane module to form effluent and obtain high quality recycled water after the RO membrane processing. The method is a new coupled model of FO membrane and MFC and it provide a ternary combined technique integrating MFCs with anaerobic acidification and FO membrane.

Abstract: There is disclosed a desalinization apparatus, and methods related to desalinization. In an embodiment, a desalinization apparatus includes at least one port for receiving airflow therethrough, at least one port for receiving salt water therethrough, at least one output for providing outflow of pure water vapor, and at least one output for proving outflow of a mixture of water, salt and air; and a plurality of chambers for evaporating the salt water into the airflow, at least one of the chambers forming a plurality of ports arranged in a plurality of rows. In an embodiment, a method includes providing airflow to a desalinization apparatus; providing salt water to the desalinization apparatus; forming a vortex in the airflow to evaporate water vapor from the salt water; and providing the water vapor in the airflow to a condenser so as to obtain pure water.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for relieving surface-layer clogging of a denitrification deep-bed filter and a method for running the same, which belongs to the field of sewage treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing element for a structured packing including at least two adjacent corrugated sheets, wherein each of the corrugated sheets has a plurality of alternately oriented peaks and troughs, wherein adjacent corrugated sheets are oriented such that the corrugations of the adjacent corrugated sheets intersect in crisscross fashion with the corrugations of the corrugated sheets extending obliquely relative to the vertical direction, wherein each corrugated sheet contacts each of the adjacent corrugated sheets at points of intersection between the corrugations of the corrugated sheet and those of the adjacent corrugated sheets, wherein all corrugated sheets are tied together by means of at least one rod, wherein the at least one rod penetrates the corrugated sheets perpendicularly to the longitudinal section of the corrugated sheets, wherein on the at least one rod before the first corrugated sheet of the packing element and/or after the last corrugated sheet of the packing eleme

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater is disclosed in which a flow equalization reactor is provided that includes at least one wastewater treatment zone. A first wastewater treatment process is performed in the at least one wastewater treatment zone, which can be switched to a second wastewater treatment process. The flow equalization reactor is designed with a variable liquid depth and volume that can operated as a mixed wastewater zone, an anaerobic reactor zone, an anoxic reactor zone or an aerobic reactor zone. The equalization reactor provides sufficient variable liquid depth and volume above a minimum liquid depth and residual volume to provide the necessary hydraulic flow equalization or surge volume to achieve a relatively constant effluent pumping rate or feed forward flow rate over 24 hours per day, seven days per week into the downstream biological treatment processes, clarifiers, filters, or disinfection units, etc.

Abstract: An aquarium filtration and algae control system, for use with an aquarium containing a quantity of water, having a housing having a growth chamber and an overflow part. The growth chamber includes at least two cells separated by at least one photocontactor wall. Water from the aquarium is sprayed into each of the cells to create circuitous high velocity water flow and each cell and each photocontactor wall is illuminated by a high intensity light source to promote diatom algae growth within the growth chamber and thereby prevent undesirable algae growth elsewhere in the aquarium.

Abstract: A gas separation module and assembly for housing ceramic tubular membranes. The module includes a plurality of tubes containing the ceramic tubular membranes. The tubes are arranged parallel to one another and are supported by tube sheet plates at each end. Gas-tight seals surround each membrane, preventing a feed gas and a residue gas within the inner lumen of the membrane from mixing with a permeate gas in the tube interior. The module also contains a gas distribution pipe for withdrawing the permeate gas out of, or introducing a sweep gas into, the module. This configuration allows for ceramic tubular membranes to be modularized for use in an assembly that carries out many types of gas separations.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an algal system for improving water quality through the use of algae. In example embodiments, the algal system comprises an elongate device including algae enclosed therein and capable of reducing at least the levels of nitrates and phosphates in water directed through the device. The algae may be capable of also reducing E. coli bacteria, other bacteria, and viruses in the water. Preferably, the algae comprises a filamentous green algae, including without limitation, Spirogyra grevilleana algae. In one example embodiment, the algal system comprises an elongate device and an elongate cartridge that is pre-configured to treat certain chemical compounds, bacteria, and viruses, and certain other characteristics of water. The cartridge is delivered to the site where the water is to be treated and installed in the field, possibly replacing an existing cartridge. After use, algae may be processed into biofuel.

Abstract: A method for biologically treating effluent involves pouring the effluent into a basin in which mobile supports are submerged for developing a biofilm and for carrying out a treatment by fixed fluidized bed, aerating the effluent in the basin with a distribution of air flow, from the bottom of the basin, according to a floor configuration, the aeration supplying air for treating the nutrients, and keeping the supports moving, regulating the aeration to modulate the air flow depending on at least one parameter taken from the following parameters: the residual oxygen concentration, and/or the concentration of oxygen and the concentration of N—NH4, and/or the permitted load; modifying the distribution of the air supply from the floor configuration to a spiral flow configuration when the operating conditions result in an air flow lower than a minimum air flow required to keep the mobile supports moving in the floor configuration.

Abstract: A wastewater disposal method using a two-way oxygen supply horizontal-flow biofilm includes a carrier that is formed of a permeable material so that oxygen is supplied to the biofilm from the bottom layer of the biofilm adjacent to the surface of the carrier, so as to achieve a mode of simultaneously supplying oxygen from the surface layer and the bottom layer of the biofilm. Wastewater disposal equipment using a two-way oxygen supply horizontal-flow biofilm includes a water intake system, a reaction system and a water discharge system.

Abstract: A process for removing sulphide from an aqueous solution comprising sulphide is disclosed, in which the aqueous solution is subjected to sulphide-oxidizing bacteria in the presence of oxygen in a reactor to oxidize sulphide to elemental sulphur. According to the process, a molecular-oxygen containing gas is supplied to a reactor containing the sulphide-oxidizing bacteria in an aqueous medium, such that one or more aerated zones and one or more non-aerated zones are created in the aqueous medium with upward liquid flow in the aerated zones and downward liquid flow in the non-aerated zones; and a feed stream of the aqueous solution comprising sulphide is injected into the reactor in the one or more non-aerated zones, wherein the one or more aerated zone(s) are not separated from the one or more non-aerated zone(s) by means of vertically extending reactor internal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating wastewater by means of photosynthetically active algae that form a sediment in the resting state, comprising the following steps: a) supplying wastewater to photosynthetically active algae that form a sediment in the resting state, b) conveying the wastewater supplied to the algae against gravity from a lower level to a higher level while simultaneously exposing the wastewater mixed with the algae to light, c) introducing the wastewater supplied to the algae from the higher level into the upper region of a sedimentation tank, d) allowing the algae to sediment in the sedimentation tank, and e) removing the wastewater freed of the algae by sedimentation as treated wastewater.

Abstract: An algal growth system can include a frame and a flexible sheet material that can have a substantially vertical orientation, where the flexible sheet material can facilitate the growth and attachment of algae, where the flexible sheet material can be supported by the frame.

Abstract: This method improves and controls ex-situ or in-situ, aerobic or anaerobic digestion of organic materials and toxic or damaging compounds through increased control of multiple chemical and biological settings and conditions. The ability to control flow, natural processes, and biological activity, while adjusting to individual site conditions, offer many opportunities to modify results. Large quantities of modified or adjusted organisms are developed and utilized. Identification and strategic manipulation of the multiple elements of the system result in performance modifications. Energy is utilized to manipulate characteristics of a natural degradation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus that treats waste water, in particular waste water containing surfactants and including grey water, for local reuse. According to the invention, the process comprises a) collecting waste water in a reservoir; b) injecting gas into waste water from the reservoir to form bubbles in the waste water; c) separating the bubbles, and any entrained contaminants, from the waste water; d) drying the separated bubbles and returning any water recovered from the dried bubbles to the waste water undergoing treatment; e) optionally repeating steps b) to d) to achieve the desired purification of the waste water; and f) collecting the purified waste water. The invention provides a robust process and a mechanically simple apparatus that does not require regular replacement of chemicals or filters, yet is capable of treating waste water locally, and in particular grey water for household reuse.

Abstract: A method of removing particulate silicon from an effluent water in accordance with various embodiments may include: adding a base to the effluent water, an amount of the added base being sub-stoichiometric with regard to a basic oxidation reaction of an entire amount of silicon contained in the effluent water to ortho-silicic acid or ortho-silicate ions; maintaining a resulting mixture of the effluent water and the base in a predetermined temperature range for a period of time, so that a sediment including silicon is formed; and separating the sediment and the effluent water from each other.

Abstract: A bioreactor can include a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell can include a floor configured to support a volume of liquid, the floor being symmetric across at least one axis of symmetry, and an injection port oriented at a center point of at least one axis of symmetry and configured to inject a fluid into the volume of liquid. The bioreactor can also include a peripheral side wall surrounding the plurality of unit cells such that the volume of liquid is retained in the bioreactor.