Abstract: The white rot fungus Scytinostroma galactinum strain F361 and mutants thereof are particularly effective in selectively grading the lignin component of lignin-containing materials, particularly processed wood pulps including chemical pulps, and also particularly effective in degrading lignin degradation products such as chlorinated degraded lignin by-products as found, for example, in E-1 effluents, and also in degrading chlorine-containing aromatic compounds generally as found in aqueous waste streams containing the same.

Abstract: A method is described for inhibiting the production of acid mine drainage from the disposal of sulphide tailings and waste rock deposition during mining and milling of sulphide containing ores, which comprises adding to said sulphide tailings or waste rock deposition an effective amount of 2-mercapto-1-methyl imidazole or a 1,3,4-thiadiazole selected from the group consisting of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole and 5-amino-2-thiol-1,3,4-thiadiazole to inhibit oxidation of sulphides and thereby prevent the formation of acid mine drainage.

Abstract: The white rot fungus Scytinostroma galactinum strain F361 and mutants thereof are particularly effective in selectively grading the lignin component of lignin-containing materials, particularly processed wood pulps including chemical pulps, and also particularly effective in degrading lignin degradation products such as chlorinated degraded lignin by-products as found, for example, in E-1 effluents, and also in degrading chlorine-containing aromatic compounds generally as found in aqueous waste streams containing the same.

Abstract: Generation of Fe.sup.+2 for water treatment and treatment process using a microbe capable of converting Fe.sup.+3 to Fe.sup.+2 wherein the microbe is selected from ATCC 55339.

Abstract: A photocatalyst comprising inorganic porous particles having photosemiconductor particles deposited on at least a part of the surfaces and at least a part of the walls of the pores of the particles, and a photocatalyst comprising inorganic porous particles having photosemiconductor particles and microorganisms possessing water purification activity deposited on at least a part of the surfaces and at least a part of the walls of the pores of the particles are disclosed. The photocatalysts have a stable photocatalytic function for an extended period of time and easy separability from the treated water system so that it is useful for various photocatalytic reactions. Particularly they can be effectively used in water purification, and allow annihilation of harmful organisms such as algae, fungi and bacteria, decomposition of deleterious materials, as well as deodorization and decoloration to be conveniently and easily accomplished.

Abstract: A method for eliminating used aqueous degreasing or cleaning solutions in a closed rinsing system where the contaminated solution with its impurities and other agents is rinsed off the surfaces of the cleaned goods and organic matter including tensides is degraded by microorganisms contained within the rinse system. Further, a method for cleaning goods is provided which comprises cleaning these goods in a cleaning or degreasing system (either conventional or biologically active) followed by rinsing them in a closed system wherein during the rinsing step the cleaning solution and impurities are rinsed off the surfaces of the goods and organic matter including tensides is degraded by microorganisms contained within the rinse system. Finally spent degreasing and cleaning solution can be fed into the rinse bath where organic matter, contained in the solution, is degraded by the microorganisms, thus reducing the liquid waste load.

Abstract: A method for reducing the viscosity of viscous petroleum liquids, such as heavy crude oil and bitumen, is disclosed. The method is appropriate for use with viscous petroleum liquids that contain sulfur-bearing heterocycles, the physicochemical properties of the heterocycles contributing significantly to the viscosity of the liquid. The method comprises contacting the viscous petroleum liquid with a biocatalyst that converts sulfur-bearing heterocycles into molecules that lack physicochemical properties condusive to viscosity. The biocatalyst works in a sulfur-specific manner, such that the sulfur-bearing heterocycle is altered at the sulfur heteroatom thereof. Through biocatalysis, carbon-sulfur bonds are cleaved and/or polar substituents such as hydroxyl groups are joined to the sulfur heteroatom, the hydrocarbon framework of the sulfur-bearing heterocycle, or both. Preferred biocatalysts for viscosity reduction include preparations of Rhodococcus rhodochrous ATCC No.

Abstract: A process for degrading volatile organic contaminants such as trichloroethylene. and remediating volatile organic contaminant contaminated media using trichloroethylene induced toluene monooxygenase activity in Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1 is described.

Abstract: A method for controlling and/or optimising a process in which a biological system comprising mixed cultures of microorganisms, biodegradable material, one or more biogenic fluorophores and optionally other soluble and/or insoluble and/or suspended substances in an aqueous environment is subjected to one or several separation processes and/or to chemical reactions and/or to biological treatment so as to obtain as a final product purified water which has a substantially lower content of biodegradable matter than the biological system, which method comprises monitoring the microbiological activity of the biological system and/or fluctuations thereof by on-line measurement of fluorescent emission and/or variations therein for at least one of the fluorophores in the system when irradiated with light and controlling one or several parameters of the process by using results from the measurement as measured variable(s) in an on-line automatisation system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated method for the desulfurization and desalting of a fossil fuel, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a fossil fuel with; (i) a sufficient amount of an aqueous solution capable of depleting the fossil fuel of forms of water soluble salt contaminants; and (ii) an effective amount of a biocatalyst capable of depleting the fossil fuel of forms of sulfur-bearing organic molecules; (b) incubating the above mixture whereby; (i) the fossil fuel is significantly depleted of forms of water soluble salt contaminants; and (ii) the biocatalytic agent selectively catalyzes carbon-sulfur bonds in sulfur-bearing organic molecules generating a significant amount of water-soluble inorganic sulfur molecules; both reactions occurring without depleting the fossil fuel of combustible organic molecules; and (c) separating the aqueous component from the fossil fuel component, the fossil fuel now being significantly reduced in sulfur and salt contamination and the aqueous component now being

Abstract: Water containing an inorganic nitrogen-containing compound, such as water effluent from sewage treatment plant, is treated for the removal of the nitrogen-containing compound and for the production of hydrocarbons by proliferating microalga capable of consuming the nitrogen-containing compound and of producing the hydrocarbons as an intracellular product. After adjusting the water content, the resulting culture containing the proliferated microalga and clean water is heated at a high temperature and a high pressure to liberate the hydrocarbon from the microalga. The hydrocarbon is subsequently recovered by solvent extraction.

Abstract: A continuous cyclic process for desulfurizing a petroleum liquid which contains organic sulfur molecules, a significant portion of which are comprised of sulfur-bearing heterocycles. This process involves oxygenating the petroleum liquid and treating it with a biocatalyst capable of catalyzing the sulfur-specific oxidative cleavage of organic carbon-sulfur bonds in sulfur-bearing aromatic heterocyclic molecules such as dibenzothiophene. a particularly preferred biocatalyst is a culture of mutant Rhodococcous rhodocrous bacteria, ATCC No. 53968. In the present process, the activity of this biocatalyst is regenerated; it can be used for many cycles of treatment. A system for conducting the continuous cyclic process of biocatalytic desulfurization of petroleum liquids is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stabilized dust-free powdered enzyme/bacterial fermentation product is provided for readily treating drains, septic tanks, distribution boxes, holding tanks, drain fields, sewer lines, dry wells, grease traps, compost heaps, and garbage disposals. The stabilized powdered formulation effectively digests and liquifies most organic wastes flushed into on-site waste disposal systems. The environmentally attractive product can also be used for regular periodic sludge pumpouts. The waste-digesting composition can include: enzymes, enzyme preservatives, enzyme activators, nonpathogenic aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, bacterial nutrients, buffers, emulsifiers, and heavy metal scavengers. In a preferred embodiment the composition contains multiple enzymes having less than 26% by weight of the total weight of the composition, and specifically 0.1% to 15% protease, 0.1% to 15% amylase, 0.1% to 15% cellulase, 0.1% to 15% lipase, 0.1% to 15% Bacillus species, 0.

Abstract: A strain of the bacterium Actinomyces viscosus ATCC-55473 has been discovered, which is able to reductively dechlorinate pentachlorophenol to lesser chlorinated products under anaerobic conditions without the formation of toxic intermediates. Compositions of the bacterium provide a methodology for bioremediation of chemically contaminated sites as an alternative to existing methods which are expensive and environmentally disruptive.

Abstract: A process for preparing a 1,3-propanediol-based polyester comprises contacting an aqueous stream containing acrolein byproduct with a base for a time effective to reduce the acrolein content of the aqueous stream. In a specific embodiment, a poly(propylene terephthalate) preparation process comprises the steps of:(a) contacting 1,3-propanediol and terephthalic acid at elevated temperature to produce a reaction product mixture comprising a poly(propylene terephthalate) and an aqueous solution comprising acrolein;(b) removing a major portion of the aqueous solution from said reaction product mixture;(c) adding a sufficient quantity of a base to the aqueous solution to form a basic solution having a pH greater than about 7.5 and maintaining the basic solution for a time effective to lower the acrolein content thereof;(d) optionally, diluting the basic solution with water; and(e) optionally, biotreating the dilute basic solution for a time effective to further lower the acrolein content.

Abstract: A method for degrading coal tar, coal tar distillation fractions, and organic compounds specifically those compounds having three or more fused rings, of the type often associated with coal tar, whether derived from coal tar or synthesized independently. According to the present invention degradation takes place by means of the nonspecific degradation reaction used by Phanerochaete chrysoporium to degrade lignin. The degradation reaction occurs in part by means of a lignin degrading enzyme and hydrogen peroxide, both produced by Phanerochaete chrysoporium.

Abstract: A method and process for the degradation of tributyl phosphate in an organic waste mixture and a biologically pure, novel bacteria culture for accomplishing the same. A newly-discovered bacteria (a strain of Acinetobacter sp. ATCC 55587) is provided which is combined in a reactor vessel with a liquid waste mixture containing tributyl phosphate and one or more organic waste compounds capable of functioning as growth substrates for the bacteria. The bacteria is thereafter allowed to incubate within the waste mixture. As a result, the tributyl phosphate and organic compounds within the waste mixture are metabolized (degraded) by the bacteria, thereby eliminating such materials which are environmentally hazardous. In addition, the bacteria is capable of degrading waste mixtures containing high quantities of tributyl phosphate (e.g. up to about 1.0% by weight tributyl phosphate).

Abstract: A liquid drain opener formulation which comprises a stable suspension of viable microorganisms, a surfactant, and a preservative all contained in an aqueous medium and having a pH in the range of about 3 to 10.

Abstract: An electrode consists of a cathode matrix material and a biocatalyst immobilized on the matrix material. A water under treatment is treated by disposing the electrode as a cathode and an anode opposed thereto in the water, and applying an electric current between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated method for the desulfurization and desalting of a fossil fuel, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a fossil fuel with; (i) a sufficient amount of an aqueous solution capable of depleting the fossil fuel of forms of water soluble salt contaminants; and (ii) an effective amount of a biocatalyst capable of depleting the fossil fuel of forms of sulfur-bearing organic molecules; (b) incubating the above mixture whereby; (i) the fossil fuel is significantly depleted of forms of water soluble salt contaminants; and (ii) the biocatalytic agent selectively catalyzes carbon-sulfur bonds in sulfur-bearing organic molecules generating a significant amount of water-soluble inorganic sulfur molecules; both reactions occurring without depleting the fossil fuel of combustible organic molecules; and (c) separating the aqueous component from the fossil fuel component, the fossil fuel now being significantly reduced in sulfur and salt contamination and the aqueous component now being

Abstract: A process for the removal of sulphur compounds from a gaseous effluent, comprising the steps of: a) contacting the gaseous effluent with an aqueous solution wherein sulphur compounds are dissolved; b) adjusting the concentration of buffering compounds such as carbonate and/or bicarbonate and/or phosphate in the aqueous solution to a value between 20 and 2000 meq/l; c) subjecting the aqueous solution containing sulphide to sulphide-oxidizing bacteria in the presence of oxygen in a reactor wherein sulphide is oxidized to elemental sulphur; d) separating elemental sulphur from the aqueous solution; and e) recycling the aqueous solution to step a). This process is suitable for removing H.sub.2 S from biogas, ventilation air etc. It can be used for removing SO.sub.2 from combustion gases by introducing the additional step, after step a) and before step c), of subjecting the aqueous solution containing the sulphur compounds to a reduction of the sulphur compounds to sulphide. H.sub.2 S and SO.sub.

Abstract: A method for bioremediation of hazardous wastes is disclosed. The method can be used for anaerobic treatment of a liquid or slurry hazardous waste stream (e.g., industrial wastewater or sludge) or for treatment of contaminated groundwater. Removal of halogenated (e.g., chlorinated) hydrocarbons, such as tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane and similar xenobiotics is possible. The method involves biotransformation of (dehalogenation) halogenated hydrocarbons by means of natural methanogenic bacteria, Methanosarcina barkeri strain 227 and/or Methanosarcina vacuolata. These methanogens can accomplish cometabolism of chlorinated hydrocarbons during metabolism of a primary substrate such as hydrogen-carbon dioxide, methanol, methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine and acetate. Reductive dechlorination, energy conservation and control of air pollution are accomplished.

Abstract: A method of controlling hydrocarbon contamination at a zone of contaminant concentration that includes determining the locus of contamination; and dispersing into the locus a substance that reacts with the hydrocarbon to produce CO.sub.2 and water to thereby decontaminate the locus; the dispersing including concentrating the substance in a porous zone, and forcing fluid under pressure into and through that zone to entrain and carry the substance to the contamination locus.

Abstract: A method and system for the biological disposal of oxalate is described in which a biological reactor having an alkalophilic oxalate-degrading aerobic micro-organism in aqueous solution is employed. The biological reactor comprises a vessel containing the aqueous solution and having an input for receiving dissolved oxalate from a dissolver tank. Sodium oxalate, as a by-product or the Bayer process in an alumina refinery, can be introduced into the dissolver tank in solid form together with trace elements and nutrients for biological growth. The system operates as a continuous feed process with dissolved oxalate being pumped from the dissolver tank into the biological reactor vessel continuously in a controlled manner. The biological reactor further comprises an aerator, including an oxygen probe for monitoring the level of dissolved oxygen in solution.

Abstract: A process for converting lipid-containing bacterial capsular polysaccharide, such as lipo-polyribosyl ribitol phosphate, lipo-PRP, into lipid-free, endotoxin-free polysaccharide, such as polyribosyl ribitol phosphate, PRP, by solubilizing polysaccharide-containing powder derived from culture media of bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae type b, cleaving covalently bound fatty acids from the polysaccharide, and removing the lipids, and endotoxin.

Abstract: A high rate multi-stage bubble separation process is developed for: (a) initially generating coarse gas bubbles with diameters greater than 80 microns in turbulent hydraulic condition to mix an influent water with chemicals, enzymes, microorganisms, or combinations thereof, to produce chemical flocs, biological flocs or both, and to strip volatile contaminants from water; (b) subsequently terminating coarse gas bubbles and generating extremely fine gas bubbles with diameters smaller than 80 microns in laminar hydraulic condition to float suspended, oily and surface-active contaminants together with said chemical flocs and said biological flocs from water, to settle heavy contaminants from water, and to produce a clarified effluent water, a floating scum, and a sludge; (c) terminating the fine gas bubbles and discharging the clarified effluent water; (d) discharging the floating scum and the sludge upon demand; and (e) optionally collecting and treating an emitted gas stream resulting from said coarse gas bubb

Abstract: Tablets are formed that release components over time for biological degradation of organic matter such as sewage sludge, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides and herbicides. The tablets contain an inner-core of a dormant live microorganism, an inner-coating over the inner-core of water soluble hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyethylene glycol, an outer-layer over the inner-coating of sodium sulfate coated sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate particles, and an outer-coating over the outer-layer of water soluble hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyethylene glycol. The inner-core may contain a binder such as paraffin, gelatin and dextrose, and the outer-layer may contain additives such as enzymes, buffering agents, sugars and manganese dioxide as an oxidation catalyst. When the tablets are placed in an aqueous environment, layers of the tablets dissolve over time releasing components therein.

Abstract: A apparatus for injecting a solid microbial matter suspended in a liquid into a flow system utilizing a container having first and second chambers. The contents of the first chamber flows through an outlet and into a second chamber. The source microbial matter is supported in the first chamber and water is directed to the first chamber at a predetermined rate. The first chamber is maintained as a nutrient rich environment for the microbial matter while the second chamber is nutrient deficient. The outlet of the second chamber is directed to a flow system benefiting from the activity of the microbial matter.

Abstract: Chromium in solid waste residues may be immobilized by reduction of essentially all of the Cr(VI) to insoluble Cr(III). The Cr(VI) is separated from the solids by contacting with an acid to produce an aqueous solution having a pH of about 6.5 to 9.5, then adding sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacteria and, as required, a source of sulfates and nutrients for the growth of the bacteria. Where the solid residues are below the surface of the soil, a continuous recirculation may be established to extract Cr(VI), treat the resulting solution above grade to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and return the treated solution to the soil.

Abstract: For the immobilization of micro-organisms and animal cells, in particular for anaerobic processes, such as the purification of waste water or for the biotechnological production of nutrition-essential or pharmacological substances, porous, sintered bodies are employed (inorganic carrier bodies). In particular, sintered glass in the form of Raschig rings with a double-pore structure, are employed. They have porosity-determining through-going macropores that permit a free exchange of fluid and gas from the interior of the carrier to the surroundings, and open micropores within the macropore walls, the diameter of the micropores being of the same order of magnitude as the size of the micro-organisms or cells. These carrier bodies typically have an open pore volume of 35% to 85%, 20% to 80% being accounted for by the macropores having a diameter of 20 to 500 .mu.m, and 5%-50% by micropores having a diameter of 1-10 .mu.m.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the microbial degradation of trichlorethylene by treating trichloroethylene with Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1 or Pseudomonas putida Y2101 or a microorganism host cell that contains a recombinant plasmid. The recombinant plasmid contains toluene monooxygenase genes from Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1. The microogranism host cell containing the recombinant plasmid must have been treated with an inducer of the toluene monooxygenase genes. The method may be applied to the treatment of loci of trichloroethylene chemical waste in water or soil. More particularly, the method may be applied to degrade trichloroethylene as it may be present as a pollutant or contaminant in water, in industrial effluents, in various land areas such as industrial sites, or in various laboratory or commercial installations.

Abstract: The invention is a screening device suitable for screening a liquid material having solid matter suspended in it, which comprises a number of sets of discs, the discs of each set being rigidly mounted on a shaft, with the discs on each shaft being separated from one another axially, means mounting the shafts about parallel axes, with the discs of adjacent shafts being interleaved with one another and means to cause the shafts to rotate independently in the same rotational sense such that successive shafts rotate progressively faster to cause the solid matter suspended in the liquid material to be moved in a direction from the slowest shaft to the fastest shaft. The device is used particularly in sewage processing plants.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for degradation of a halogenated hydrocarbon compound such as trichloroethylene (TCE) which utilizes an ammonia-oxidizing bacterium of the genus Nitrosomonas, as well as other species of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria.

Abstract: A process for removing endotoxin from Gram-negative polysaccharides such as H. influenzae polyribosylribitol phosphate by adding alcohol incrementally until substantially all lipopolysaccharide precipitates.

Abstract: A process for removing endotoxin from Gram-negative polysaccharides such as polyribosylribitol phosphate by solubilizing polysaccharide-containing powder derived from Gram-negative bacteria fermentation broth to provide a divalent counter ion for endotoxin and adding alcohol incrementally to induce lipopolysaccharide precipition, and mixing material resulting from the alcohol addition with a nonionic resin, a detergent and a chelating agent.

Abstract: A process for removing endotoxin from Gram-negative polysaccharides such as H. influenzae polyribosylribitol phosphate by mixing with a nonionic resin, a detergent and a chelating agent.

Abstract: An improved bacterial culturing system which is advantageously used "on-site" at waste water treatment plants. The system rapidly and efficiently produces various types of bacteria having enhanced activity and controllable characteristics. The bacteria are used to break down undesired or unwanted chemical species contained in the waste water stream. The system includes a unique culturing or primary basin in communication with an acclimation or acclimator basin. Bacteria grown in the culturing basin are partially exposed to the materials they are later intended to break down in the acclimation basin.

Abstract: A cartridge for biological regeneration of an aquatic medium such as an aquarium is prepared by providing a receptacle containing an organic compost, and having means for allowing passage of water into the receptacle, through the compost and out of the receptacle. The compost contains nitrophilic bacteria of the azobacter family and is produced by complete fermentation of a mixture of animal manures and vegetable wastes. The receptable has two faces and permits passage of water from one face toward the other. A water permeable layer such as a gravel layer is adjacent each of the faces for retaining the compost. One of the faces may include a bottom panel having a plurality of water passage openings and a removable film sealing the openings. The other face may have a removable cover, and a plate having a plurality of water passage openings positioned between the cover and adjacent water permeable layer. The cartridge may be arranged at the bottom of an aquarium or in an external aquarium filter.

Abstract: A system for removing cyanide and related species from a cyanide-containing waste fluid, for example, of the sort generated by mining operations, includes means for generating hydrogen peroxide by the burning of a fuel and the quenching of that burning with the waste fluid. At least a portion of the cyanide content of the waste fluid is eliminated by oxidation with the hydrogen peroxide, and the quenching can also provide organic material to serve as a carbon source for microbes which degrade residuel cyanide in the treated waste stream.

Abstract: Halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons in water are degraded by methanotrophic bacteria in the presence of oxygen and at least one lower alkanol as a carbon source.

Abstract: A relatively solid, stable biomass reaction product is provided produced from microorganisms having metal uptake properties when contacted by an aqueous solution containing metal cations. The biomass reaction product is produced by treating cells thereof with a caustic solution, whereby the biomass reaction product after drying is characterized in the particulate state of having substantially enhanced uptake of metal cations from aqueous solutions as compared to the metal uptake property of the microorganism before treatment. The biomass reaction product in the particulate state is preferably immobilized in an insoluble binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the deodorization of foul-smelling substances by the use of a single strain or a few strains of autotrophic bacteria.

Abstract: System and method for converting and recycling liquid borne organic waste materials from a processing plant. The waste material is passed through a compost bed containing a fecal material which treats the organic waste biologically, removes liquid from the waste by adsorption and absorption, and filters out colloidal particles. Any waste material which remains after passing through the compost bed is passed through a charcoal filter bed, then recycled through the compost and charcoal. Warm air is passed through the charcoal and the compost to provide aeration for the composting process and removes the adsorbed and absorbed water from these beds. The air is then passed through another charcoal filter bed, following which it is condensed. The condensate is discharged from the system.

Abstract: A method is provided for effecting the reduction of PCB contamination in organic waste by utilizing a particular strain of a biologically pure culture of Alcaligenes eutrophus under aerobic conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel microorganisms separated from natural environments and purified and genetically modified, process for immobilizing these microorganisms by affixing then to substrates, the biocatalytic compositions formed by these microorganisms affixed to substrates, and the use of the biocatalytic compositions for the detoxification of toxin-polluted streams. The microorganisms are (1) Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC SD 904); (2) Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC SD 903); (3) Pseudomonas cepacia (ATCC SD 905); (4) Methylobacter rhodinum (ATCC 113-X); and (5) Methylobacter species (ATCC 16 138-X).

Abstract: The novel bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 53595, Arthrobacter globiformis ATCC 53596 and Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 53602 are able to catabolize tertiary butyl alcohol and are therefore useful in treating wastewater to remove the compound prior to discharge.

Abstract: A process for degrading volatile halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms using Pseudomonas fluorescens NRRL-B-18296 is described. The method preferably uses a carbon source, such as glucose or molasses, which stimulates the bacterium to degrade the hydrocarbons and which is readily degraded in the environment so that the halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon is degraded to carbon dioxide, water and hydrochloric acid so that no toxic residues are produced.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed bioreactor system for the conversion of coal into microbially solubilized coal products. The fluidized-bed bioreactor continuously or periodically receives coal and bio-reactants and provides for the production of microbially solubilized coal products in an economical and efficient manner. An oxidation pretreatment process for rendering coal uniformly and more readily susceptible to microbial solubilization may be employed with the fluidized-bed bioreactor.

Abstract: Heavy elements such as Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu and Cr constitute health hazards and are sources for environmental pollution. These elements should therefore be removed from industrial effluents. Biomass of Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fresen.) de Vries. Acc. No. 285712 is readily produced by culture in either standard fungal medium or on media composed of food-industry wastes: whey and distillery slop. The thus produced fungal biomass efficiently removes heavy elements from liquid solutions. Removal is achieved from fluids containing single heavy elements as well as from fluids containing two or more such elements. The removal of Cr can be vastly improved by Pb pretreatment of the biomass. Elements absorbed by Cladosporium cladosporioides Acc. No. 285712 are quantitatively removable providing an effluent-cleaning system which is renewable.

Abstract: A relatively solid, stable biomass reaction product is provided produced from microorganisms having metal uptake properties when contacted by an aqueous solution containing metal cations. The biomass reaction product is produced by treating cells thereof with a caustic solution, whereby the biomass reaction product after drying is characterized in the particulate state of having substantially enhanced uptake of metal cations from aqueous solutions as compared to the metal uptake property of the microorganism before treatment.