Abstract: A denitrification system for denitrified wastewater or nitrified water treatment using a detergent or detergent-like compound comprising available carbon. The system comprises a plurality of interconnected tanks including a mixing tank which feeds detention tanks which in combination provide a detention time period for the effluent. A controller determines the amount of detergent dispensed into the mixing tank in accordance with the measured volume of effluent to be treated. The mixing tank comprises a heater for maintaining the nitrified effluent temperature above 50 degrees F. An optional line filter can be added to the output of the system for further reducing organic nitrogen concentration. An alternate embodiment comprises passing the final denitrified effluent through a pump chamber for pumping of the effluent to a sand filter capable of reducing bacterial populations.

Abstract: A method for treating nitrate-contaminated water comprising treating said water with hydrogen-oxidizing denitrifying bacteria in the presence of hydrogen. The apparatus for use in this method preferably comprises: (a) a pure culture of autotrophic, hydrogen-oxidizing denitrifying bacteria; (b) a hydrogen generator; (c) a flow-through bioreactor; and (d) a filtration unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial composition for the neutralization of alkaline waste waters by biological means and a method of neutralization of alkaline waste waters using a synergistic mixture of the bacterial strains of Bacillus alkalophilus and Bacillus sp.

Abstract: Method and system for removing accumulated sediment at the bottom of a waste pond or lagoon of a wastewater treatment plant for a petroleum refinery. The system comprises a primary oil separation stage for separating hydrocarbons from the wastewater stream by gravity, a secondary oil removal stage and a biological treatment stage downstream of the secondary oil removal stage. A portion of the sediment from the bottom of the waste pond or lagoon is passed to the secondary oil removal stage and/or the biological treatment stage for processing with the refinery wastewater being treated in these stages.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a conditioning agent for the treatment of effluent and a process for preparing such a conditioning agent which includes a proportion of flocculating or precipitating agent containing polymers as well as a proportion of micro-organisms.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating sustained totipotent tissue cultures of a plant of the Class Monocotyledonae, and for micropropagating such plant in vitro, wherein immature inflorescence are cultivated to produce totipotent tissue which is suitable for sustained maintenance and propagation. Greening of the tissue can be induced under light and the multishoot culture can multiply by microtillering. Foreign genes can be introduced into the tissue if desired, and the transgenic plants can be used in phytoremediation technologies in the field and in phytoreactors independently of seasons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning agent, particularly for cleaning sewers, for fat and/or protein-containing sewage from the home or having a municipal or industrial origin, with a content of urea, a urea derivative, a urea salt and/or a urea derivative salt, the cleaning agent containing approximately 50 to 90 wt. % urea, urea derivative, urea salt and/or urea derivative salt, based on dry substance, and an alkaline-acting agent, protease and fat-degrading microorganisms.

Abstract: This invention relates to new use of marine cyanobacteria lyngbya, Oscillatoria, Sprulina, Anabaena and Synechocystis deposited with ATCC having accession numbers ATCC PTA-4602 and 4603 for the removal of calcium ions from sea-brine and sub-soil brine having a density range 10 to 25.5° Be′, by culturing the cyanobacteria, inoculating the cyanobacteria culture to raw brine of 10 to 25.5° Be′, filtering the resultant mixture to obtain a brine having less calcium, and to separate the cyanobacteria which can be reused if desired.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes fungal spore mass or hyphal fragments in landscaping cloths, fiber substrates, paper products, hydroseeders and agricultural equipment. The fungi may include saprophytic fungi, including gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, mycorrhizal fungi, entomopathogenic fungi, parasitic fungi and fungi imperfecti. The fungi function as keystone species, delivering benefits to both the microsphere and biosphere. Such fungal delivery systems are useful for purposes including ecological rehabilitation and restoration, preservation and improvement of habitats, filtration of silts and sediments and restoration of abandoned logging roads.

Abstract: The present invention involves the discovery of a novel endophytic fungus, Muscodor albus, which produces volatile antibiotics that are effective in the treatment of human and animal waste products. Through experimentation, this invention confirms that Muscodor albus can be used in disposable bags in connection with portable toilets to solve the problem of degradation of waste products in situations where humans are removed from sanitary facilities. This invention includes the discovery of non-volatile inhibitors that are also produced by Muscador albus and that are similarly effective in treating human and animal wastes. This invention covers a unique and novel method for preparing Muscador albus for commercial use in the treatment of human and animal wastes. This method entails infesting a seed grain with Muscador albus and then storing it under conditions that will allow the fungus to remain viable.

Abstract: A method of rapid biochemical cycling of aquariums using naturally preserved granular marine substrate material, such as sand or aragonite, to rapidly denitrify the aquatic environment and to establish biochemical conditions that are favorable to the survival and viability of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates, and other marine aquatic life. The method includes the steps of harvesting and packaging marine sand such that marine microorganisms, in the form of biofilm attached to the sand, are preserved with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. Harvesting and packaging marine microorganisms according to the disclosed method allows for widespread distribution to consumers through conventional retail sales channels.

Abstract: A method of rapid biochemical cycling of aquariums using naturally preserved granular marine substrate material, such as sand or aragonite, to rapidly denitrify the aquatic environment and to establish biochemical conditions that are favorable to the survival and viability of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates, and other marine aquatic life. The method includes the steps of harvesting and packaging marine sand such that marine microorganisms, in the form of biofilm attached to the sand, are preserved with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. Harvesting and packaging marine microorganisms according to the disclosed method allows for widespread distribution to consumers through conventional retail sales channels.

Abstract: A method of purifying waste water biologically by using three particularly suitable bacteria: Bacillus sp. DT-1, Pseudomonas azelaica, DT-2, and/or Rhizobus sp. DT-5, or mixed populations thereof. The invention further relates to the bacteria and the mixed populations and use thereof in purifying waste water. The invention further relates to a bioreactor including the bacteria.

Abstract: A method of treating waste water and particularly sewerage is disclosed. The method involves treating the conduit system making up the sewerage network before it reaches a typical sewerage treatment plant. A key feature of the method involves introducing an inoculum of selected micro-organisms into a quiescent zone in the conduit system. The quiescent zone is where the water is significantly slowed in its passage along the conduit system and may even be temporarily stationary eg, a pumping well or low point in two sections of pipe. Applicant has ascertained that undesirable micro-organisms tend to flourish in these quiescent zones. By introducing the inoculum a competitive culture of favourable micro-organisms is incubated which is able to out compete the undesirable micro-organisms and lead to break down and degradation of the sewerage in the conduit system before it gets to the treatment plant.

Abstract: The present invention describes a wastewater treatment method by a microorganism decomposing Tetramethyl Ammonium Hydroxide (TMAH) which, utilized in etching the surface of silicone chip in semiconductor manufacturing process, is toxic and hard to decompose. The present invention provides novel microorganisms capable of decomposing TMAH. Also, the present invention provides a treatment method for wastewater containing TMAH, using the microorganisms. The present invention is useful in industrial field as an environmental friendly wastewater treatment method by decomposing over 90% of TMAH, one of environmental contamination materials in the wastewater of semiconductor factory.

Abstract: The current invention relates to treatment of waste water and in particular to treatment of sewerage effluent. The current invention broadly resides in a method of treating waste water in a waste water reticulation system including inoculating the waste water with an inoculum of selected microorganisms at a site prior to the treatment plant in the waste water reticulation system or discharge site where there is no treatment plant in the waste water reticulation system; and incubating the waste water inoculated with the selected microorganisms to form a culture that reduces waste in the inoculated waste water.

Abstract: A process for the removal of undesirable bromine salts from fluid streams, especially waste and/or drinking water, comprising the step of exposing the fluid stream to a micro-organism which biochemically aids the reduction of the undesirable bromine salts, characterized in that the microorganisms belong to the group of pure and/or enrichment strains of bacteria grown on one or more of the following: perchlorate, chlorate, and bromate, or belong to bromate respiring bacteria.

Abstract: A process for the desulfurization of an engine fuel onboard a motor vehicle includes separating sulfur-containing components of the engine fuel by selective liquid-phase adsorption on an adsorption material. The adsorption material may be an oxide of Al, Mg, Si, or Ti that is doped with Ag.

Abstract: Described herein are novel ammonia-oxidizing bacteria as well as isolated nucleotide sequences representative of 16S rDNA of these ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of ammonia in aqueous environments, such as aquaria and wastewater are also provided, using the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a denitrifying composition which is a material to be used for decomposing nitrates nitrogen in effluent by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria that consume sulfur and carbonate as nutrients and is characterized by containing particles of calcium carbonate dispersed in sulfur. Preferably, the composition contains 10 parts by weight of sulfur coexisting with 10-15 parts by weight of calcium carbonate and 1-3 parts by weight of a microporous substance. This denitrifying composition can be prepared by heating powder of calcium carbonate and sulfur thereby melting the sulfur, dispersing the powder of calcium carbonate in liquid sulfur and solidifying the dispersion by rapid cooling. The composition simultaneously contains nutrients and alkali source and hence enables denitrification to proceed stably without addition of other components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a substantially odorless biological treatment process for solid and liquid organic wastes. The present invention also provides for a novel nutrient rich humus material produced from the biological treatment process. The bioconversion process of the present invention results from low oxygen concentrations and high quantities of microorganisms in a diverse microbial community.

Abstract: In the method of processing an organic chlorine compound in accordance with the present invention, slurry containing fly ash K including dioxins are supplied from a pretreatment bath to a biological treatment bath of a processing apparatus; nitrifying bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, aqueous ammonia, and methanol are supplied to the slurry from a nitrifying bacteria storage bath, a denitrifying bacteria storage bath, an ammonia storage bath, and a methanol storage bath, respectively; and a nitrifying reaction is carried out by the nitrifying bacteria in an aerobic atmosphere, so as to decompose the dioxins along with the nitrifying reaction.

Abstract: Liquid chemical compositions are disclosed for anaerobic biodegradation, detoxification, and transformation of toxic organic and inorganic compounds in a contaminated geologic media under reducing conditions, including, but not limited to, denitrifying, manganese-reducing, iron-reducing and sulfate-reducing conditions. One such liquid chemical composition includes sodium nitrate in the range of one-fifth (0.2) to four (4) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; sodium hexametaphosphate or other biologically hydrolyzable ring or linear polyphosphate in the range of one twentieth (0.05) to five (5) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; a surfactant in the range of 0.01% to 10% by volume of the chemical composition; and a diluent in the form of water.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices and apparatus for bioremediation of mixed waste aquifers, based on a synergistic combination of reductive treatment using zero-valent iron and anaerobic biotransformations. Also disclosed are methods for in situ and ex situ remediation of groundwater and wastewater via these iron-bacterial compositions in a variety of devices including batch reactors, permeable and semipermeable reactive barriers, flow-through reactors, fluidized bed reactors, and sediment tanks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a substantially odorless biological treatment process for solid and liquid organic wastes. The present invention also provides for a novel nutrient rich humus material produced from the biological treatment process. The bioconversion process of the present invention results from low oxygen concentrations and high quantities of microorganisms in a diverse microbial community.

Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery of a novel endophytic fungus, Muscodor albus, which produces volatile antibiotics that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of human and animal waste products. Through experimentation, this invention confirms that Muscodor albus can be used in disposable bags in connection with portable toilets to solve the problem of degradation of waste products in situations where humans are removed from sanitary facilities. This invention includes the discovery of non-volatile inhibitors that are also produced by Muscodor albus and that are similarly effective in treating human and animal wastes. This invention covers a unique and novel method for preparing Muscodor albus for commercial use in the treatment of human and animal wastes, which involves infesting barley seeds with Muscodor albus and then storing them under conditions that will allow the fungus to remain viable for up to nine months.

Abstract: A simple, reliable, inexpensive, and efficient anaerobic digester for treating organic wastes at a shortened residence time is described. The anaerobic digester is a multi-chambered digester that can handle wastewater and sludge in a large volume at a high flow rate. The digester also allows collection of methane gas for use as an energy source. The reactor is based on a sequential series of reaction chambers in a design that does not require internal moving parts. The volume of the chambers is adjusted to control the relative residence time of the waste to select an anaerobic microorganism group or groups that can efficiently digest the waste presented to that chamber. Under most conditions, no addition of bacteria is necessary. The digester works efficiently using microbes native to the waste material. After the reaction chambers and just prior to leaving as effluent, a settling chamber is located to reclaim the microbes and remove additional solids.

Abstract: A process for treating liquids containing organic compounds and water. The process includes a pervaporation step in conjunction with a dephlegmation step to treat at least a portion of the permeate vapor from the pervaporation step. The process yields a membrane residue stream, a stream enriched in the more volatile component (usually the organic) as the overhead stream from the dephlegmator and a condensate stream enriched in the less volatile component (usually the water) as a bottoms stream from the dephlegmator. Any of these may be the principal product of the process. The membrane separation step may also be performed in the vapor phase, or by membrane distillation.

Abstract: A method of remediating an environment contaminated with carbon tetrachloride by introducing Pseudomonas strain sp. KC (PsKC) into the environment under iron limiting conditions and converting the carbon tetrachloride directly to carbon dioxide and a non-volatile water soluble fraction. Further, conditions providing a niche advantage for PsKC in accordance with the invention allow for the use of PsKC as a vector in various other environmental conditions for introducing specific activities of the PsKC, whether naturally occurring or genetically altered, into those environments.

Abstract: A process for the removal of undesirable bromine salts from fluid streams, especially waste and/or drinking water, comprising the step of exposing the fluid stream to a micro-organism which biochemically aids the reduction of the undesirable bromine salts, characterized in that the microorganisms belong to the group of pure and/or enrichment strains of bacteria grown on one or more of the following: perchlorate, chlorate, and bromate, or belong to bromate respiring bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for biodegrading dithiocarbamates or related compounds which are present in a contaminated environment. The method involves contacting the contaminated environment with a microbial consortium comprised of methylotrophic bacteria such as the genera of bacteria: Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, and Hypomicrobium, and maintaining the microbial consortium in contact with the contaminated environment for a time that is sufficient for the microbial consortium to degrade the dithiocarbamates or related compounds. Other bacterium, such as Thiobacillus may optionally be present as part of the consortium.

Abstract: A method of remediating an environment containing soil or water contaminated with a halogenated hydrocarbon, particularly carbon tetrachloride, by introducing a Pseudomonas sp. into the environment. In particular, the method converts carbon tetrachloride in the soil or water into carbon dioxide and a non-volatile water soluble fraction, rather than into a toxic chlorinated hydrocarbon with a lesser number of chlorines. Further, pH adjustment in a particular area provides a niche advantage for the Pseudomonas sp in the soil or water for the conversion.

Abstract: A process for the removal of undesirable bromine salts from fluid streams, especially waste and/or drinking water, comprising the step of exposing the fluid stream to a micro-organism which biochemically aids the reduction of the undesirable bromine salts, characterized in that the microorganisms belong to the group of pure and/or enrichment strains of bacteria grown on one or more of the following: perchlorate, chlorate, and bromate, or belong to bromate respiring bacteria.

Abstract: A device for performing a biological modification of a fluid, the device includes (a) a chamber having an inlet for intake of the fluid and an outlet for outflow of the fluid; and (b) a collection of micro-organ cultures of at least one organ for performing the biological modification of the fluid, each individual micro-organ culture of the collection including cells and having dimensions, such that cells positioned deepest within the individual micro-organ culture are at least about 100 micrometers and not more than about 225 micrometers away from a nearest surface of the individual micro-organ culture, thereby in vivo organ architecture (organ structure) of organ units (e.g., acinus of liver) is maintained within each individual micro-organ culture, the collection of micro-organ cultures being located within the chamber and the collection of micro-organ cultures being in contact with at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new process using biological method for the preparation of immobilized nano-particles of metals. Fungi are used to efficiently prepare immobilized nano-particles of various metals ions such as Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, Ni, Rh and Ru from their aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The wastewater treatment systems have a plurality of treatment modules between the inlet and the outlet, each for treating water with a selected process. Influent is directed to a covered anaerobic reactor, and then to an attached growth pretreatment filter that is at least intermittently exposed to atmospheric oxygen. Following the filter are a first and a second hydroponic reactor in series, followed in turn by a vertical-flow wetland. A second embodiment includes, following the filter, two or more tidal vertical-flow wetlands in series, and a pump for recycling water exiting the final wetland upstream of the filter.

Abstract: There is a method for which a sewage sludge is permitted to flow from a first connecting region 21 to a treatment device, which works with rotation and stresses the sewage sludge with severing parts, and from the treatment device to a second connecting region 1. It is desirable to improve the continuity to the operation and to attain a decisive increase in the disintegration. This is achieved by using a rapidly rotating pipe-head formation, which has a head 6 with radial openings 10 and radial wings 4, for the mechanical disintegration of biogenic sewage sludge. The edges of the openings exert a shear effect, while the wings exert an impact effect and the combination of these two actions, in conjunction with the rapid rotation, brings about the improvement in the disintegration.

Abstract: A method of reducing or eliminating off-flavor in water or fish by controlling cyanobacteria or algae in the water wherein cyanobacteria or algae produce agents that cause the off-flavor. The cyanobacteria or algae are susceptible to a new Bacterium SG-3 which heretofore has not been identified or recognized as a useful agent in controlling cyanobacteria or algae. By simply treating a body of water having an off-flavor with a pathogenic bacterium such as Bacterium SG-3, the off-flavor is reduced or eliminated. Commercial fisheries or nurseries which produce channel catfish for human consumption will benefit from using this environmentally friendly Bacterium SG-3 to reduce or eliminate off-flavor in the catfish.

Abstract: An absorbent package for containment and bioremediation of hydrocarbons and method thereof are disclosed. The package comprises a concentration of microorganisms, a timed release mechanism including a time release capsule, a matrix of fibrous material which is hydrophobic and oleophilic, and a porous casing. The fibrous material may be selected from synthetic fibers and cellulose fibers for storing accumulation of hydrocarbons. The method includes positioning a concentration of microorganisms capable of degradation of the hydrocarbons. Further, the method also provides the matrix which is absorbent, and such method includes filling the casing with the matrix and the microorganisms to form a hydrocarbon containment and degradation package. Then the method employs the action of absorbing and storing hydrocarbons passing through the casing and wicking hydrocarbons via capillary action through the matrix and absorbing the hydrocarbons into the matrix.

Abstract: This is an improved method of separation of biomass and treated wastewater after biological processes conducted with flocculent or granular sludge forming mixed liquor, wherein a step of stripping carbon dioxide formed due to degrading of stored organics and/or sludge degradation is provided thus reducing or eliminating the potential for forming microscopic bubbles of carbon dioxide in sludge particles and improving their settling. The process is further improved by providing in the mixed liquor recuperable alkaline ions, preferably calcium, which provides additional alkalinity reserve in form of calcium carbonate. Small additions of alkali metal ions further improves the process. Other advantages of the method include improved heavy metals and TDS removal, reduction in the secondary emissions of BOD, COD, and ammonia, and oxygen saturation of the treated wastewater.

Abstract: A method to remediate a contaminated groundwater zone by shielding electron acceptors contained in groundwater flow that interfere with beneficial anaerobic reactions in the contaminated groundwater zone. Examples of such interfering electron acceptors include dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and sulfate. The method prevents electron acceptor-rich groundwater located upgradient from a contaminated zone from flowing into the contaminated groundwater zone. By diverting acceptor-rich groundwater around a contaminated zone, beneficial anaerobic reactions are enhanced that either biodegrade the contaminants, or change the subsurface geochemical environment so that contaminants are immobilized. Methods to establish a groundwater diversion system include constructing physical barriers to block clean groundwater flowing into a contamination zone, or creating a stagnant zone hydraulically by pumping clean groundwater upgradient of the contaminated zone or injecting clean water downgradient of the contaminated zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of industrial effluents using marine algae to produce potable water which process comprises the steps of: (i) contacting diluted effluents with marine red algae selected from Porphyra and Liagora, containing polysaccharides and having sulfate/acetyl functional group on the cell wall and galactopyranose on their cell membrane, for a period of at least 30 minutes preferably under stirring; (ii) treating the effluents from step (i) with calcareous material for a period of at least 30 minutes, preferably under stirring; (iii) separating the coagulated material so formed from the supernatant by conventional methods; and (iv) treating the supernatant with conventional ion-exchange resins such as cationic ion-exchange resins, anionic-ion exchange resins and activated charcoal to produce potable water.

Abstract: High quality hydrophilic sulfur is recovered from a biologial conversion zone in which a sulfur containing compound such as a sulfide is converted to elemental sulfur. The sulfur is rendered hydrophilic due to the fine particle size and attachment of biomass to the particles. The sulfur is recovered as an undamaged agglomerate powder after being processed in at least two stages of purification.

Abstract: A system to control nutrients, suspended algae, and filamentous algae in lakes, ponds, and estuaries includes a structure for containing macrophytic vegetation. One embodiment segregates a column of water within a body of water desired for remediation and shields the water column from sunlight sufficiently to kill phytoplankton therein, the lysis thereof releasing nutrients. The released nutrients are sequestered, and remediated water is replaced in the water column with water from the body of water. Floating or submerged macrophytes can be introduced in combination with shading and induced water movement to optimize nutrient uptake by the macrophytes. Water column shading may also be achieved by the macrophytes themselves, or by other means. The macrophytes can include floating aquatic plants, such as water hyacinths, submerged aquatic plants, and terrestrial or aquatic plants caused to float artificially. The invention also deals with toxic algae in a safe and sequestered way.

Abstract: A treatment media is provided capable of acting upon at least one chemical contaminant in an aqueous composition and assisting in the decomposition thereof. The treatment media is a biologically activated organically modified material which includes a mineral based substrate, selected from the group consisting of clays, clay analogs, synthetic resins, zeolites and mixtures thereof. The mineral based substrate is treated with an organic modification compound selected from the group consisting of quaternary amines, pyridinium compounds, phosphonium amines, and mixtures thereof. At least one strain of bacteria is engrafted to the mineral-based substrate, the bacteria being capable of facilitating decomposition of the chemical contaminant. Quaternary amines used provide enhancement of bacterial colonies and do not adversely effect bacterial activity when employed as the organic modification compound to treat the mineral based substrate.

Abstract: An anaerobic process in accordance with the present invention includes the step of digesting an organic substrate in a first anaerobic reactor to provide reactor contents comprising solids and liquid products of digestion. The process also includes a step of removing a portion of the reactor contents, and a step of pasteurizing all or part of the removed reactor contents by direct contact with a hot or inhibitory fluid to cause pathogen destruction. The fluid may be in a gaseous or liquid phase and the fluid may have inhibitory effects which causes the organisms to undergo lysis.

Abstract: A method of treating waste water and particularly sewerage is disclosed. The method involves treating the conduit system making up the sewerage network before it reaches a typical sewerage treatment plant. A key feature of the method involves introducing an inoculum of selected micro-organisms into a quiescent zone in the conduit system. The quiescent zone is where the water is significantly slowed in its passage along the conduit system and may even be temporarily stationary eg, a pumping well or low point in two sections of pipe. Applicant has ascertained that undesirable micro-organisms tend to flourish in these quiescent zones. By introducing the inoculum a competitive culture of favourable micro-organisms is incubated which is able to out compete the undesirable micro-organisms and lead to break down and degradation of the sewerage in the conduit system before it gets to the treatment plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated Penicillium strain capable of eliminating a nitroaromatic compound by mineralization and a microbiological method for eliminating a nitroaromatic compound present in a solution or in a soil.

Abstract: A treatment unit is disclosed for treating a fluid in continuous mode. This treatment unit provides the opportunity to carry out simultaneously an enzymatic transformation and a capture of a fluid element. The unit has a reservoir with a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid to be treated and a fluid outlet for releasing a treated fluid. The unit also has removable cassettes provided with a reactive material for treating the fluid and two spaced-apart baffle walls in the reservoir for regulating the flow of the fluid therein. The unit further has a reaction chamber defined between each of the two spaced-apart baffles walls. The reaction chamber has an opening for removably inserting therein the cassette. Yet, the unit further has mounting means for mounting the cassette in a reaction chamber spaced-apart from the two baffle walls, whereby a cassette is disposed between two spaced-apart baffle walls and causes the fluid to flow in a zigzag pattern thus further regulating the flow of the fluid.

Abstract: Bioremediation methods and kits for degrading environmental contaminants, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, in a sample containing microorganisms uses at least one slow release compound having at least one hydrolyzable organic group capable of forming at least one alcohol, at least one organic acid, or a combination thereof, upon hydrolysis. The hydrolysis occurs over an extended period of time to provide alcohols and/or organic acids, which are used by the microorganisms to degrade the environmental contaminants.