Abstract: In an ultrapure water producing method, a pre-treatment system treats raw water supplied from a raw water storage tank. A heat exchanger adjusts the treated water to a predetermined temperature before the water is supplied to a first bio-treatment means which is further connected to a second bio-treatment means. The second bio-treatment means is connected to a microbial body separation apparatus and, after treatments are performed in those apparatuses, the result is supplied as treated water to a primary pure water apparatus. Before the second bio-treatment means, a second supply mechanism is provided for adding a nitride source as a nutrient source and oxidizing agent (bactericidal agent). According to the ultrapure water producing method, urea in raw water can be removed to a high degree.

Abstract: Selenium in the form of a reduced species such as selenocyanate is oxidized to produce an oxidized selenium species such as selenate or selenite, and then a biological reduction process is used to remove selenium from the oxidized selenium species. In an example, a chemical oxidant is added to a wastewater containing selenocyanate to produce selenate and selenite. The partially treated wastewater is then fed to a reactor containing a fixed media supporting a biofilm with selenium reducing organisms. The selenium in the selenate and selenite is reduced to an insoluble form of selenium, such as elemental selenium, which precipitates from the wastewater.

Abstract: A system of treating high nitrogen content waste water is disclosed, where the system includes a precipitation and conditioning subsystem, an ammonia stripper subsystem, and a denitrification subsystem. The system is adapted to reduce nitrogen contamination to level below about 10 ppm and in certain embodiments below 3 ppm.

Abstract: Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population characteristics with low yield organism characteristics, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.

Abstract: Contaminated brownfields are successfully and efficiently remediated by the sequential synchronized treatment of the native groundwater in the contaminated site, both mechanically and biologically, in a closed-loop system. The mechanical treatment comprises a high-intensity air sparger, and the biological treatment comprises a bacterial incubator initially filled with untreated (dirty) groundwater, the bacterial growth preferably being facilitated by a sample of the native bacteria in the site and/or is supplied with non-native bacteria.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater through the use of powdered natural lignocellulosic materials (PNLM) and/or powdered kenaf (PK). The method includes mixing particulate kenaf with influent wastewater, oxygenating the wastewater, reacting the wastewater and clarifying the wastewater, resulting in improvement in the microbial population in the wastewater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating a body of water, without the necessity of being connected to an electrical grid, that includes photovoltaic collectors and a battery bank that is charged by the photovoltaic collectors. The photovoltaic collectors and the battery bank operate a series of air pumps that are connected to an air pump manifold to create a uniform source of compressed air that is distributed to a plurality of floating diffuser manifolds. A plurality of air stones are suspended under the floating diffuser manifolds that create air bubbles that are absorbed by the body of water and circulate said body of water to disburse a microbial fluid. In addition, an incubator system is also connected to an air pump that incubates microbes to form a microbial fluid that can be automatically dispersed throughout the body of water.

Abstract: Provided is a method for biologically fixing carbon dioxide dissolved in contaminated water using a microorganism derived from rhodolith. The method includes enrichment-incubating a microorganism derived from rhodolith, and treating and reacting the enrichment-incubated microorganism in contaminated water to fix carbon dioxide dissolved in contaminated water as a carbonate mineral. The method for biologically fixing carbon dioxide has a simple fixing process and is environmentally friendly, compared with chemical carbon dioxide fixing technology. In addition, this method enables fast fixation of carbon dioxide even at room temperature, and thus can be easily applied in the industrial field, and is also useful in an aspect of resource recycling since the carbon dioxide is eventually fixed in the form of calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A process of bioremediation of chlorinated solvents is provided. The process involves stimulating a microbial biomass of bacteria having oxygenase activity through the introduction of natural organic matter, such as a soluble humate, into a contaminated aquifer. The resulting increase in bacterial biomass results in the cometabolism of chlorinated solvents. The process allows remediation of a contaminated aquifer under aerobic conditions.

Abstract: In situ formation of U(VI)-Fe(III) oxides and hydroxides can provide effective uranium remediation. The reason for this is that such compounds can effectively sequester uranium, even in the (VI) oxidation state. Such compounds can be formed in situ by 1) providing Fe(II), 2) reducing uranium to U(IV), and 3) oxidizing the resulting mixture to provide the desired U(VI)-Fe(III) oxides and hydroxides.

Abstract: A waste treatment method includes the concentration of selected strains of bacteria in a selected medium in the presence of nutrients and water, under aerobic conditions. This concentrated batch is discharged for downstream applications in wastewater remediation. A cultivation chamber having inlet ports and a circular vent port allows for adequate air introduction and heat release. Aeration is achieved by recirculation of the fluid medium from the top of the apparatus through a pipe that runs the length of the inner wall and is specially configured at the top to minimize cell damage. Fluid can be routed tangentially in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The conical bottom has an orifice allowing for recirculation of the fluid medium tangentially to the sidewalls. Upon completion of batch cultivation, the medium and bacteria are discharged for downstream applications in wastewater remediation of paper mill, chemical plant, oil refinery, and other industrial effluents.

Abstract: A method of prevention of acid rock drainage excludes oxygen from waste rocks that contain ferrous sulfides by building an oxygen bio-barrier over exposed surfaces of the waste rock. The bio-barrier may be formed by applying a slurry to the rock. The slurry may contain several components such as microbial material, one or more nutrients, water or another fluid, and optionally water-absorbent material. The microbial material may include bacteria, algae, fungi or a combination thereof. Additionally, the slurry may contain one or more acid-neutralizing compounds, one or more cellulose-containing substances, and one or more UV protecting agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for in-situ remediation of soil and groundwater having contaminants such as but not limited to organic compounds perhaps providing adsorption, chemical oxidation, and even biodegradation of contaminants with novel treatments such as but not limited to mixtures of granular activated carbon, calcium peroxide, sodium persulfate, and nitrate perhaps in various concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of trans-seasonal bioremedial treating of mine-influenced water and soil (MIWAS) in situ with microorganisms for removal of contaminants containing heavy metals compounds. The method comprises the steps of: a) sampling indigenous microorganisms from the MIWAS site being treated; b) identifying and/or isolating indigenous microorganisms that consume selected compounds to be treated in the MIWAS; c) propagating at least one of the indigenous microorganisms identified or isolated in step b); and d) reintroducing propagated microorganisms either on the soil surface or subsurface at the MIWAS site together with a source of nutrients and a carbon source for the microorganisms; wherein when the microorganisms, nutrients, and carbon source are reintroduced on the soil surface, they are subsequently buried.

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm apparatus has a plurality of hollow fiber gas permeable membranes in a tank containing water to be treated. A biofilm supported on the membranes occupies between about 40% and 80% of the volume of water to be treated in a reactor. Wastewater treatment processes are described. A process to denitrify water or treat oxidized contaminants comprises introducing hydrogen into an inner volume of the membranes to grow autotrophic organisms in the biofilm near the membrane and heterotrophic organism near the water. Another process is operated as a biomass concentration of at least 10 g/L and up to about 40 g/L to maintain a biofilm having a surface area of over 1000 square metres per cubic metre of tank volume. A hybrid process has suspended biomass and a membrane supported biofilm.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus for treating a nitrate waste liquid that includes a denitrification tank (12A) which accommodates active sludge that adsorbs or takes in the radioactive substance in a nitrate waste liquid (11) and in which an anaerobic microorganism that reduces the nitric acid to nitrogen gas grows, and a reaeration tank (14) in which a denitrification-treated liquid (24) treated in the denitrification tank (12A) is aerated and mixed with active sludge.

Abstract: An advanced water treatment method processes a continuous flow of water in a sequence of stages including pre-filtering [200] to remove solids, conditioning [202] to adjust pH, blending [210] with a recycled dense microalgae culture, and passing the resulting mixture through an enclosed, environmentally-controlled photobioreactor [212] where nutrients, PCB's, trace metals and other pollutants and regulated compounds are taken up by the algae. The flow from the PBR is separated using cross-flow filtration [222] to produce a treated water flow and a dense microalgae flow that is recycled to the blending stage [210] upstream. Thus, whereas the algae is recycled, the water entering the system is treated by flowing sequentially through the stages of the system, without any recycling or repetition of treatment stages.

Abstract: In a water treatment method, raw water supplied from a water supply reservoir for reserving the raw water is biologically treated by a biological treatment means before being supplied to a primary pure water apparatus. Thereafter, urea or a urea derivative and/or an ammoniacal nitrogen source (NH3—N) are added before the biological treatment means. In such a treatment flow, it is preferred that a reduction treatment means is provided after the biological treatment means and before the primary pure water apparatus. According to the water treatment method, the TOC, in particular urea, in the raw water can highly be decomposed.

Abstract: A method for enhancing biotransformation of groundwater contaminants is provided. The method comprises steps of providing an injection column at an upstream of a contaminated source for injecting a compost solid; providing a recirculation device at a downstream of the contaminated source; forming a compost liquid by mixing surface water or groundwater from the recirculation device with the compost solid, and the groundwater bringing the compost liquid to the contaminated source at the downstream; and producing a reaction at the contaminated source and the downstream. Also, the groundwater contaminants can be adsorbed and biodegraded in the injection column at the upstream by the recirculation of the recirculation device.

Abstract: A method of in situ treatment of wastewater that is contaminated with a heavy metal may include passing a flow of contaminated wastewater through a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel may contain a plurality of biofilm retaining structures. Each of the structures may at least be partially coated with a biofilm. Additionally, the biofilm may include a plurality of bacteria retained in a matrix and the matrix may include DNA, protein and carbohydrates produced by the bacteria.

Abstract: A method of in situ treatment of fracture fluid that is contaminated with a heavy metal may include passing a flow of contaminated fracture fluid through a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel may contain a plurality of biofilm retaining structures. Each of the structures may at least be partially coated with a biofilm. Additionally, the biofilm may include a plurality of bacteria retained in a matrix and the matrix may include DNA, protein and carbohydrates produced by the bacteria.

Abstract: The wastewater treatment method includes, when raw water is subjected to an activated sludge treatment, performing a first sludge returning step: a step of returning sludge, which was previously aerated and stirred in a first excess sludge tank or sludge retention tank equipped with an aerator and a stirrer, to an treatment tank, a sequencing batch reactor or an anaerobic tank; an optional step of returning sludge, which was previously aerated and stirred in a second excess sludge tank or thickened sludge retention tank equipped with an aerator and a stirrer, to a treatment tank, a sequencing batch reactor or an anaerobic tank; and maintaining genus Bacillus bacteria in the treatment tank, the sequencing batch reactor or the anaerobic tank, to which the sludge has been returned, at 2.0×105 to 22.5×105 cfu/mL.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus for treating a radioactive nitrate waste liquid that includes a denitrification tank (12A) which accommodates active sludge that adsorbs or takes in the radioactive substance in a nitrate waste liquid (11) and in which an anaerobic microorganism that reduces the nitrate to nitrogen gas grows, and a reaeration tank (14) in which a denitrification-treated liquid (24) treated in the denitrification tank (12A) is aerated and mixed with active sludge. A pH adjuster (21), a carbon source (22), and nitrogen gas are supplied to the denitrification tank (12A) so as to separate a denitrified liquid into a solid content and the denitrification-treated liquid (24) by using a first solid-liquid separating film (25), and the denitrification-treated liquid (24) treated with the active sludge in the reaeration tank (14) is reaerated and separated into a solid content and a reaeration-treated liquid (27) by using a second solid-liquid separating film (28).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for reducing the start-up time of an aerobic granular sludge reactor, said process comprising starting said reactor with an active biomass comprising fragmented aerobic sludge granules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the bioremediation of soluble sulfates from an environmental effluent, include a first chamber including lactic acid bacteria immobilized on a first matrix and a second chamber including sulfate-reducing bacteria immobilized on a second matrix. The methods include providing the lactic acid bacteria a suitable medium for the production of lactic acid, which is directed to the culture of sulfate-reducing bacteria for use as a substrate/electron donor for the reduction of sulfates present in the environmental effluent.

Abstract: A sono-molecular-conversion device and method for treating waste water including (a) feeding the waste water containing organic matter through a first sono-molecular conversion device including a plurality of ultrasound transducers; (b) applying ultrasonic energy to the waste water containing the organic matter by the sono-molecular conversion device to ultrasonically collapse microsized bubbles with transient cavitation in said waste water containing organic matter to effect mineralization of the organic matter into ammonia therein by sono-molecular-conversion; (c) feeding the waste water containing the ammonia through a second sono-molecular conversion device including a plurality of ultrasound transducers; and (d) applying ultrasonic energy to the waste water containing the ammonia by the sono-molecular conversion device to ultrasonically collapse microsized bubbles with transient cavitation in said waste water containing the ammonia to effect nitrification of the ammonia into nitrates and nitrites therein

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating effluents containing 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN), or nitric ester of 2-ethylhexane-1-ol, in order to reduce at least partly the concentration thereof, characterized in that it comprises growing, in the presence of a suitable substrate, a Corynebacterium urealyticum CIP-1-2126 bacterium and degrading the 2-EHN contained in the effluents by the biomass of said bacterium thus produced. The invention has application in the Application: depollution of waters and soils polluted by 2-EHN.

Abstract: A process is provided for bioremediating petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated groundwater by applying at least one electron acceptor salt to a ground surface overlying the contaminated groundwater. The process includes identifying characteristics of the aquifer, in which the contaminated groundwater is found, to enable treatment of aquifers at a range of depths below the ground surface.

Abstract: A system of treating high nitrogen content waste water is disclosed, where the system includes a precipitation and conditioning subsystem, an ammonia stripper subsystem, and a denitrification subsystem. The system is adapted to reduce nitrogen contamination to level below about 10 ppm and in certain embodiments below 3 ppm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the bioremediation of soluble sulfates from an environmental effluent, include a first chamber including lactic acid bacteria immobilized on a first matrix and a second chamber including sulfate-reducing bacteria immobilized on a second matrix. The methods include providing the lactic acid bacteria a suitable medium for the production of lactic acid, which is directed to the culture of sulfate-reducing bacteria for use as a substrate/electron donor for the reduction of sulfates present in the environmental effluent.

Abstract: A method for the in-situ biological remediation of groundwater contaminated with halogenated organic compounds, heavy metals, various inorganic compounds, nitrate, and other compounds which can be reduced into less harmful by-products under anaerobic conditions through the application and distribution of a water-soluble microbial substrate mixture consisting of alcohol, carboxylates, and glycerol in an alkaline solution. The method delivers and distributes a substrate mixture into impacted groundwater zones using different mixture proportions based on aquifer conditions so as to optimize distribution in the aquifer. Acclimated microbes and nutrients are also added as needed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the removal of selenium species from water containing high-salt concentrations and/or petroleum contaminants are described. The compositions and methods use a selenium-reducing microorganism adapted to adverse environments.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for removing perchlorate from water. The systems comprise reactors comprising biomass for degrading perchlorate, and the operation of the systems can be controlled according to novel logic specifications. Also provided are filters and filtration systems for clearing water in advance of analysis of the concentration of contaminants within the water. The filters comprise a length of tubing configured to generate backpressure at the filter sufficient to facilitate the flow of a water sample through the filter without overpressurization.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of waste material in a waste water collection system includes an inner core and an outer portion partially surrounding the inner core such that at least one surface of the inner core is exposed. The inner core has a greater water solubility than the outer portion.

Abstract: A use of calcium oxide-cement kiln dust (CaO-CKD) for anaerobic granulation of palm oil mill effluent. A process to produce biogas from palm oil mill effluent using calcium oxide-cement kiln dust (CaO-CKD) wherein steps include inoculating palm oil mill effluent sludge in a reactor, conducting anaerobic digestion on the sludge and conducting anaerobic granulation of palm oil mill effluent.

Abstract: A multistage biological reactor mountable within a settling pond is disclosed. The aforesaid system comprises a wastewater inlet, a plurality of individual cells successively conducting a wastewater flow and a treated wastewater outlet. Each cell comprises a hollow framework and a plurality of mesh substrates mechanically fixed to the framework. The substrates are configured for growth of microorganisms thereupon. The substrates in successively disposed cells are characterized by mesh fineness increasing along the wastewater flow from inlet to outlet. The reactor comprises means to dislodge solids built up upon the substrates thereby preventing excess solids buildup upon the mesh, allowing the system to operate in steady state without periodic solids removal.

Abstract: A methodology, and related systems and structures for accomplishing the methodology, of biological remediation of hazardous or undesirable organic matter, wherein a plurality of carrier members are disposed in a localized retaining member, the carrier members releasing or exposing microorganisms to the undesirable organic matter on a staggered basis over an extended period of time, the microorganisms being capable of biologically remediating the undesirable organic matter by utilizing the organic matter as a food source, thereby converting it into environmentally safe bi-products. Carrier members containing nutrients necessary for the survival of the microorganisms and having release times corresponding to the release times of the microorganisms are also provided to insure that the microorganisms remain viable upon release.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of waste material in a waste water collection system includes an inner core and an outer portion partially surrounding the inner core such that at least one surface of the inner core is exposed. The inner core has a greater water solubility than the outer portion.

Abstract: A waste treatment method includes the concentration of selected strains of bacteria in a selected medium in the presence of nutrients and water, under aerobic conditions. This concentrated batch is discharged for downstream applications in wastewater remediation. A cultivation chamber having inlet ports and a circular vent port allows for adequate air introduction and heat release. Aeration is achieved by recirculation of the fluid medium from the top of the apparatus through a pipe that runs the length of the inner wall and is specially configured at the top to minimize cell damage. Fluid can be routed tangentially in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The conical bottom has an orifice allowing for recirculation of the fluid medium tangentially to the sidewalls. Upon completion of the batch cultivation, the medium and bacteria are discharged for downstream applications in wastewater remediation of paper mill, chemical plant, oil refinery, and other industrial effluents.

Abstract: A process of growing a culture of cyanobacteria or algae using chitin or chitosan as a source of nitrogen for photosynthetic growth is described. This process can be used to remove pollutants from nitrogen-deficient natural waters or wastewaters. Biomass that results from photosynthetic growth on chitin can be used, either as whole cells or the isolated components of the cells, for a large variety of commercial purposes.

Abstract: A mixture for treating water in a biological water treatment process is provided comprising an organic-based flocculant, a micronutrient; and a polymer. The flocculant, the micronutrient and the polymer are mixed in a predetermined ratio to enhance said biological water treatment. The mixture is particularly suited to enhancing flocculation of particles, reducing fouling on a surface of a membrane in a membrane bioreactor, improving uptake of phosphorous and/or nitrogen by a biomass in a biological water treatment system, improving bioactivity of a biomass and/or floc in a biological water treatment system and improving flux in a membrane bioreactor.

Abstract: A method of conditioning, separating, drying, and comminuting sulfurous acid treated wastewater suspended solids for addition to aerobic and anaerobic digesters to provide electron donor carbon and sulfur compounds to increase the removal rate of ammonia, nitrates/nitrites, and BOD compounds.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of treating a source water, comprising: providing a source water containing an amount of silicon-containing molecules; and exposing the source water to a plurality of organisms, whereby the amount is reduced after the exposure.

Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A modular, vertical bioreactor system includes a plurality of vertical bioreactor chambers each of which encloses an interior volume and has a height dimension which is greater than its width dimension; a drain manifold which maintains the bioreactor chambers in a spaced apart relationship and defines a fluid channel which is in fluid communication with each of the vertical bioreactor chambers; and, a fluid delivery assembly which delivers a fluid to each of the bioreactors. The system may be reconfigured so as to accommodate varying applications. The system may be integrated with an aquaculture system.

Abstract: The induction of reducing conditions and stimulating anaerobic process through the addition of species of seaweed (Dulse, Nori, Ascophyllum nodosum, and Kelp) to accomplish accelerated dechlorinization of soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents and heavy metals.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.