Including Adding Ancillary Growth Medium For Microorganism Patents (Class 210/610)
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Patent number: 7258790Abstract: A controlled eutrophication system and process are disclosed. The system includes the combination of a partitioned aquaculture system in conjunction with an anaerobic digester. Wastewater containing pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are fed to the partitioned aquaculture system. Algae within the system converts the pollutants into algal biomass. Fish populations, in turn, control the algal populations. The fish populations may then be periodically harvested for human or animal consumption. A polishing chamber is contained in the system in which aquatic organisms remove substantial amounts of the algae from batch fed additions of water. The water is then discharged to an external water source containing virtually no pollutants. In one embodiment, the biomass excreted by the aquatic organisms in the system are collected and fed to a digester.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Clemson UniversityInventors: David E. Brune, John A. Collier, Thomas E. Schwedler, A. G. Eversole
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Patent number: 7258792Abstract: The method of providing for a fluid treatment, that includes providing a treatment zone containing granular activated charcoal, and providing a stream of water containing nutrients, contaminant degrading microbes and dissolved oxygen, and introducing the stream to a treatment zone to effect adsorption of nutrients and microbes onto the granular activated charcoal, thereby to provide a contaminant treatment matrix, whereby contaminant in fluid flow through the matrix is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: XyclonyxInventors: Behzad Mirzayi, Mery C. Robinson, Alvin J. Smith, Dominic J. Colasito
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Patent number: 7252986Abstract: A bioremediation of subsurface soil formations contaminated with hazardous wastes is achieved by hydraulic fracturing of the subsurface soil formation with simultaneous introduction of sodium percarbonate coated with polyvinylidene chloride as a solid oxygen source (SOS) for establishing colonies of the biodegrading bacteria within the fractures of the soil formation.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: U. S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventors: Wendy Jo Davis-Hoover, Stephen J. Vesper
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Patent number: 7247239Abstract: The invention relates to a method for biological treatment of water, wherein macromolecular carbohydrates are added to the water to be treated, optionally together with vitamins and other additives, whereby a great reduction in residues is already achieved after adding small amounts of macromolecular carbohydrates, for example 0.4 to 600 mg/kg BSB5,zw or 0.014 to 14 mg/kg dry activated sludge daily.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Technocon GmbHInventors: Maria Kotsaridou, Alfons Vogelpohl, Hasan Hamouda
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Patent number: 7244358Abstract: The invention relates to agents for the removal or reduction of inorganic nitrogen compounds, especially nitrate, from biological aquarium waters, containing a biologically degradable polymer, preferably polycaprolactone (PCL) and to the utilization of said agents.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Tetra GmbHInventor: Günter Ritter
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Patent number: 7241615Abstract: This invention relates to systems, apparatus and methods of operating a wet combustion engine and apparatus therefore, capable of biologically burning fuels within a wet combustion chamber within a bioproactor system, including but not limited to, organic carbon containing materials especially biological, hazardous or toxic waste contaminants, in an environmentally sensitive manner. An integrated computer control system that, proactively and pre-emptively, uses feedback from bio-sensors, to monitor, record and control applicable components of the bio-system, to optimize, replenish, and sustain exponential growth of selected life-forms, including but not limited to microbes such as bacteria. In the intake cycle, a suitably prepared fuel mixture is metered into the wet combustion diffusion separation membrane chamber located within the life-support chamber of the bioproactor. In the combustion cycle, diffusion and combustion rates are monitored and timed.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Inventor: Thomas W. St. Lawrence
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Patent number: 7198717Abstract: The anoxic biological reduction system and method for treating wastewater may be an anoxic biological reduction element disposed in a membrane anaerobic stabilization system. The wastewater may be treated to produce an effluent suitable for membrane filtration with the treating incorporating processes substantially free of aerobic biological treatment. The effluent may be filtered through a membrane element selected from the group consisting of a microfiltration system and an ultrafiltration system or a combination thereof. The membrane effluent may then be treated in an anoxic biological reduction element to produce a process effluent stream.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Graham John Gibson Juby
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Patent number: 7192523Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating agricultural waste with an alkane substrate to stimulate bacterial digestion. The alkane treatment may also reduce odor of the agricultural waste material. The agricultural waste may include animal waste, vegetable material, leaf material, plant material, composting material or waste paper products. The alkane preferably includes butane, propane, methane and/or ethane, with butane being particularly preferred. Methods and apparatus are also provided for recovering plant growth-enhancing material from the treated agricultural waste and for treating soil with alkane-utilizing bacteria and/or an alkane substrate in combination with a carrier material to increase seed, bulb, plant and crop growth.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Global BioSciences, Inc.Inventor: Felix Anthony Perriello
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Patent number: 7186341Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater streams by adding, either separately or as a mixture, a nitrate containing compound and an alkaline material in an amount sufficient to achieve a lower concentration of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides downstream of the addition as compared to the atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides present in the wastewater stream prior to the addition. By adding alkaline material in addition to a nitrate containing compounds, the amount of nitrate containing compound added can be reduced by at least 10% as compared to the amount of nitrate that would theoretically need to be added in the absence of alkaline material to achieve a comparable lower concentration of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides in the wastewater stream.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Holding Corp.Inventors: David J. Hunniford, David L. Morano, James Paul Harshman
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Patent number: 7186340Abstract: Removal of oxidized contaminants from water. Perchlorate and other oxidized contaminants are reduced and removed from water with a method using a primary electron acceptor.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventors: Bruce E. Rittmann, Robert Nerenberg
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Patent number: 7182871Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for treating wastewater with alkanes such as butane. An oxygen-containing gas may also be introduced into the wastewater. Butane, because of its relatively high solubility, rapidly dissolves in the wastewater, thereby significantly increasing the heterogeneous microbial community and heterotrophic microbial population. This enhanced microbial population may rapidly absorb and mineralize materials in the wastestream. After an initial growth phase, the organic matter available in the wastewater effluent may be rapidly decreased, thereby reducing the amount of BOD, TDS, sludge and other pollutants. In addition, the use of butane reduces noxious odors associated with municipal wastewater sludges and other types of wastewater.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Global BioSciences, Inc.Inventor: Felix Anthony Perriello
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Patent number: 7179381Abstract: A method for treating contamination in subsurface formations includes fracturing the soil to produce a network of fractures in the formation and simultaneously injecting a slurry containing an optional proppant and a solid-phase or nonaqueous-phase treatment agent into the network of fractures. The proppant is for keeping the fractures open, and the treatment agent accelerates conversion of the contaminants into immobile or less toxic forms. Chitin is an illustrative solid-phase treatment agent, which functions as an electron donor for anaerobic reductive dechlorination mediated by dechlorinating bacteria.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: SRP Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Kent S. Sorenson, Jr.
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Patent number: 7179387Abstract: A method for remediating a body of water includes sequestering a sector of water within the body of water. A communications channel is established between the water sector and a supply site. The water sector is at least partially remediated using the channel to alter a composition and/or a state of the water in the water sector. The channel may be used to add a chemical or nutrient; to provide air or water for mixing the column contents; to convey an electrical signal to an element such as a valve, sensor, or pump in the water sector; to withdraw samples and/or components from the water sector; or to obtain information therefrom via electrical signals. Following the remediation, the remediated water is exchanged with water to be treated from the body of water. In this way, the body of water is remediated over time.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Thomas A. DeBusk
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Patent number: 7175763Abstract: A hollow gas transfer fibre is arranged in tows and potted into a module. The module may be used to treat wastewater by supplying hydrogen containing gas via the interior of the fibers to a biofilm present on an exterior surface of the fibers.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Zenon Technology PartnershipInventors: Hidayat Husain, Henry Behmann, Pierre Lucien Cote
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Patent number: 7160459Abstract: Methods and compositions provide site-specific bioremediation for petroleum contamination of soil and groundwater.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: CW3M Company, Inc.Inventors: William Sinnott, Vince Smith, Jeff Wienhoff
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Patent number: 7160712Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treating odors in wastewater treatment bodies. The pH of the body is preferably established above about 6 and most preferably above about 7, usually by adding a base to the body. The oxidation reduction potential of the body is established at about ?300 mV or higher and more preferably about ?200 mV or higher, usually by adding an oxidizing agent such as oxygen or nitrates. After these conditions are established, sulfur oxidizing bacteria are added to the body. These preferably include Paracoccus denitrificans (formerly called Thiosphaera pantotropha) ATTC number 35,512. The sulfur oxidizing bacterial population should be established at levels of at least about 1×104 cfu/mL and more preferably at levels of 1×105 to 1×106 cfu/mL or higher. The increased ORP and pH levels make sulfate reduction thermodynamically unfavorable. Additionally, the presence of an alternative electron acceptor such as oxygen or nitrate allows the sulfur oxidizing bacteria to oxidize organic acids.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Novozymes A/SInventor: John A. Christiansen
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Patent number: 7153429Abstract: A computer controlled system for denitrification of a wastewater stream. The system provides real time analysis of primary parameters effecting both denitrification and nitrification. A computer controlled external source of carbon is added to the treatment process in order to remove nitrates.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventor: Philip B. Pedros
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Patent number: 7147779Abstract: A bioremediation system using inorganic oxide-reducing microbial consortia for the treatment of, inter alia coal mine and coal yard runoff uses a containment vessel for contaminated water and a second, floating phase for nutrients. Biodegradable oils are preferred nutrients.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River CompanyInventors: Mark A. Phifer, Frank C. Sappington, Margaret R. Millings, Charles E. Turick, Pamela C. McKinsey
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Patent number: 7144509Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants in water under anaerobic conditions is disclosed. The method includes adding to contaminated water a composition including an aqueous mixture of at least one carbohydrate and at least one alcohol and/or bacteriastat. The apparatus includes a source of growing nitrifying bacteria effective for treating contaminants under aerobic conditions, a source of growing bacteria effective for denitrification under anaerobic conditions, and a controller for introducing the growing bacteria in a predetermined amount over a predetermined period of time.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Environmental Operating Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Boyd, Abdul R. M. Azad
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Patent number: 7141170Abstract: Methods for enhancing bioremediation of ground water contaminated with nonaqueous halogenated solvents are disclosed. An illustrative method includes adding a composition to the ground water wherein the composition is an electron donor for microbe-mediated reductive dehalogenation of the halogenated solvents and enhances mass transfer of the halogenated solvents from residual source areas into the aqueous phase of the ground water. Illustrative compositions effective in these methods include whey powder, liquid whey, and mixtures of ethyl lactate and C2 or higher carboxylic acids or hydroxy acids, salts thereof, esters thereof, or mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: North Wind, Inc.Inventor: Kent S. Sorenson, Jr.
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Patent number: 7138060Abstract: In situ treatment of contaminated groundwater includes identifying a site contaminated with a pollutant susceptible to degradation by in situ, sulfate-reducing microorganisms. An amount of sulfate needed to support metabolization of the contaminants is estimated. The estimated amount of sulfate is applied to the site. In various alternatives of embodiments of the invention, the sulfate may be applied is a dry state or as a solution with water. The sulfate concentration in solution is in excess of 1000 ppm and may be as high as a near-saturation concentration.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Delta Environmental Consultants, Inc.Inventor: James Floyd Cuthbertson
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Patent number: 7138059Abstract: A method for in situ bioremediation of contaminants in the environment is described. The method includes adding an electron donor to ground water in an amount sufficient for a microbe in the ground water to use the electron donor for reducing the contaminant into an innocuous derivative thereof. Illustratively, the electron donor contains about 0.1 to 75% by weight of chitin, such as crustacean shell, partially deproteinized crustacean shell, ground mushrooms, or a fungal fermentation broth. The chitinous electron donor can be added to the ground water as a particulate solid or aqueous slurry.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Inventors: Kent S. Sorenson, Jr., Donovan N. Smith, III, Wayne H. Wilke
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Patent number: 7132050Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microbial remediation of organic wastes in sewers and other waste-laden environments utilizing in-situ microbial seeding. A bio-reactor containing inoculated carrier media is suspended within a sewer wet-well or other similar environment, and is at least partially immersed in the waste-laden fluid to be treated. Air and nutrients are continuously supplied to the bio-reactor via conduit from a remote, easily accessible location. Beneficial microbial populations are permitted to thrive and spread throughout the waste-laden environment, mineralizing organic wastes and eventually becoming dominant within the subject environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: TMD, L.L.C.Inventors: Tommy Mack Davis, Cecil Allen McEntire, John Randolph Ayers, Caroline Ann Metosh-Dickey
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Patent number: 7087172Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater streams by adding, either separately or as a mixture, a nitrate containing compound and an alkaline material in an amount sufficient to achieve a lower concentration of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides downstream of the addition as compared to the atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides present in the wastewater stream prior to the addition. By adding alkaline material in addition to a nitrate containing compounds, the amount of nitrate containing compound added can be reduced by at least 10% as compared to the amount of nitrate that would theoretically need to be added in the absence of alkaline material to achieve a comparable lower concentration of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides in the wastewater stream.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: USFilter CorporationInventors: David J. Hunniford, David L. Morano, James Paul Harshman
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Patent number: 7045339Abstract: Methods for enhancing bioremediation of ground water contaminated with nonaqueous halogenated solvents are disclosed. An illustrative method includes adding a composition to the ground water wherein the composition is an electron donor for microbe-mediated reductive dehalogenation of the halogenated solvents and enhances mass transfer of the halogenated solvents from residual source areas into the aqueous phase of the ground water. Illustrative compositions effective in these methods include surfactants such as C2–C4 carboxylic acids and hydroxy acids, salts thereof, esters of C2–C4 carboxylic acids and hydroxy acids, and mixtures thereof. Other illustrative compositions according to the present invention include oleyl lactylic acid and, optionally, oleic acid and lactic acid or salts thereof. Especially illustrative compositions for use in these methods include lactic acid, salts of lactic acid, such as sodium lactate, lactate esters, and mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignees: SRP Technologies, Inc., JRW Biomediation, L.L.C.Inventors: Kent S. Sorenson, Jr., Wayne H. Wilke
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Patent number: 7030287Abstract: A method of decreasing nitrate nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in soil and groundwater by burying a fatty acid having 10 or more carbon atoms, an alcohol having 12 or more carbon atoms, an ester of a linear saturated fatty acid having 14 or more carbon atoms and a monohydric alcohol, an ester of a linear saturated fatty acid having 14 or more carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol, an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and glycerine, and the like in soil containing nitrate nitrogen and volatile organic compounds or by contacting groundwater with same. This method allows for on site treatment, high biological denitrification and a decrease in volatile organic compounds secondary pollution by the release of organic matter and nitrogen into the environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: {umlaut over (K)}oichiro Murasawa, Hitoshi Komoda, Masaru Makino
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Patent number: 7022234Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. Although the apparatus is continuous, the controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic nutrient composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Aqua-Nova LLCInventors: Jon Shaffer, Jack Fernandes, John Lucido
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Patent number: 7011756Abstract: A method for treating (in situ) large bodies of water contaminated with heavy metals and having varying density stratas to immobilize the contaminant metals is disclosed. The method, or process for (in situ) immobilization of metals is focused on treating large bodies of water having metals therein that are also adjacent a border of soil or earthen materials in an attempt to immobilize the metals from penetrating through the soil. The method is also able to treat the soil water boundary within the pit lake to provide additional immobilization. The pit lakes can include open pit lakes, subterranean mine lakes, flowing streams and the like. The method is also able to treat an abandoned mine prior to the filling of the mine with water. Initially, the density mean of the body of water is determined, which is densest typical at regions at or approaching 4 degrees C.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
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Patent number: 7008538Abstract: A process for treating wastewater and a system for practicing the process includes: providing a plurality of zones within a single vessel wastewater treatment system; feeding wastewater into the system; maintaining an aerobic zone in the upper central portion of the vessel; feeding air into the aerobic zone for oxygenation and creating an upflow; maintaining an annularly disposed anoxic zone about said aerobic zone; causing the upflow from the aerobic zone to produce a downflow in the anoxic zone; causing at least a portion of the downflow from the anoxic zone to pass into the upflow of the aerobic zone; maintaining an annularly disposed clarification zone about said anoxic zone for clarified liquid, including an upflow; causing at least a portion of the downflow from the anoxic zone to pass into the upflow of the clarification zone; maintaining a facultative transition zone below the upper aerobic, anoxic and clarification zones; maintaining an anaerobic zone below the facultative zone for absorbing solids sType: GrantFiled: August 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Inventors: Kaspar A. Kasparian, Eric Verret
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Patent number: 7001520Abstract: A method of treating of municipal sludge, paper-pulp sludge, animal and plant waste, and the like, whereby the treatment thereof via electroporation causes the breakdown of waste activated sludge, which is then recycled back to a bioreactor, or to one or more additional bioreactors such as aerobic, facultative, anoxic, or strictly anaerobic.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Opencel LLC.Inventors: Jeffrey Held, Satya P. Chauhan
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Patent number: 6984324Abstract: A method for the treatment of sewage sludge which comprises the step of applying to the sludge a biologically effective amount of a composition which contains a lignosulfonate and sludge digesting microbes, preferably from the genus bacillus. The method may be practiced in sewage treatment plants and also may be used for treatment and odor suppression in holding tanks and the like.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Inventor: David H. Jones
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Patent number: 6984323Abstract: This is a method of waste treatment in tall reactors having with anaerobic biological stage in the lower section of the reactor and another treatment stage in the upper section of the reactor, these stages are separated by an essentially horizontal partition. Presurized digestion gases generated in the anaerobic section are collected under the partition. The process is further improved by providing a recuperable alkalinity and stripping of biologically generated carbon dioxide. so that the free carbon dioxide concentratioon in the anaerobic mixed liquor is very low and a methane-rich digestion gas is produced. Production of pressurized methane-rich digestion gas is the major benefit of the process. Ather improvements are in the controllable gaslift mixing with gases other than digestion gases, improved process performance with increasing operating temperatures due to bioheating, and improved solid-liquid separation due to the use of the distillation techniques making use of the bioheating and heat recycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Inventor: Boris M. Khudenko
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Patent number: 6960299Abstract: This invention provides a method of reducing the concentration of at least one electrically charged compound present in aqueous feedstock (5), such as water and waste water. The feedstock to be treated is continuously supplied to one surface of a selectively permeable, electrically charged membrane (2) contained within a module (1). Simultaneously an aqueous reaction medium, containing an active microbial culture, contacts with the opposite face of the membrane (2). The microbial culture, fed with selected nutrients and salts, is capable to convert at least one electrically charged compound, after it permeates through the wall of the membrane (2) to by-products. The membrane is substantially impermeable to electrically uncharged compounds. The ion-exchange properties of the membrane allow avoiding secondary pollution of the treated water by metabolic by-products and residual nutrients from the reaction medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Intstituto De Biologia Experimental E TechnologiaInventors: Joāo Goulāo Crespo, Marla d'Acensão Miranda Reis
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Patent number: 6946074Abstract: A method for biological purification of wastewater is disclosed, wherein the wastewater is purified in a biofilm process followed by an activated sludge process. The biological degradation in the biofilm process is performed under limitation of one of the nutrient salts nitrogen or phosphorous, and the surplus sludge from the biofilm process is allowed to pass to the activated sludge process.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Kaldnes MiljøteknologiInventors: Asa Malmqvist, Thomas Welander
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Patent number: 6942799Abstract: A bioreactor for microbial conversion of at least one conversion substrate, which has a treatment zone to accommodate when in use a solution of at least one conversion substrate, a culture holding zone to accommodate when in use a microbial culture capable of metabolizing at least one conversion substrate, a source of primary growth substrate for the microbial culture, a first permeable membrane forming an interface between the treatment zone and the culture holding zone, and a second permeable membrane forming an interface between the source of primary growth substrate and the culture holding zone, the first permeable membrane being of a material which will allow passage of the at least one conversion substrate from the treatment zone to the culture holding zone whilst being impermeable to the microbial culture, the second permeable membrane being of a material permeable to the primary growth substrate but substantially impermeable to water; and a process of operating said bioreactor.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Diego Corcho-Sanchez, David Nicholas Lerner, Richard John Stephenson, Robert James Watkinson
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Patent number: 6942800Abstract: Septic systems for home and commercial use can be built or upgraded to be less prone to failure by adding aeration equipment in septic tanks and drain fields, in order to ensure proper oxygen levels in the waste effluent in the septic tank and in the drain field to ensure a healthy population of organisms. The septic system may also benefit from the addition of organisms, enzymes or chemicals to enhance the benefits of aeration. Proper organism populations, in combination with proper aeration in the septic tanks and drain fields, will greatly reduce system failures, or restore failed systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Inventor: Michael J. Jungbauer
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Patent number: 6923914Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for remediating metal contaminants using hydrocarbons which stimulate the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria. The metal contaminants may include heavy metals such as arsenic, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, iron, manganese, magnesium, radium, nickel, selenium, silver, thallium and zinc. The hydrocarbon may include alkanes, alkenes, Aalkynes, poly(alkene)s, poly(alkyne)s, aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbon polymers and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Butane is a particularly suitable hydrocarbon which stimulates the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria. Remediation may occur in-situ or ex-situ, and may occur under aerobic, anaerobic or dual aerobic/anaerobic conditions. Examples of applications include the remediation of heavy metals, the remediation of arsenic impacted surface water, groundwater and/or soil, the remediation of acid mine drainage, and the treatment of spent metal plating solutions.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Global Biosciences, Inc.Inventor: Felix Anthony Perriello
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Patent number: 6908554Abstract: The present invention is a method of recycling animal waste into a useable soil nutrient. The method involves separating the solid and liquid fraction of an animal waste slurry and separately treating both fractions with effective amounts of activated naturally occurring soil bacteria. The method also involves adding an odor eliminating microorganism to the animal waste to reduce or eliminate the foul odor of the waste material.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventor: Robert D. Jackson
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Patent number: 6890438Abstract: A process for conversion of organic wastes into biofertilizers such as soil conditioning agents of fertilizer grade, culture grade and soil grade is provided. Also provided is a process for conversion of organic wastes into material for converting waste water into reusable water. The invention provides methods for conversion of organic solid wastes to biofertilizers and reusable water in the presence of a geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata culure to produce a variety of valuable soil conditioning products and reusable water.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Indian Institute of Technology BombayInventors: Hariharan S. Shankar, Biplab R. Pattanaik, Uday S. Bhawalkar
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Patent number: 6884352Abstract: A method a process involving the application of a labile organic substrate, with supplied sulfate as needed, to a soil and ground water supply for the express purpose of stimulating sulfate reduction to facilitate the formation of mineral iron sulfides or other reduced reactive minerals, abiotically treats soil contaminants, including chlorinated solvents, and hexavalent chromium, with an iron monosulfide microbial geochemical treatment zone. Other iron sulfide compounds, or generally FexSy, may also comprise the treatment zone in addition to iron monosulfide. The process also includes, in some cases, the supplementation of sulfate to ground water where insufficient natural supply exists, wherein a solution of organic and dissolved reactive sulfate introduced to the soil and ground water, the introduction of sulfate tailored to the individual site conditions to meet contaminant mass constraints.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Inventor: Lonnie G. Kennedy
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Patent number: 6878279Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microbial remediation of organic wastes in sewers and other waste-laden environments utilizing in-situ microbial seeding. A bio-reactor containing inoculated carrier media is suspended within a sewer wet-well or other similar environment, and is at least partially immersed in the waste-laden fluid to be treated. Air and nutrients are continuously supplied to the bio-reactor via conduit from a remote, easily accessible location. Beneficial microbial populations are permitted to thrive and spread throughout the waste-laden environment, mineralizing organic wastes and eventually becoming dominant within the subject environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: TMD, L.L.C.Inventors: Tommy Mack Davis, Cecil Allen McEntire, John Randolph Ayers, Caroline Ann Metosh-Dickey
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Patent number: 6846483Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2001Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchInventors: Rita Kumar, Anil Kumar, Alka Sharma, Sharad Vishwanath Gangal, Santosh Dayaram Makhijani
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Patent number: 6835312Abstract: Septic systems are treated with alkane-utilizing bacteria. Alkanes such as butane are injected into septic system wastewater in order to enhance growth of alkane-utilizing bacteria which degrade wastes. Aerobic processes may be achieved by injecting an oxygen-containing gas into the septic system. Alternatively, anaerobic processes may be used. The alkane and oxygen-containing gas may be injected at any suitable stage of the septic system, such as injection into a septic tank, drainfield and/or grease or oil interceptor tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Global Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Felix Anthony Perriello, George A. DiCesare, Ralph J. Perriello
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Publication number: 20040256315Abstract: Systems for treating water containing unwanted contaminants. More particularly, the present invention relates to waste water treatment systems including biological media used to aerobically or anaerobically treat solid and liquid waste in water for large and small-scale waste water systems in a way that minimizes the size of the system required to output high-quality, environmentally suitable water that is depleted of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and other contaminants.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Steven H. Boyd, Abdul R. M. Azad
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Publication number: 20040251197Abstract: A method of treatment of sewage comprising adding at least one cell signalling chemical (CSC) to a sewage substrate, wherein the at least one CSC regulates activity of a microbial population in the sewage substrate. In particular, methods of reducing odour in sewage treatment systems, preventing corrosion in sewage treatment systems, enhancing microbial digestion of sewage, managing methane gas production in a sewage treatment system, enhancing digestion of sewage sludge, resuscitating dormant microbes or microbes that are in a starvation or stationary phase in a sewage substrate and controlling the bacteria responsible for oxidation or reduction of nitrogenous compounds in a sewage substrate, are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventor: Ross Gordon Chandler
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Patent number: 6830922Abstract: A system and method are provided for inoculating a biological reactor having a chamber. The chamber is configured to contain influent and biomass to degrade contaminants in the influent. A vessel is configured to receive influent and biomass from the chamber and to substantially isolate the received influent and biomass from that contained in the chamber. The vessel is also configured to deliver the isolated influent and biomass to the chamber, thereby facilitating inoculation of the biological reactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Envirogen, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Jasienski, Younghua Yang
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Patent number: 6828141Abstract: A method for purifying matter contaminated with a halogenated organic compound is disclosed. The method includes the step of adding a reducing agent and a nutritional source for a heterotrophic anaerobic microorganism to the contaminated matter. The reducing agent is reduced iron, cast iron, iron-silicon alloy and so on, or a water soluble compound. A combination of chemical reactions with microorganisms allows to decompose the halogenated organic compound. The nutritional source including an organic carbon and 20 to 50 percent by weight of an oxidized form of nitrogen is added, thereby preventing by products of the decomposition such as generation of noxious gases and decoloration of soil. A method includes the steps of mixing a reducing agent and a nutritional liquid with the contaminated matter, wherein the mixing step including a step of adjusting the contaminated matter at pH ranging from 4.5 to 9.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Naoaki Kataoka, Tatsuo Shimomura, Nobumitsu Kitajima, Naoki Seki, Hiroshi Shinmura
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Publication number: 20040232069Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. Although the apparatus is continuous, the controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic nutrient composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Jon Shaffer, Jack Fernandes, John Lucido
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Publication number: 20040222151Abstract: A method and system for forming an in situ subsurface filter in a contaminated aquifier and for removing contaminants from groundwater drawn from a contaminated aquifer. The filter is produced in situ by injecting an aqueous solution comprising bacteria-stimulating chemical components through a well to bioactively generate a subsurface mineral filtering zone surrounding the well. As water is subsequently drawn through the well, contaminants are removed from the water as it passes through the filtering zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Ming-Kuo Lee, James A. Saunders, Samuel H. Nichols
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Patent number: H2140Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for conducting bio-oxidation processes for the extraction of metals from metal containing materials in which aeration means, preferably a diffuser means, is employed within a bio-oxidation reactor to maintain bacterial viability and suspension of metal containing materials by introduction of an oxygen containing gas to a non-mechanically agitated reactor.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Inventors: Mike Rhodes, Paul C. Miller, Richard Winby