Abstract: Water treatment structures may have at least a first geotextile fabric layer; a second geotextile fabric layer; a third geotextile fabric layer; a first filler layer with plastic particles, arranged between the first and second geotextile fabric layers; and a second filler layer with plastic particles, arranged between the second and third geotextile fabric layers, wherein the geotextile fabric layers and the filler layers are within a housing, and wherein the structure is configured such that contaminated water proceeds sequentially through the first geotextile fabric layer, the first filler layer, the second geotextile fabric layer, the second filler layer, and the third geotextile fabric layer. Methods of treating wastewater may involve passing wastewater, after optional oxygenating and pre-filtering, through such alternating layers of geotextile, preferably nonwoven, and polymer particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a strip-shaped sponge biological-packing mechanism, which comprises planar bracket groups distributed longitudinally, and the planar bracket groups include at least three parallel brackets. Packing units are arranged between upper and lower adjacent brackets, and the packing unit includes a sponge with a strip-shaped structure, two sides of the sponge are respectively provided with a tension belt, and a plurality of fasteners are arranged between two tension belts, two ends of the tension belt are respectively fixedly provided with a fastening, and the fastenings at both ends of the tension belt are detachably connected with two brackets respectively. The present disclosure also provides an installation method and a dynamic adjustment method of the strip-shaped sponge biological-packing mechanism.

Abstract: This specification describes a membrane aerated biofilm media and reactor (MABR) having a discontinuous layer of a porous material applied to the outer surface of a gas-transfer membrane. The porous material may have a void fraction of 50% or more. The porous material may have a thickness of up to about 500 microns and a pattern on the same order of magnitude as its thickness. The media may be used to carry on a deammonification reaction. In use, ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and annamox bacteria grown in or on the media, with the annamox bacteria located primarily in the porous material. The supply of oxygen through the gas-transfer membrane is limited to suppress the growth of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Excess biofilm is removed, for example by coarse bubble scouring. The media may be placed in an anoxic zone of an activated sludge plant, which may be upstream of an aerobic zone.

Abstract: Method for converting organic material into catalyst for biological hydrosynthesis, comprising providing organic material comprising at least one source of readily available carbon, at least one complex carbon-containing compound and at least one source of protein and contacting the organic material with preparatory catalyst is provided. The organic material is subjected to a size reduction process to produce size-reduced organic material and a solid to liquid ratio of the size-reduced organic material is adjusted to form organic material slurry. The organic material slurry is subjected to a fermentation process to produce amended organic material, by applying a process catalyst to at least a portion of the organic material slurry. A liquid is recovered from the amended organic material and transferred to a fermentation chamber, where it is subjected to a fermentation process to produce amended liquid by applying balancing catalyst to the liquid. The amended liquid is the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sewage treatment biological agent and a preparation method and application thereof. The sewage treatment biological agent according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an induced nucleus. The induced nucleus has good bioaffinity. A microbial flora can be attached to the induced nucleus to achieve rapid growth. As the microbial flora gathers and grows on the induced nucleus, the granulation is gradually achieved by the sewage treatment biological agent to facilitate the sewage treatment. The microbial flora grows on the induced nucleus, and the growth process of microbial flora is a covering growth process which starts from the induced nucleus and gradually expands outward and centers on the induced nucleus. During the growth of microbial flora, extracellular polymers are secreted, which can further promote the granulation process by the sewage treatment biological agent.

Abstract: An aquarium filter assembly includes a transfer tube to convey aquarium liquid and a pre-filter member secured to an end of the transfer tube. The pre-filter member may include a rigid porous media basket, or it may include a micron filter of pleated media.

Abstract: A decentralized wastewater reuse design utilizing trickling filter (TF)-based aerobic bioreactors responds to the growing need for efficient energy usage per gallon of wastewater treated and/or pound of biological oxygen demand (BOD) removed from processed influent. A facility based on this design is able to adjust power consumption as needed due to external factors, such as utility rate scheduling, grid availability, and/or renewable power sources, without compromising effluent quality performance or increasing energy intensity. The facility improves on past TF applications by overcoming physical hydraulic constraints and expanding the capacity for both aerobic nitrification and anaerobic denitrification throughout the system.

Abstract: Disclosed are partial nitritation using a sequencing batch reaction tank with media inputted thereinto, and an apparatus and system for shortcut nitrogen removal using the same. According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a sequencing batch reaction tank operating apparatus and method capable of smoothly performing partial nitritation by adjusting the concentrations of free ammonia and free nitrous acid are provided.

Abstract: A completely biological method for removing a first group of micropollutants of pharmaceutical origin and a second group of micropollutants of pharmaceutical origin from raw wastewater includes: providing a first buffer tank upstream of a bioreactor; providing a moving bed membrane bioreactor (MB-MBR) for developing biomass growth both on a fixed support and in suspension in a form of flocs, and on mobile supports, the bioreactor obtaining an effluent with a COD concentration of organic matter of less than 50 mg l?1 and a total nitrogen concentration of less than 15 mg l?1; providing a biofiltration tank, separate from the first buffer tank of the bioreactor, that includes one or more biologically activated carbon (BAC) columns containing activated carbon; supplying the first buffer tank upstream of the bioreactor with raw wastewater containing micropollutants of pharmaceutical origin; pretreating the wastewater by passing the wastewater through a fine mesh sieve.

Abstract: A modular system for aeration and biosource augmentation of a body of water and a method of using the system to prevent or eliminate an algal bloom in a water body include one or more mechanical basins located outside the body of water and at least two of: one or more residence pods submerged in the body of water that aerate the body of water, dose beneficial biosource, host biosource, and provide biosource to the body of water; one or more residence air pods submerged in the body of water that aerate the body of water, host beneficial bacteria, and provide beneficial bacteria to the body of water; and one or more residence nano pods submerged in the body of water that host, the one or more residence pods or the one or more residence air pods in fluid communication with the one or more mechanical basins.

Abstract: This application relates to a system of treating wastewater wherein an oxygen infusion system is used to supersaturate wastewater before aerobic biological processes, wherein oxygen is transferred to the wastewater free of oxygen bubbles and achieves a reduction in power demand for the aeration process of wastewater.

Abstract: Waste gas mixtures produced and used in industry may contain harmful sulphurous compounds. The present disclosure provides a method for treatment of gas mixtures contaminated with harmful sulphurous compounds by using microorganisms capable of degrading said harmful sulphurous compounds which involves controlling nitrate levels in the medium in which microbiological conversion of harmful sulphurous compounds takes place at high levels.

Abstract: A septic system is provided that includes a septic tank having a plurality of compartments with a tank inlet in a first compartment. First and second vaults are positioned in a second compartment. The first vault receives fluid from the first compartment at a level near a fluid surface in the tank. A first flow inducer receives fluid from the first vault at a level near a bottom of the first vault, and releases fluid into the second compartment at a level near the fluid surface. The second vault receives fluid from the second compartment at a level near a bottom of the second vault and discharge fluid at a level near the fluid surface. Third and fourth vaults and a second flow inducer are positioned in a third compartment, the third vault receiving fluid from the second vault, and the fourth vault discharging fluid to a tank outlet.

Abstract: A decentralized wastewater reuse design utilizing trickling filter (TF)-based aerobic bioreactors responds to the growing need for efficient energy usage per gallon of wastewater treated and/or pound of biological oxygen demand (BOD) removed from processed influent. A facility based on this design is able to adjust power consumption as needed due to external factors, such as utility rate scheduling, grid availability, and/or renewable power sources, without compromising effluent quality performance or increasing energy intensity. The facility improves on past TF applications by overcoming physical hydraulic constraints and expanding the capacity for both aerobic nitrification and anaerobic denitrification throughout the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a pellicle frame from a photomask includes a heater configured to soften an adhesive between the pellicle frame and the photomask; a shower head including a plate, a central region of the plate is configured to overlap with a pattern area of the photomask, and a periphery region of the plate is configured to provide a flow from the periphery region of the plate toward the pellicle frame and the adhesive; and a gripper configured to secure the pellicle frame against the flow and remove the adhesive and the pellicle frame from the photomask. A method of removing a pellicle frame, includes providing a plate overlapped with a pattern area of the photomask; providing a flow from the plate toward the pellicle frame and an adhesive; securing the pellicle frame; soften the adhesive; and leveraging the pellicle frame to remove the adhesive and the pellicle frame.

Abstract: An algae scrubber system operates via a flow of water and a power source. The algae scrubber system does not require a bubbler. The rate of flow of the water may be variable. The algae scrubber system includes a screen that is configured to be removed from the system without shutting off the flow of water through the system and without spilling the water. The system includes a main body with a water distributor providing water to a tray. A screen hangs from the tray to and grow light(s) encourage algae growth on the screen.

Abstract: Transportable wastewater treatment systems and wastewater treatment methods are provided, which employ a clarification unit to treat highly polluted wastewater (e.g., with BODs over 400 mg/l and up to 1500 mg/l) with a small footprint and without elaborate infrastructure or even without grid-based energy sources. The clarification unit comprises an anaerobic digestion unit configured to receive influent and reduce an organic load thereof to yield a first stream, an aerobic anoxic air lift reactor configured to treat the first stream and further reduce the organic load thereof to yield a second stream, and an aerobic unit configured to clarify the second stream and deliver effluent, the aerobic unit comprising a plurality of vertical sheets configured to support growth of algae on biofilm, a sprinkling system configured to sprinkle the second stream onto the vertical sheets, and an organic matter removal unit configured to collect organic mass falling off the vertical sheets.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and process for the anaerobic and aerobic treatment of landfill wastewater, including landfill condensate, landfill leachate and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Cell-based sensor devices, systems, and methods for the detection and identification of volatile compounds, and for the determination of the location of the source of the volatile compounds in an enclosed space are described.

Abstract: A water treatment system for a water reservoir comprises a collection box; a rotary drum filter arranged to receive gravity flow from the collection box through a receiving line; a primary bio-filter; a secondary bio-filter; one or more connecting lines originating at the rotary drum filter and comprising at least a first outlet line connected to the primary bio-filter and a second outlet line connected to the secondary bio-filter, the second outlet line comprising a pump; and a return line originating at the primary bio-filter and terminating at the water reservoir. The collection box has a bottom and sides defining an interior volume, and comprises a first water intake having a first riser; a second water intake having a second riser; and a third water intake having a third riser, each riser being disposed inside the interior volume and extend upwardly from the bottom of the collection box.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for biological treatment of carbon, nitrogen and optionally phosphorus in water, in a reactor system (1) comprising a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) (2) and a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) (3). The method comprises a step (10) of filling said SBR reactor (2) with water to be treated (5), a step (20) of anoxic/aerobic biological treatment in said reactor system (1) and a step (30) of discharging treated water (35) from said SBR reactor (2). The anoxic/aerobic biological treatment step (20) comprises: a biological treatment (210) under largely anoxic conditions in the SBR reactor (2), producing a first effluent (215), a biological treatment (220) under aerobic conditions in the MBBR reactor (3), producing a second effluent (225), and a continuous recirculation of the first and second effluents. The present invention also concerns a corresponding facility.

Abstract: Provided are: a water treatment method that includes at least a denitrification step for denitrifying water to be treated with a denitrifying bacterium in the presence of a hydrogen donor, wherein the denitrification activity of the denitrifying bacterium can be maintained at a high level and thus the treatment speed can be increased; and a water treatment apparatus. The water treatment method includes at least a denitrification step for passing water to be treated through a biological treatment tank and denitrifying the same with a heterotrophic denitrifying bacterium in the presence of a hydrogen donor, wherein: molybdenum is added to the water to be treated to give a concentration of 0.01-1.0 mgMo/gN; a carrier is added to the biological treatment tank; and the nitrogen load to the carrier is controlled to 1.6 kgN/(m3-carrier·d) or greater.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a pellicle frame from a photomask includes a heater, a shower head, and a gripper. The heater is configured to soften a portion of an adhesive between the pellicle frame and the photomask. The shower head facing to the heater and configured to provide a flow from a patterned area of the photomask toward the pellicle frame and the adhesive. The gripper is configured to secure the pellicle frame against the flow and to remove the adhesive and the pellicle frame from the photomask. A method of removing a pellicle frame from a photomask includes providing a flow from a pattern area of the photomask toward the pellicle frame and an adhesive; securing the pellicle frame in a force-transmitting manner against the flow; soften at least a portion of the adhesive; and leveraging the pellicle frame to remove the adhesive and the pellicle frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating municipal sewage by anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic (AOA) [1] process via simultaneous endogenous partial [2] denitrification coupled with anammox in anoxic zone is disclosed. The apparatus mainly includes a raw water tank (1) for sewage, an AOA reactor (2) and a sedimentation tank (3), the sludge flows back from the bottom of the sedimentation tank (3) to the anoxic zone (2.4) and the anaerobic zone (2.2) respectively, and biofilm filler is added to the anoxic zone (2.4). The sewage enters the AOA reactor (2), and the intracellular carbon source is stored in the anaerobic zone (2.2) to remove the organic matter in the raw water. Then it enters the aerobic zone (2.3) for nitrification, and the generated nitrate-nitrogen enters the anoxic zone (2.4) for endogenous partial denitrification. The filler in the anoxic zone (2.4) uses the generated nitrite-nitrogen by endogenous partial denitrification and the remaining ammonia-nitrogen in the raw water to perform anammox reaction.

Abstract: A bio-enhanced deodorization equipment includes a main body and a filler container in the main body. The filler container includes a wall and at least three perforated separator plates vertically arranged in the filler container. A plurality of spaces are formed by the at least three perforated separator plates, and a microbial filler and a carrier filler are accommodated in the spaces in an alternate manner.

Abstract: A system to treat effluent in a septic tank includes filter sections having kerfs. A strainer removes solid debris from the filter for removal without allowing the solid debris to pass. An aerator includes an eight to twelve inch diameter pipe 4 to 6 feet tall matching tank invert height. The aerator has bottom inlet holes, each with an elbow on the outside with a vertical standpipe taking effluent from the clear zone, sending it through the aerator. Air inlet piping is attached to a “T” shaped air diffuser producing bubbles traveling upward through plastic media. Aerator height is field adjusted to approximately 2 inches below static water level. Holes in the upper sidewalls just below the top let air bubbles out sideways. At its top, the aerator has a slotted, sliding, anti-turbulation collar adjusted to be one to two inches above the static water level.

Abstract: A brine waste management method comprising the utilization of brine waste as a growth medium for cultures of genetically modified halophiles acting as bio-refineries creating chemicals of value. Brine waste enters the method (101) to undergo compositional analysis (102), Pretreatment (104), and Inoculation (106). The compositional analysis (102) and the selection (103) of the chemicals of value influences the selection (103) of the halophile species to undergo modification (105), as well as the pretreatment (104) needed to encourage growth-production (107). Growth-production (107) is monitored and assisted until the extraction (108) of the chemicals of value and additional post-extraction (109) handling of excess brine waste exiting the method.

Abstract: A perfusion bioreactor and a method for using the perfusion bioreactor for performing a continuous cell culture are disclosed. The perfusion bioreactor includes an outer vessel having a housing with a gas permeable membrane, an opening and a cavity; an inner vessel within the cavity; and a lid to cover the opening. A porous membrane within the cavity divides the cavity into inner and outer compartments. A fresh media port extends through the outer vessel or the at least one lid to receive a fresh media tube that has an end located in the inner compartment. A spent media port extends through the outer vessel or the at least one lid to receive a spent media tube that has an end located in the outer compartment. A mixer is within the inner compartment, and the porous membrane is attached to an opening within the inner vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining whether or not all of pythiums contained in a test sample are non-phytopathogenic. The method comprises: (a) putting the test sample on a front surface of a film comprising a through-hole having a cross-sectional area of not less than 0.785 square micrometers and not more than 7.065 square micrometers; (b) leaving the test sample at rest after the step (a); (c) observing a back surface of the film after the step (b); and (d) determining that all of the pythiums contained in the test sample are non-phytopathogenic, if pseudohyphae are not found on the back surface of the film in the step (c).

Abstract: A method of reducing selenium contamination in a waste water stream is described herein. The method includes channeling a flue gas stream through an absorber, contacting the flue gas stream with an aqueous alkaline-based slurry, such that any selenium byproduct in the flue gas stream forms a selenium compound within the aqueous alkaline-based slurry, controlling oxidation of the selenium compound in the aqueous alkaline-based slurry, and adding a precipitation agent to the aqueous alkaline-based slurry to cause the selenium compound within the aqueous alkaline-based slurry to precipitate.

Abstract: There is described a system for the treatment of a wastewater in a pond or lagoon containing a volume of water. The system comprises at least one enclosure comprising growth media and/or substrate therein for growing bacteria and/or biomass. The at least one enclosure is configured in the pond or lagoon to receive a volume of wastewater flowing therethrough from the pond or lagoon over a treatment period, and is configured to treat substantially the entire volume of water flowing through the pond or lagoon over time. A plurality of growth media and/or substrate can be provided in a given enclosure. Different enclosures may comprise different growth media and substrate therein.

Abstract: A microbiological culture apparatus of a wastewater treatment system includes a cage, a spacing device received in the cage, and a plurality of culture woods vertically received in the cage and positioned by the spacing device. The spacing device restricts the culture woods in an upright status and spaces them from each other to form a passageway between each two of the neighboring culture woods. Wastewater flows through the passageways to have low temperature and high dissolved oxygen.

Abstract: A method for forming a filter for passing contaminated water using elements that are made wholly or partly of degradable material. The increased area available for flow is obtained by providing a first media for which the increase in area for passing the contaminated water is desired, adding a second media comprising of a plurality of degradable elements, and allowing the elements of to degrade to bring about an increase in the area available for passing the contaminated water.

Abstract: Methods of modification of zero-valent iron (ZVI) to improve its performance in removing contaminants from a discharge stream. In some aspects, the methods include contacting ZVI-impregnated disks with solutions containing metal cations such as Ni2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, or Pd2+. In some aspects, a wastewater stream is treated with a metal cation solution, then passed over ZVI. Compositions for treating wastewater include ZVI that is modified with a metal cation solution.

Abstract: A system and method of treating wastewater. In one embodiment, the system comprises a biological reactor fluidly connected to a source of wastewater and having a treated wastewater outlet, a fixed film biological reactor connected to the source of wastewater and having a fixed film effluent outlet, and a ballasted system fluidly connected to the fixed film effluent outlet. The ballasted system may comprise a ballast reactor tank configured to provide a ballasted effluent, and a source of ballast material fluidly connected to an inlet of the ballast reactor tank. The system may further comprise a bypass line having an inlet fluidly connected to the source of wastewater, a first outlet fluidly connected to the ballasted system, and a second outlet fluidly connected to the fixed film biological reactor, the bypass line configured to bypass the fixed film biological reactor.

Abstract: A method for producing a microbiologic agent is described. The method includes a step of adding biomass containing a target compound-degrading microorganism and an inorganic microparticle carrier to a medium containing a target compound. The microorganisms included in the biomass are carried on the inorganic microparticles, and the medium is cultured while monitoring an abundance ratio of the target compound-degrading microorganism in microorganisms carried on the inorganic microparticle carrier. After the abundance ratio of the target compound-degrading microorganism reaches a predetermined value, the inorganic microparticle carrier carrying the target compound-degrading microorganism is collected to obtain the microbiologic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment system having a barium carbonate (BaCO3) dispersed alkaline substrate (BDAS) for use in the remediation or at least partial remediation of mine drainage (MD) and/or environmental media contaminated with a source of MD. The invention utilizes chemical, biological and combined treatment systems remove high concentrations of sulfates, hardness, heavy metals and N-compounds, that may exist in the MD as well as high concentrations of alkalinity produced during the remediation process. The invention further extends to a process for treating MD and/or environmental media contaminated with MD and to an apparatus for use in this process.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery is provided that includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a microporous polymer separator soaked in an electrolyte solution, the microporous polymer separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and a transition metal cation trap which is i) incorporated as a binder in any of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, ii) deposited onto a surface of any of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, iii) incorporated into the microporous polymer separator, iv) deposited onto a surface of the microporous polymer separator, or v) included as an additive in the electrolyte solution. The transition metal cation trap is a siderophore.

Abstract: A rotational dual chamber bioreactor for cell culture in bi- and multi-layered scaffolds, in the context of tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine strategies is disclosed, which comprises at least two dual culture chambers, a multiposition magnetic stirrer plate, and at least two flow pumps coupled to a monitor device to register biochemical parameters such as pH, pO2, glucose and urea sensors and physical parameters like pressure. A central barrier, with a hole to insert the bilayer scaffold, is used to culture cells with different conditions in each compartment of the chamber, avoiding medium exchange. Each chamber can rotate 180° (horizontal), which is promoted by magnetic stirrers, the multiposition stirrer plate is adapted dimensionally to the culture plate dimensions and also allows 180° vertical rotation. Each dual chamber has detachable caps for the top and the bottom chambers, the top cap to compress the scaffold thereby providing compressive stimulus with torsion simultaneously.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel methods for expansion and passaging of cell aggregates comprising stem cells and/or differentiated cells and comprising the use of closed systems in stirred tank bioreactors. The methods of the invention permit closed system serial passage expansion of pluripotent stem cells and/or progeny thereof with associated pluripotency markers and differentiation potential.

Abstract: An upflow continuous backwash deep bed sand filter (UCBF) having a recycle line for returning carbonaceous denitrifying bacteria attached to biomass to the influent of the UCBF. The recycle line returns the biomass to the treatment process at a location upstream of the upflow continuous backwash filter. Further, a liquid level control unit is provided that reduces fluctuations and significant drop in the liquid level upstream of the upflow continuous backwash filter, thereby avoiding or minimizing flow turbulences, air induction, and undesirable wastewater aeration resulting in the need to dose excessive carbon source to remove dissolved oxygen in the aerated wastewater.

Abstract: Described herein are attached growth reactor systems which increase nitrifying bacteria biomass through a variety of means during warm weather. As a consequence, the attached growth reactor system contains sufficient nitrifying bacteria biomass to remove ammonia from wastewater in cold to moderate climates. In one example, there are two attached growth reactors into which wastewater is distributed discontinuously. Specifically, wastewater is transferred to the first attached growth reactor for a first period of time and then is transferred to the second attached growth reactor for a second period of time during warm weather which effectively doubles the nitrifying bacteria biomass in the system. During cold weather, approximately half of the wastewater is applied to each reactor simultaneously.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel methods for expansion and passaging of cell aggregates comprising stem cells and/or differentiated cells and comprising the use of closed systems on rocking platform bioreactors. The methods of the invention permit closed system serial passage expansion of pluripotent stem cells and/or progeny thereof with associated pluripotency markers and differentiation potential.

Abstract: A method for reducing recalcitrant chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a liquid in a water system is provided. The method comprises pretreating the liquid in a pretreatment unit (12) to remove indigenous bacteria or microbes to a population level below which the indigenous organisms can interfere with the screened and externally introduced microorganisms. The liquid is then provided to a reactor (20) that has a filter bed (22) formed with a carrier material (26). Special microbes are screened and used to colonize the carrier material (26) to remove recalcitrant COD. A biofilm is cultured on the surface of the carrier material (26) to immobilize the screened microbes in the reactor (20). The method further comprises adding a co-substrate as the liquid enters the reactor (20) and percolating the liquid through the filter bed (22) colonized with the screened microbes to degrade at least part of the recalcitrant COD under aerobic conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixed bed for aerobic or anaerobic wastewater purification, comprising an upper frame having support elements fixed to opposite side rails and/or intermediate rails for attaching textile, foldable, non-degradable supports for microorganism, a lower frame having support elements for fixing the textile supports to the lower frame, and means connecting the frames at a corner region. The invention is a fixed bed where all parts of the fixed bed can be assembled to form a relatively small packaging unit that already contains the inserted textiles. Frames are provided with spacers at least in the corner regions, the height of which spacers corresponds to the material height of the folded supports between two frames and the supports are fixed by means of the supports members to the side rails and/or intermediate rails of the frames in a preassembly step before folding.

Abstract: A process includes microbially degrading harvested polyculture plant material to form a concentrated microbial biomass and providing the concentrated microbial biomass to an intermediary animal for consumption. The process may also be directed to producing a product animal which includes providing a growth area having an outlet for waste and providing a harvested plant material collection area having an outlet for degradation products. The process may also include providing a microbial growth system for producing a bacterial biomass and directing at least some waste from the outlet of the product animal growth area to the harvested plant material collection area. The process may also include directing at least some degradation products to the microbial growth system, directing some of the microbial biomass produced in the microbial growth system to an intermediary animal for consumption, and directing the intermediary animal to a product animal growth area.

Abstract: A gas sparger for a filtering membrane system produces an intermittent flow of bubbles even if provided with a relatively continuous gas flow. The sparger has a housing to collect a pocket of gas and a conduit to release some of the gas from the pocket when the pocket reaches a sufficient size. Optionally, a cover over an outlet from the conduit may break up or distribute the released gas. A large sparger for can comprise a plurality of smaller units or areas. The supply of gas to the sparger may vary in flow rate over larger periods of time in response to changes in conditions in the membrane system to change the time between consecutive bursts of bubbles. A gas supply pipe may have two or more outlets at different elevations in communication with each of two or more units or areas.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sealed pressurized enclosure containing a sludge digester designed to receive wastewater from commercial establishments for the purpose of removing fats, oils and greases using the high velocity impact provided by the sludge digester. Air containing ozone is pumped through the sludge digester causing a flow of material so that the stream of material is directed onto a series of stationary concentric ridges wherein the solids in the liquid material are forcefully impacted against the stationary concentric ridges so as to break the solid particles up into smaller particles.

Abstract: Numerous different types of waste compositions generally in an aqueous environment are bio-remediated under aerobic conditions utilizing highly diverse and multiple microorganisms within a reactor. The process is carried out with the microorganisms attached or bound by a variety of different surface characteristics to packing substrates, located within the reactor, having high surface areas and high porosity in the form of small micropores. Multiple different types of substrates are generally utilized that efficiently dissolve air into the water, as well as to maximize the concentration and diversity of types of microorganisms. Reactors are utilized that desirably have tubes therein containing the multiple types of packings and microorganisms and contain at least one perforated chimney through which air can flow and optimize dissolving oxygen into the aqueous environment of the various bio-remediation stages.

Abstract: An apparatus for making high-oxygenated water includes an oxygen supply, an exchange tank, and a pressure tank. The oxygen supply respectively supplies pure oxygen to the exchange tank and the pressure tank. The pure oxygen is dissolved in water in the exchange tank in a normal pressure environment to obtain oxygenated water. A slow-down unit is provided in the exchange tank to extend the time of the pure oxygen staying in the exchange to raise the dissolved oxygen of the oxygenated water. Next, the oxygenated water is drained to the pressure tank, and then the pure oxygen is dissolved in the oxygenated water in the exchange tank in a high pressure environment to obtain high-oxygenated water.