Abstract: A bioreactor for reacting an aqueous heavy metal and sulfate containing mine drainage solution with sulfate reducing bacteria to produce heavy metal sulfides and reduce the sulfuric acid content of the solution. The reactor is an elongated, horizontal trough defining an inlet section and a reaction section. An inlet manifold adjacent the inlet section distributes aqueous mine drainage solution into the inlet section for flow through the inlet section and reaction section. A sulfate reducing bacteria and bacteria nutrient composition in the inlet section provides sulfate reducing bacteria that with the sulfuric acid and heavy metals in the solution to form solid metal sulfides. The sulfate reducing bacteria and bacteria nutrient composition is retained in the cells of a honeycomb structure formed of cellular honeycomb panels mounted in the reactor inlet section. The honeycomb panels extend upwardly in the inlet section at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: Method and system for the purification of waste water. In the method, all purification functions, including removal of nitrogen and phosphor, are performed in one and the same reactor (1), in which several alternating oxidation and reduction zones (2-6) are created in unclarified waste water flowing through it by supplying each zone with gas mixtures with different oxygen contents as needed for the purification function to be performed in the zone from a gas distributor (8), in such manner that oxygen-rich gas containing 30-50% oxygen is supplied for oxidation while gas with a low oxygen content of 0-5% is supplied for reduction.

Abstract: Device for purifying gases or liquids comprises a chamber provided with intakes and outlets, in which filter material is incorporated. Micro organisms are used for the purification. The filter material is a flat mat having large open pores and being made of foamed plastic material, which is rolled-up with a supporting element made of—at least partly—undulated, mutually connected, resilient threads, so that a certain distance between the parts of the mat radially following one another remains free. The rolled-up mat can be fittingly mounted in a supporting structure, such as a pipe. A number of pipes can be stacked within the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to compact, high efficiency filter medium for used in biological filters. Thin filter sheets provide large surface area for the colonization of bacteria. Stacking the filter sheets in layers or rolling the sheet upon itself produce uniform flow passages defined by the spacers on the filter sheets which prevent fluid from flowing through a few large passages and thus reducing the efficiency of the entire filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated bacterial strain capable of oxidizing nitrite to nitrate and a method of use thereof for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of nitrite in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Waste water containing fluorine, nitrogen and organic matter is treated by introducing the waste water into a water tank filled with calcium carbonate mineral and anaerobic microorganic sludge. An upper portion of the water tank is occupied by the anaerobic microorganic sludge concurrently with natural precipitation of the calcium carbonate mineral toward a lower portion of the water tank. Calcium ions dissolving from the calcium carbonate mineral precipitated in the lower portion of the water tank are made to chemically react with the fluorine in the waste water. At the same time, the organic matter in the waste water is treated by utilizing anaerobic microorganisms in the anaerobic microorganic sludge in the upper portion of the water tank. The nitrogen in the waste water is treated to be reduced by reducibility that the anaerobic microorganisms in the waste water own.

Abstract: A biological filter for filtering a stream of falling liquid, the filter comprising a body movable between a first and a second position, and a first filter portion coupled to the body such that the first filter portion is positioned under the stream when the body is in the first position. The filter further comprises a second filter portion coupled to the body such that the second filter portion is positioned under the stream when the body is in the second position, wherein the body reciprocates between the first and the second positions when located below the stream of liquid.

Abstract: A looped cord biomedia filter cartridge is employed in a trickle tower filter to quickly and efficiently process wastewater. A base tank holds a volume of wastewater to be processed. The filter cartridge is mounted on top of the base tank and comprises a cylindrical frame having a plurality of upper and lower concentric hanger rings. The looped cord biomedia is interlaced, under tension, between the upper and lower concentric hanger rings to create a plurality of parallel, vertically extending, linear lengths of looped cord biomedia. The concentric hanger rings are radially spaced, and include circumferentially spaced notches for interlacing the looped cord biomedia. The spaced lengths of looped cord biomedia provide increased surface area while allowing sufficient space for water flow and air flow. Tensioning of the biomedia creates a highly desirable laminar downward flow of wastewater over the surfaces of the biomedia.

Abstract: The mixture to be tested for toxic components is first separated into fractions by chromatography. The separated fractions are then contacted with luminescent microorganisms in the chromatographic system itself and the toxicity of the fractions is determined by measurement of the bioluminescence. The chromatographic separation may be carried out either by thin layer chromatography or by column liquid chromatography.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for isolating nucleic acids from biological fluids and suspensions containing nucleic acids, a reaction compartment 17 for receiving an adsorption medium 100 being connected to a removal compartment 50, and the nucleic acids being able to be moved and enriched from the reaction compartment 17 into the removal compartment 50 by an electrophoresis apparatus 20a, 20b.

Abstract: This waste water treatment equipment introduces granular calcium carbonate mineral 13, a calcium fluoride 14 in a floc form and a microorganism 15, which are flowing in a lower section 8, into an upper section 7 and sprinkles the same. Therefore, in the upper section 7, the granular calcium carbonate mineral 13 chemically treats fluorine in an exhaust gas, while the calcium fluoride 14 in the floc form chemically treats acid components in the exhaust gas although the effect is little. At the same time, the microorganism 15 biologically treats the organic matter in the exhaust gas. Then, the granular calcium carbonate mineral 13, the calcium fluoride 14 and the microorganism 15 that have not been utilized for exhaust gas treatment treat again the waste water in the lower section 8.

Abstract: A raw water purifying apparatus utilizing anaerobic microorganisms comprising a casing (1) and a carrier assembly (2). The casing (1) is a vertical type and comprises a body (3), a bottom wall (4) and a ceiling (5). At the upper portion of the casing an inflow port (6) of raw water is open and at the lower portion an outflow port (7) is located. The carrier assembly (2) is formed by piling plural carrier discs (8) of porous plastic material, such as polyethylene for rooting anaerobic microorganisms inclusively therein with each space (9) between every two carrier discs (8), so as not to overlap liquid passages (10) which are provided evenly all over each disc (8) through thereof with each other. The carrier assembly (2) is disposed in said casing (1) so s to prevent the direct leading of said inflow port (6) to said outflow port (7), and the raw water may be treated once or repeatedly.

Abstract: The invention is designed for the treatment of household and industrial sewage, mainly for the biochemical treatment of high-contaminated sewage produced by those enterprises referred to the food, chemical, pharmaceutical and microbiological industries. The installation contains a primary purification stage biocoagulator (3), a secondary stage biocoagulator (14) whose sediment is introduced into a fermenter (17). Clarified effluent from biocoagulator (14) and fermenter (17) is further introduced into a pump plant (33), whereby effluent is pumped into a biofilter (39) and further into a combined device (44) of the same design as fermenter (17)—irrigation system, artificial charge, aeration columns, settling section. Clarified effluent from combined device (44) is finally processed into a tertiary purification bioreactor (50).

Abstract: A hog waste processing apparatus is comprised of standard hog barns which are fluidly connected to separators. The separators are fluidly connected to a pair of reactor cells. The reactor cells are filled with EcoBlocks to increase the surface area upon which biological reactions occur. Excess fluid from the reactor cells drains into a polishing cell which recycles the water to flush the barns. A method is also affiliated with the apparatus. The method comprises flushing the barns with water once a week to remove animal waste to the separators. Once a month the separator being used is allowed to completely dry and the solid waste is removed to a storage area for further drying and shipment.

Abstract: A method and reactor for decontaminating underground aqueous plumes containing gasoline or other petroleum-derived hydrocarbons. The reactor contains a solid, non-sorptive packing, e.g a stainless steel foraminous packing which is characterized by a free space of at least 75%. The packing carries a microbial heterogeneous population derived from soil indigenous microbial community. The contaminated stream is passed through the bed in microaemphilic conditions. The performance of the process is better than that of a comparable process and apparatus using granulated peat moss.

Abstract: A method of converting organic waste to a useful end product by aerobic thermophilic fermentation process within a short period of time, includes the steps of mixing the organic waste that naturally contains microorganisms with the porous material as a fermentation medium in a mixing digester to form a waste mixture, providing an external heat source to transfer heat into the waste mixture of the organic waste and the porous material, maintaining the waste mixture at a thermophilic temperature to create microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction to proliferate and grow beneficial thermophilic microorganisms between the porous material and microorganisms that naturally present in the organic waste and allowing whereby the microbial reaction to accelerate the organic waste fermentation and decomposition speed and decompose the organic waste into the usefil end product within a short period of time.

Abstract: A device for purifying gases, such as air in particular, or liquids, such as water in particular. The device comprises a chamber in which filter material is incorporated. The chamber has inlets and outlets for the medium to be purified. The medium is led through filter material, in which micro-organisms are employed for the purification. A mat having large open pores is used as filter material. The mat is manufactured from foamed plastic material having open pores and is flat on one side and is provided with extrusions on the other side. The material may be polyurethane. The mat is wound in such a way that it can be situated on a tube. The chamber has a substantially cylindrical shape into which the rolled-up mat can be fittingly slid.

Abstract: An aerobic microorganism growth medium for use in a wastewater treatment system is formed as a resilient coil of fibrous strand material suspended on a frame placed in a vessel containing the wastewater to be treated.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for denitrification of a liquid, such as water, comprises a vertical processing tank (11) including: a bottom section (20) partially filled with activated sludge (22), bottom section (20) having a bottom (12) having a concave upward facing inner surface (13); a horizontal filter (40) spanning tank (11) above sludge (22); an anaerobic process section (50) including a denitrifying biomass section (54); and an oxidation section (60) including a diffuser (61). The method comprising the steps of: injecting impure water (90) into sludge (22) so as to travel helically upward to mix with sludge (22); filtering with filter (40); denitrifying with denitrifying biomass (54); and oxidizing the effluent water from anaerobic biomass (54) in oxidation section (60) including bubbling air from diffuser (63). Water (90) effluent from tank (11) is sterilized with an ozonation device (86).

Abstract: The method of treating waste water includes a first process step for supplying circulating filter cakes containing populating, multiply microbes and flagellates under facultative anaerobic conditions in the biological reaction tank; and a second process step for supplying filter cakes secured to the walls of the aeration tank and containing populating, multiplying microbes, protozoa and metazoa. Preferably, a plurality of ball shaped circulating, ciliary contact filter cakes are disposed in the biological reaction tank, with a plurality of elongated stationary, ciliary contact filter cakes secured to the waste water aeration tank. The circulating and elongated filter cakes provide for enhanced biological support thereby increasing the population of microorganisms and therefore the quality of the water treated.

Abstract: An apparatus for wastewater treatment, includes a calorie reducer first vessel having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet adapted to control the retention time of wastewater within the first vessel. A first recycle pump is connected to the first vessel to recycle wastewater from a bottom of the first vessel to a top of the first vessel through a recycle conduit, at a high velocity. The recycle conduit provides an air gap for drawing air into the first vessel. Bacteria within the calorie reducer vessel consume biodegradable food with a minimum number of bacteria while in the log growth phase. A second bio-reducer vessel is connected to the calorie reducer vessel. The bio-reducer holds a media supported above a bottom reservoir. A bio-reducer recycle pump recycles wastewater within the reservoir to be sprayed onto a top of the bio-reducer, to wash over the media. Further bio-reducers can be arranged downstream of the first bio-reducer.

Abstract: The treatment system is for use with septic tank effluent. Water is passed over polyurethane foam blocks, arranged in a heap so that air can circulate freely around the blocks. The size of the foam cells is small enough that water soaks into the blocks and is retained therin. The foam is soft and easily deformed. At the points of block-to-block engagement, the blocks deflect and conform to each other, giving rise to a large contact area through which water can pass between blocks.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system substantially reduces wastewater treatment time and increases treatment capacity. The system includes at least one completely covered aerobic reactor cell and a completely covered quiescent anaerobic reactor cell. The system can also include a polishing reactor for further treating wastewater after treatment by the anaerobic reactor cell. The covered aerobic reactor cell preferably includes a pair of subcells in which a first cell includes continuous mixing and aeration of the wastewater and the second cell includes only intermittent mixing and aeration of the treated wastewater. The system optionally includes a completely covered anoxic reactor cell for treating wastewater prior to treatment by the completely covered aerobic reactor cell. The anoxic reactor cell receives partially treated wastewater recirculated from the polishing reactor. Growth media can be used in the reactor cells to enhance biological activity.

Abstract: A porous inorganic oxide carrier body for immobilizing living cells is prepared from inorganic oxide particles such as clay particles. The particles have an average particle size of from 0.01 to 20 microns, and the carrier body has a total pore volume of 0.05 to 1.0 cc/g and an average pore diameter of 50 to 700 .ANG., and has substantially no pore volume in the range of 800 .ANG. or greater. The carrier is prepared by forming a mixture containing the particles, a liquid medium and optional ingredients including zeolite and activated carbon, and forming the mixture into a shaped carrier body which may be optionally dried and calcined. Typical shapes of the carrier include spheres, cylinders, rings, honeycombs and shaped monoliths. Bacteria and other microorganisms immobilized on the carrier are useful for treatment of contaminated waste streams or contaminated vapors, or for other uses for which microorganisms are used such as the synthesis of chemicals.

Abstract: An improved method for in situ microbial filter bioremediation having increasingly operational longevity of an in situ microbial filter emplaced into an aquifer. A method for generating a microbial filter of sufficient catalytic density and thickness, which has increased replenishment interval, improved bacteria attachment and detachment characteristics and the endogenous stability under in situ conditions. A system for in situ field water remediation.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the contamination-free isolation of nucleic acids from biological fluids and suspensions containing nucleic acids comprising: a reaction compartment for holding an adsorption medium laden with nucleic acids; connected via a channel to a removal compartment; wherein the nucleic acids can be moved by an electrophoresis device from the reaction compartment into the removal compartment and enriched there; and the reaction compartment can be charged via a charging orifice and drained via a draining orifice being located essentially opposite of the charging orifice.

Abstract: A method of generating an adsorbent product for use in magnetic separation of contaminants from an influent liquid comprises the steps of: (i) mixing at least one micro-organism with the liquid in a chemostat vessel; (ii) magnetically separating a magnetic fraction of liquid from the vessel from a non-magnetic fraction (iii) returning the magnetic fraction to the vessel; and (iv) collecting precipitated material from the vessel for use as the adsorbent product. In an embodiment, a solution comprising heavy metals is fed to a chemostat containing sulphur-generating micro-organisms, iron, sulphates and a nutrient compound together with N.sub.2. Liquid is drawn off to a high gradient magnetic separator where the non-magnetic fraction containing decontaminated liquid is separated off; the slurry is removed for use as an adsorbent. Sulphide generating micro-organisms are listed. Dy and Er salts or complexes can be added, as can other specified micro-organisms.

Abstract: A process for concentrating and destroying the perchlorate and nitrate anions present in ground water and drinking water sources is disclosed. In the process, the perchlorate and nitrate anions present in feed water are concentrated into a much smaller effluent stream. A typical process configuration involves using a continuous contacter apparatus known as ISEP wherein the perchlorate present in feed water is adsorbed on to an ion-exchange resin resulting in a perchlorate-free treated water. The ISEP unit also incorporates a regeneration zone where the adsorbed perchlorate is effectively removed from the resin using relatively low volumes of concentrated brine solution as the regenerant. The waste from the ISEP unit is a concentrated brine solution containing perchlorate and other anions that may be present in the feed stream.

Abstract: A method for biological purification of wastewater in which nitrogen phosphorous compounds are biologically degraded in a biotank. The biotank is operated with suspended activated sludge and with fixed film biomass for producing purified water that is directly removable from the tank. Oxygen input to the biotank is controlled and regulated for operating the tank under different oxygen environmental conditions. An aerobic zone is formed near the water surface of the tank, and an anoxic zone is formed near the bottom of the tank. At least one transition zone connects the aerobic zone and the anoxic zone. The method produces a total concentration exceeding 3 kilograms of dry solids per cubic meter of suspended activated sludge and fixed film biomass in the tank volume that is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the concentration of contaminants in an aqueous water system, wherein the contaminants are measured with the bioreactor containing a biofilm or microbial community which acts on the water to be analyzed to provide a measure of the amount of the dissolved organic carbon which is biodegradable. A bed for facilitating regulation of water flow through the bioreactor is provided, and an autosampling mechanism enables the measurement of total organic carbon, inorganic carbon and oxygen, between sample inflow and sample outflow at specified time intervals.

Abstract: A method for removing selected biodegradable materials from a body of water. In the first step of this method, a plurality of bio-suspension elements are disposed within an enclosure which is floating at least partially submerged in a body of water; the bio-suspension elements provide surfaces for supporting the growth of at least five different biological microorganisms. The different biological microorganisms are intermittently introduced into the enclosure along with water; the water is continuously aerated and fed into the enclosure at a rate of at least about 60 feet per minute. The treated water so produced is continuously removing from the enclosure at a rate of at least about 60 feet per minute. The pH, the total dissolved solids, the temperature, and the flow rate of the treated water is continuously measured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for control and treatment of ammonia (NH.sub.3), oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) or volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted in a gaseous form from various processes where these compounds are used, present or formed. The gaseous emissions may be comprised of NH.sub.3, NO.sub.x or VOC individually or as a mixture of these compounds and other gaseous substances such as air, organic vapors and other organic or inorganic gases. The control and treatment method involves simultaneous liquid scrubbing and biochemical decomposition of NH.sub.3, NO.sub.x or VOC or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The disclosed process for treatment of organic wastewater such as manure-washing wastewater discharged from the livestock industry or wastewater discharged from the food industry comprises the step (1) of subjecting the organic wastewater to an aerobic biological treatment, and the step (2) of subjecting the treated water obtained in the step (1) to a biological treatment in a lagoon. The process may further comprise, before the step (1), the step of subjecting a mixture of the organic wastewater and part of the treated water obtained in the step (1), recycled back and combined therewith, to a biological denitrification treatment. The treated water obtained by the process is so improved in quality as to enable safe disposal thereof. A submerged biofilter process (packed-bed reactor process) is preferably used in the aerobic biological treatment since it can remarkably improve the overall stability of the whole wastewater treatment process to obtain a stable quality of treated water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulation of aeration in a biological filter of the type comprising conveyance means (3) bringing water to be filtered into the lower part of the filter, a filter bed (2) acting as a support to the biomass, means of distributing an oxygenated gas (5, 5a) in the filter bed (2), a layer of filtered water (7) above the said filter bed, a nozzle for (4) of discharging the filtered water in the upper part of the filter, characterized in that it consists of taking account of the efficiency Ct with which the biomass uses the distributed oxygen to regulate the said distributed oxygenated gas flow and/or its concentration in molecular oxygen, in order to optimize the quantity of molecular oxygen distributed by the said distribution means.

Abstract: Filling material for percolating filters used in the biological treatment of fluids are provided with strips which are made of plastic and are connected to one another via a transversely directed holding web. The strips are arranged one above the other in a plurality of layers in order to increase the strip density. In the filling material according to the invention, the strips are provided with different cross-sections over their length. For example, the strips may be reduced in width in regions adjacent to their connection to the holding web. As a result, the strips can be arranged in one layer with an increased strip density.

Abstract: A new composite material for process application is described in this document. The composite material combine a regular base material (10) and small particles (14) using a layer of adhesive (12). The base material can be a sheet (10), a molded packing ring medium (16), or a structured packing medium. The material made of the base material can be plastics, ceramics, metals, porous materials, adsorptive materials, etc. The particles can be activated carbons, charcoals, anthracites, sands, and glass beads. The bound particles increase the surface roughness and the surface area of the base material by providing valleys (20) and crevices (22).

Abstract: A waste water purifying apparatus utilizes microorganisms, which comprises an inner casing (1), an outer casing (2), a waste water supply tank (3) and an air supply pipe (4). The inner casing is a vertical type and its upper and lower end are open. Plural porous discs 7 of polyethylene which have liquid passages (6) are piled in the inner casing with each space between every two carrier discs.The outer casing is a vertical type whose bottom is closed by a bottom cap (12) and arranged coaxially with the inner casing with a downward circuit (13) for liquid there between. The outer casing has outflow ports (14) for the treated water.The waste water supply tank is for having waste water a head to flow into the outer casing, above which a waste water supply pipe (15) is open. The tank communicates with the outer casing by means of a leading pipe (19) and it is provided with an overflow to keep a water level constant.

Abstract: A microorganism holding carrier for a fluidized bed is provided that includes an extruded foamed article having continuous cells and independent cells. The article is composed of a polyolefin resin as a main component. The continuous cells include open-cells which are opened to at least two portions of a surface of the article and a semi-open cell which are opened to only one portion of the surface of the article. A ratio of the total volume of the continuous cells to the total volume of the extruded foamed article (a volume ratio of the continuous cells) falls within a range of from 20% to 70%. Further, a ratio of the total volume of the open-cells to the total volume of the continuous cells (a volume ratio of open-cells) is 20% or more. The article may have an apparent density of 0.90 to 1.80 g/cm.sup.3 and an apparent volume from 2.0.times.10.sup.-3 to 5.0 cm.sup.3, and be in the shape of a column, or a tube having an outer diameter of 2 to 20 mm and a thickness of 5 to 30% of the outer diameter.

Abstract: A process for treating oils and solvents contaminated by radioactive substances includes a step of subjecting the oils and solvents to the action of pre-selected micro-organisms in the presence of air and a very large volume of water, relative to the volume of oils and solvents to be treated. The micro-organisms destroy organic molecules, and in particular transform them into CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O. Further steps of the process include preparing a predetermined volume of water having predetermined characteristics of dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and redox potential and adding a predetermined charge of oils and solvents contaminated by radioactive substances to this volume of water, the charge corresponding to a volume of oils and solvents which is a predetermined fraction of the predetermined volume of water. The charge is subjected to the action of micro-organisms at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method of producing a secondary metabolites comprises providing a porous substratum which has a biofilm of micro-organism attached thereto, and causing a nutrient solution to flow through the substratum, at a rate which is sufficiently low for a nutrient gradient to be established across the biofilm, such that the nutrient concentration at a high level along the gradient is sufficiently high to support primary growth of the micro-organism, and the nutrient concentration at low level along the gradient being sufficiently low to induce secondary growth of the micro-organism, thereby to produce secondary metabolite. The substrate is in the form of a hollow fibre membrane having a relatively thin, porous skin on the inside, and a relatively thick, finger-like, externally unskinned void structure radiating outwardly from the skin.

Abstract: Filler bodies for the biological purification of, for example, waste water are fitted together from individual filler-body blocks. In this case, these have to be releaseably connected to one another. In known filler bodies, adapters are used for this purpose which obstruct the ability of the waste water to flow through or around the filler body. As a result, the cleaning capacity is also reduced.The filler body according to the invention has at least one tube of one or each filler-body block (21, 22, 23, 36, 40, 45) as a tube (31, 37, 38, 39, 56) which extends over a plurality of filler-body blocks (21, 22, 23, 36, 40, 45). As a result, the individual filler-body blocks (21, 22, 23, 36, 40, 45) are connected to one another in a positive-locking manner without the ability to flow through or around the filler body being obstructed.The filler body according to the invention is particularly suitable as a substrate for a so-called biological lawn for the biological purification of waste water or gases.

Abstract: In a polluted water purifying method and apparatus, a purification treatment tank is filled with massive purifying members in a purifying region, each massive purifying member including plural opening portions having an equivalent diameter of 1 to 5 cm which are provided on the surface thereof, and plural interconnecting channels which intercommunicate with one another and provided inside of the members, and each opening portions continuously intercommunicating with at least one of the channels. Polluted water containing SS, BOD, etc. is supplied through the purifying region of the tank to be brought into contact with the massive purifying members.

Abstract: An improved method for in situ microbial filter bioremediation having increasingly operational longevity of an in situ microbial filter emplaced into an aquifer. A method for generating a microbial filter of sufficient catalytic density and thickness, which has increased replenishment interval, improved bacteria attachment and detachment characteristics and the endogenous stability under in situ conditions. A system for in situ field water remediation.

Abstract: A process for enriching a liquid with oxygen which includes the steps of: introducing a liquid and oxygen into a liquid and oxygen mixer and mixing the liquid with oxygen therein; introducing the liquid into a sealed enriching vessel containing a plurality of plates or trays, and flowing it gradually downwardly; subjecting the interior of the vessel to an oxygen pressure sufficient to enrich the liquid with oxygen; conducting the introduced liquid in a substantially flowing contact with the oxygen, whereby the liquid is enriched with oxygen; and recovering all of the oxygen-enriched liquid.

Abstract: Waste water from a laundry (1) is collected in a storage container (3), fluffs and textile sheddings are separated through filtering sieves (2). The volume of the container is set so that it may store the amount of waste water produced for example during two days. The waste water is supplied with a bio-reactor (4) that works in aerobic conditions. Air is lead into the bio-reactor (4) at its lower end (5), establishing aerobic conditions therein. The biologically considered water leaves the bio-reactor (4) at the top end (6) of the column-shaped bio-reactor (4) and is supplied to an active coal column that acts as an adsorber (7). The adsorptively purified water leaves the adsorber (7) packed with active coal through the duct (8), is collected in a storage container (9) and if required is returned through duct (10) to the laundry, if required after 5 to 20% fresh water are added.

Abstract: This is a method of treatment of materials with the use of a sacrificial metal and reducible ions which comprises steps ofa) contacting the material to be treated with the surface of the said sacrificial metal, wherein the said material to be treated is included in an aqueous solution or emulsion or suspension; andb) inducing treatment processes at the surface of the said sacrificial metal by providing said reducible ions included in an electrolyte, wherein the said reducible ions react with the said sacrificial metal to form oxidation-reduction products comprising dissolved or suspended reduced species and dissolved or suspended species from oxidizing the said sacrificial metal.The method can be used for treatment of water, groundwater, including in-situ, wastewater, polluted gases, solid waste, and other materials.

Abstract: The wastewater treatment unit is operable under high intermittent flow rate variations. It comprises a first clarifier in which is carried out a gravitational settling of solids and a second clarifier comprising a network of parallel plates inclined with respect to the vertical and a portion defining a collecting pit. Each plate has an upper edge positioned at a height lower than the filling level of the first clarifier to define an overflow giving access to the collecting pit. The network of plates allows to carry out a further settling of solids to create a counterflow of settled matter toward the first clarifier and a flow of clarified wastewater falling in the collecting pit. A filtering chamber is positioned above the first clarifier and comprises a filtering media supporting a biomass for digesting the organic content of the wastewater coming from the second clarifier.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system substantially reduces wastewater treatment time and increases treatment capacity. The system includes at least one completely covered aerobic reactor cell and a completely covered quiescent anaerobic reactor cell. The system can also include a polishing reactor for further treating wastewater after treatment by the anaerobic reactor cell. The covered aerobic reactor cell preferably includes a pair of subcells in which a first cell includes continuous mixing and aeration of the wastewater and the second cell includes only intermittent mixing and aeration of the treated wastewater. The sytem optionally includes a completely covered anoxic reactor cell for treating wastewater prior to treatment by the completely covered aerobic reactor cell. The anoxic reactor cell receives partially treated wastewater recirculated from the polishing reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a treatment system for biologically removing phosphorus and nitrogen from wastewater. In the anaerobic contact and settlement zone 1, wastewater 7 is first mixed with the returned activated sludge 8 to form a mixed liquor which is then allowed to settle in zone 1, and organic matters present in influent are mostly taken up by the sludge. The supernatant from zone 1 is passed through an aerobic reaction zone 2, furnished with packings, for complete nitrification; the settled sludge from zone 1 is hold in an anaerobic zone 3 for a sufficient period of time for controlling the sludge carbohydrate content to low levels in order to enlarge the sludge capacity for phosphorus removal because the extended anaerobic sludge degradation in zone 3 is very effective in controlling the sludge carbohydrate content to low levels.

Abstract: A process for enriching a liquid with oxygen by introducing the liquid into an oxygen enriching vessel, subdividing the liquid, subjecting the interior of the vessel to an oxygen pressure of at least about 20 psi, conducting the introduced water in a substantially flowing contact with the oxygen, and recovering the water under oxygen pressure when it is to be bottled. The process is carried out in oxygen enriching apparatus having an oxygen enriching vessel, a number of horizontal trays vertically spaced apart from each other and having a central opening, a liquid supply tube ranging into the interior of the enriching vessel through the central openings, means for discharging liquid from the tube onto a tray, an oxygen supply source for providing the oxygen to the vessel, and a liquid outlet for the removal of the oxygenated liquid. The liquids oxygenated by the invention are used in various aerobic and therapeutic processes.