Abstract: Device and method for keeping and growing aquatic organisms by optimizing the microbiological treatment of water. The device comprises a first chamber for holding oxygen-depleted water and a second chamber for holding oxygen-rich water, the first and second chambers being separated from one another by a porous substrate which comprises micro-organisms. In the active state, water circulates in the device across the porous substrate for the purpose of microbiological treatment. Using means for conditioning the oxygen-depleted water and oxygen-rich water next to one another results in the composition of the water being effectively kept at optimum values for the microbiological treatment of the water. In addition, sediment comprising waste matter is removed by separation means which are incorporated in an oxygen-depleted circuit and in an oxygen-rich circuit; this prevents the water from becoming turbid and prevents the accumulation of waste matter in the form of sediment.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus is provided that has a treatment vessel having an upper and a lower region. The lower region has an inlet through which wastewater to be treated is fed and the upper region has an outlet through which treated water is removed. Within the vessel a series of horizontally stacked baffles are arranged to allow the wastewater to pass from the inlet to the outlet. Each baffle is operable to trap and absorb air and solids from the wastewater.

Abstract: A method of conditioning an activated sludge in a membrane biological reactor comprising (i) adding to the activated sludge an effective amount of at least one water soluble cationic polymer to form a mixture of water and coagulated and flocculated suspended solids; and (ii) separating the coagulated and flocculated suspended solids from the water by filtering through an ultrafiltration or microfiltration membrane.

Abstract: A process and a plant to carry out the purification in the sea of effluents (waste waters), in which the submarine biopurification of the latter is envisaged, when discharged into the sea. The plant of the invention, carrying of the correct disposal of the effluent and the desired cut down of the bacterial load contained in it, consist of a submarine load bearing framework (1), equipped with legs (4) fixed to a ballast (3) and able to support a collection chamber (5) and a filtering chamber (6) above the pipe outlet (10) for the effluents.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing water, especially purified water, for use in a beverage dispenser is provided with a microbiological agent to kill or deter microbiological growth and maintain the quality of the water. The agent is provided in a physical form to promote contact with the water and may be renewable to maintain effectiveness of the agent over a period of time. In one arrangement, the agent is contained in a cartridge 92 arranged in a re-circulation loop 89 through which the water in a reservoir 80 is passed and returned to the reservoir 80. The cartridge 92 and/or a carrier for the agent within the cartridge 92 may be replaceable to renew the agent. The agent may also be provided within the reservoir 80 and various arrangements for this are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A wastewater trickle tower has a support structure containing biomedia and a wastewater discharge arrangement for discharging wastewater onto the biomedia. A receptacle below the biomedia receives wastewater falling from the biomedia. The biomedia is surrounded by a flexible curtain suspended from the support structure and extending down to the receptacle. The curtain may have a vertically-extending, releasably-closable opening.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus has a manifold interconnecting two or more trickle towers to enable wastewater to be sequentially moved through the trickle towers in different selective sequences. One or more sensors may sense the growth of biogrowth in the trickle towers, and when the sensed growth reaches a predetermined value, valves or other parts change the interconnection of the manifold to the trickle towers to change the sequence in which the wastewater moves through the trickle towers. A method of treating wastewater includes changing the sequence of flow through the trickle towers to achieve manual or automatic grooming of the biogrowth on the biomedia, so both improving the overall efficiency of the system and also prolonging its running time between maintenance shutdowns. Another embodiment has one or more trickle towers with suspended strands of biomedia down which the wastewater passes; a sensor senses increase in growth of biomass on at least a portion of the biomedia.

Abstract: A water recirculating system for use in producing fish. The water recirculating system includes a fish raising tank that provides an environment for fish to grow and a supply system to deliver contaminated water from the fish raising tank to a filtration system. The filtration system includes a chamber with a hydraulic loading area that is divided into a plurality of cells with smaller hydraulic loading areas. Filter media is positioned in each cell to filter the contaminated water received from the fish raising tank. A delivery system returns the filtered water back to the fish raising tank.

Abstract: A wastewater trickle tower has at least one biomedia grate including pairs of upper hanger bars, pairs of lower hanger bars, and spaced-apart rows of biomedia strands, preferably looped cord strands, connecting the upper and lower hanger bars. Upper ends of the strands are secured between pairs of the upper hanger bars, and lower ends of the strands are secured between pairs of the lower hanger bars. A base receptacle to collect wastewater is disposed below the grate. The upper hanger bars are secured together as a unit, the lower hanger bars are secured together as a unit, and a tensioning arrangement is provide for tensioning the strands by influencing the upper and lower hanger bars apart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a membrane module, the membrane module having a plurality of porous membranes, the membranes being arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween and means for providing, from within the module, by means other than gas passing through the pores of the membranes, gas bubbles entrained in a liquid flow such that, in use, the liquid and bubbles entrained therein move past the surfaces of the membranes to dislodge fouling materials therefrom, the gas bubbles being entrained in the liquid by flowing the liquid past a source of gas to draw the gas into the liquid flow. The gas bubbles are preferably entrained into the liquid using a venturi type device. The membranes are preferably partitioned into discrete groups to assist cleaning while maintaining high packing density.

Abstract: A tank system and a method for accommodating aquatic life and particularly fish. The tank system comprises a holding tank for holding fluid to sustain aquatic life disposed therein and a filtering means in the form of a biofilter for receiving extraneous fluid from the top of the holding tank at one side thereof separated from the biofilter by a partition. A tank discharge means comprising a longitudinally extending lip surmounts the partition to permit the discharge and passage of extraneous fluid from the top of the holding tank via a prefilter to a filtering area in which the biofilter is disposed. Recirculating means including a network of pipes is provided for recirculating the extraneous fluid passed through biofilter by gravity, from the bottom of the filtering area back to the holding tank via one or pumps and a pair of water inlet lines.

Abstract: A trickle tower for treating wastewater has a support structure containing biomedia, preferably strands of looped cord biomedia. A spray arrangement for spraying wastewater onto the biomedia has the combination of at least one rotatable device with nozzle openings movable along circular paths as the device rotates, and stationary nozzles. A continuous flow of wastewater is supplied to the rotatable device, and intermittent pulses of wastewater are supplied to the stationary nozzles. By strategically locating the stationary nozzles, different shaped cross-sectional areas of biomedia can be adequately sprayed. In place of the rotatable device can be an oscillating manifold extending across the biomedia and having a slot nozzle for cascading wastewater downwardly onto the biomedia with or without the stationary nozzles. A base receptacle below the biomedia receives wastewater falling from the biomedia.

Abstract: A biofilter system of the present invention utilizes an Alternating-Aerobic-Anoxic (AAA) process in a single reactor to provide efficient and cheap removal of carbonaceous materials, nitrogenous materials, and/or mixtures thereof from aqueous waste. The biofilter system of the present invention is particularly suitable for treating aqueous waste from aquaculture, industrial processes and animal husbandry. The biofilter system includes: a main biofilter chamber containing therein aerobic and anaerobic bacteria without physical separation; an inlet port and an outlet port connected to the main biofilter chamber; and a means for oxygenating the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the main biofilter chamber, including means for timing the oxygenation of the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to provide alternating periods of high-oxygen conditions and anoxic conditions.

Abstract: A method of conditioning mixed liquor in a membrane biological reactor comprising adding to the mixed liquor an effective coagulating and flocculating amount of one or more water soluble cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic polymers, or combination thereof and methods of reducing membrane fouling, enhancing membrane flux and reducing sludge production.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for nitrifying denitrifying organic waste water to nitrify and denitrify the nitrogenous components in the waste water, which comprises making use of a microbe carrier composed of an organic thermoplastic high molecular compound (thermoplastic polyurethane) in both a nitrifying step and a denitrifying step, preferably in an alternate and repeated manner, wherein the compound has, in a state of complete swelling in water, a water absorption rate in the range of 50 to 3500%, a compressive yield stress of at least 1.0 MPa each being defined by a specific formula, and a particle diameter in the range of 1.0 to 30 mm. The process is capable of efficiently performing nitrifying and denitrifying steps, steadily achieving high treatment performances, contriving compactification of the treatment facility, and curtailing the treatment time and treatment cost, while the microbe carrier can withstand long-term service without any trouble.

Abstract: A gravity-flow Biomass Concentrator Reactor (BCR) is provided which uses a porous barrier having pore sizes averaging from about 1 to about 50 microns through which treated water permeates under the pressure of gravity. Solids suspended in water treated with the BCR are effectively retained and concentrated.

Abstract: An oriented structure for treating a fluid, comprising an inlet end for receiving a fluid to be treated and an outlet end opposite the inlet end and from which a treated fluid is discharged, the fluid being allowed to flow into the structure from the inlet end to the outlet end defining a flowing direction. The oriented structure comprises a juxtaposition of layers of porous material having a different porosity, each layer spanning from the inlet end to the outlet end of the structure whereby in use the layers are oriented generally parallel to the flowing direction of the fluid. The oriented structure is designed so to better control the different biological and physical phenomena related to the accumulation or exchange processes taking place in the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus to transfer gas to or from a liquid has a flexible and oxygen permeable but liquid water impermeable membrane, a flexible and gas permeable spacer, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a non-rigid restraint system. When used for treating wastewater, an aerobic biofilm is cultured adjacent the planar elements, an anoxic biofilm is cultivated adjacent the aerobic biofilm and the wastewater is maintained in an anaerobic state. A first reactor for treating wastewater has an anaerobic section, a plurality of gas transfer membrane modules, and an aerobic section. A biofilm is cultivated on the surface of the gas transfer membranes in fluid communication with the anaerobic section. Biological reduction of COD, BOD, nitrogen and phosphorous are achieved. In a second reactor, phosphorous is also removed chemically in a precipitation branch.

Abstract: The present invention is waste treatment apparatus and process for diminishing the emission of malodorous off-gases during waste treatment. The apparatus typically includes a floatation panel formed from bonded foam particles that is adhered to a fabric layer. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means by which to decrease the noxious odors generally associated with waste treatment.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment of septage, particularly grease trap waste, is disclosed. The inventive process will convert the septage into Biosolids (sludge) and water dischargeable to the environment. The treated septage achieves pathogen reduction, and reduced vector attraction. Treatment of septage by pasteurization causes the destruction of harmful pathogens. Pasteurization of septage having high water content provides for even temperature elevation and distribution of heat within the thermal mass of the septage allowing for consistent pathogen destruction. An alkaline compound is utilized to form a filter cake from the solids fraction of the pasteurized septage preventing vector attraction, while producing a beneficial bio-solid. The liquid fraction of the septage is treated by biological process allowing for its discharge into the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fixed-film anaerobic digestion of flushed livestock manure includes an enclosed digester tank (fixed or flexible roof), internal media for biofilm development, a biogas collection and flare system, various pumps, and hydraulic control systems. The preferred media has substantially vertically-oriented, uninterrupted channels to promote enhanced bacterial attachment and biofilm development. The immobilization of microbial biomass within the reactor as a biofilm allows effective treatment of the wastewater at ambient and higher temperatures, as well as reasonable hydraulic retention times. The composition and concentration of bacterial groups in the biofilm developed on the media in the fixed-film digester result in a significantly enhanced anaerobic degradation process. This novel fixed-film digester design expands the potential application of anaerobic digestion to dilute livestock waste with significant levels of suspended solids.

Abstract: Wastewater can be treated using a combination of a settleable solids separator, such as a vortex separator, and a gas floatation separation system.

Abstract: To provide technology in denitrification promoters for typical use in wastewater treatment and methods of water treatment using such denitrification promoters, which allows nitrification and denitrification to be accomplished simultaneously in water treatment facilities using a single aerobic tank without continuous addition of methanol or other hydrogen donors that has caused difficulties in the prior art. A straight-chained saturated monocarboxylic acid having at least 6 carbon atoms or a primary alcohol having at least 12 carbon atoms is used as a main component of the denitrification promoter, which may be shaped into particles no larger than 100 mm and added into an aerobic tank, an anaerobic tank or a settling tank.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprises a septic tank which flows liquid effluent through an aerobic filter. The aerobic filter has a textile filter media. In one aspect, the textile filter media has relatively high open area and relatively low or moderate water holding capacity. In another aspect, the filter media comprises a plurality of vertically oriented textile sheets having a relatively small gap between adjacent sheets.

Abstract: Bioremediation of waste water traveling through a sewer system is accomplished by suspending in selected manholes a self-powered feeder device for delivering a desired amount of a solid microbial wastewater treatment preparation. The feeder device is preferably a) sealed to prevent moisture from causing caking or clumping of the solid microbial treatment preparation, b) controlled by a programable microprocessor and c) powered by a self-contained battery pack that allows the device to function for a desired period of time without maintenance or manual handling.

Abstract: A biological filter element includes a support element of generally ellipsoidal configuration. The support element has two opposite polar regions and includes a medial ring intermediate the two opposite polar regions and a plurality of arcuate ribs extending from the medial ring to each polar region. Adjacent arcuate ribs are angularly spaced to provide access to an interior space of the support element. A cohesive body of biologically active material surrounds the support element and penetrates the interior space of the support element.

Abstract: An insecticide delivery apparatus may include an insecticide extraction chamber having an outlet adjacent a lower end thereof, and a screen adjacent the outlet for holding a mass of insecticide bearing bodies to partially fill the insecticide extraction chamber. A nozzle may be positioned adjacent an upper end of the insecticide extraction chamber for directing a water stream downwardly therefrom toward the mass of insecticide bearing bodies. An air control device may control the water level and associated head space so that the insecticide bearing bodies are at least partially submerged in the water. The bodies may be churned in the water by action of the stream to enhance delivery of insecticide into the water. The apparatus may provide efficient and cost effective control of a number of insects, such as midge flies, that are prevalent in a trickling filter of a typical wastewater treatment plant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for recovering metals from metal-containing support materials such as mineral ores. In one embodiment, the metal may be separated from crushed support material or ore in a bioleaching lagoon by the action of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria under anaerobic conditions. The bioleached material is then pumped into a precipitation lagoon where hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria oxidize the metals under aerobic conditions. In another embodiment, metals may be directly biooxidized from a heap of the metal-containing support material having a hydrocarbon/oxygen injection system embedded therein. A water sprinkler system may be used to wet the heap while the hydrocarbon/oxygen injection system stimulates the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria. The resulting effluent solution may be pumped or gravity fed to an aerobic precipitation lagoon where aerobic hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria are used to precipitate or otherwise deposit the metals onto a deposition material.

Abstract: The invention provides novel micro-cluster liquids and methods for manufacturing and using them. The micro-cluster liquids comprise fractionized or micro-cluster liquids, (e.g. water, such as oxygenated micro-cluster water). The methods comprise causing cavitation of a liquid to form cavitation bubbles under a first pressure followed by depressurization to a second pressure to cause implosion and explosion of the cavitation bubbles such that acoustical energy shockwaves are created. The micro-cluster water (e.g., oxygenated micro-cluster water) is used to deliver hydration, oxygenation, or agents, such as nutritional agents or medications, and increasing overall cellular performance and exchanging liquids in the cell within minutes of consumption.

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

Abstract: A method for treating waste water and a plant designed for preventing the precipitation of carriers under the air blower installed for reaction tank or aeration tank, wherein the plant comprises an aeration tank 1 containing the carriers 2 for growing microorganism for biological treatment of waste water or the subunit 1a joined with the aeration tank through a partition wall 4 including the screen capable of separating the carriers 2, air blower 3 provided for the aeration tank or the subunit of the aeration tank, air bubble generator 5 or submerged stirrer provided under the air blower 3 for creating the flow of water so that the carriers 2 under the blower 3 can be liquidized by the flow of water created by the air bubble generator or the submerged stirrer to prevent the precipitation of the carriers 2 under the air blower 3, whereby not only the precipitation of the carriers under the air blower 3 can be prevented but also the water treatment efficiency and capacity meeting the designed numerical requirem

Abstract: Wastewater can be treated using a combination of a settleable solids separator, such as a vortex separator, and a gas floatation separation system.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminants from water that has a relatively low oxygen content with naturally occurring chemoautotrophic bacteria, ferrous iron, manganese, sulfide, and other contaminants. The system comprises an oxygenation vessel for oxygenating the water and a filtration vessel having bio-filtration media with surfaces that are exposed to the oxygenated water. The chemoautotrophic bacteria propagate in the presence of the oxygenated water and deposit certain of the contaminants on the bio-filtration media as by-products. The contaminants are also precipitated in the presence of the oxygenated water and settle on the bio-filtration media in at least the filtration vessel. A secondary filtration stage can further remove contaminants from the water that were not sufficiently removed by the first filtration stage.

Abstract: Air laden with biodegradable volatile organic compounds is passed sequentially through a first filter bed containing a biologically inert filter media and a second filter bed containing a biologically active filter media. Water is present in the biologically active filter media and the biologically inert filter media. Water that drains from the second filter bed is collected and supplied to the first filter bed.

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

Abstract: Compartmentalization of contents of a facultative lagoon into two separate zones improves the economic efficiency of the lagoon for emission control by eliminating macroscopic mixing between the zones, while allowing odor-causing compounds from the anaerobic zone to pass into the aerobic zone. A physical barrier compartmentalizes or divides the lagoon contents into an upper aerobic zone and a lower anaerobic zone. Odor-causing compounds biologically convert within the aerobic zone into olfactorily inoffensive compounds that release into the atmosphere. An aeration device aerates the aerobic layer. Emission of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, volatile acids, phenols and other odorous gases from anaerobic wastewater and manure lagoons or basins is reduced.

Abstract: In place of the conventional aerobic treatment station, wastewater undergoes aeration in a treatment-pipe. The treatment-pipe has a long/narrow configuration. Open-cell foam serves as treatment material, in the treatment pipe, and promotes attachment of microbial colonies. Two or more treatment-pipes may be connected in series or parallel. Also, in place of a conventional septic tank, wastewater undergoes anaerobic treatment and settlement in a treatment-pipe. The treatment-pipe has a long/narrow configuration. End chambers provide inlet and outlet ports, a sump for collecting settled-out solids, and sealing attachments for the treatment-pipe itself.

Abstract: A four-pond wastewater treatment process for controlling algae and ammonia in the effluent stream is disclosed. A plurality of opaque modular cover casings (80,81,82,83) are floated on some or all of the surface of the aeration pond, sedimentation pond, and polishing pond to block sunlight and thereby control algae growth and suspended solids. Attached growth biomedia is submerged in the aeration pond to enhance nitrification of ammonia.

Abstract: A waste treatment method and apparatus including an aeration basin for holding waste, an aerating device for aerating the waste and an integral clarifier in which sludge particles separate out of the waste, leaving discharge water and recycled sludge. Between the clarifier and the aeration basin there is at least one opening or conduit through which either or both waste from the aeration basin may flow into the clarifier or recycled sludge from the clarifier may flow into the aeration basin. Preferably, the apparatus facilitates both activated sludge and fixed film processes in a single main tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holistic sustainable wastewater treatment system that utilizes a bast medium as the attached growth medium. The wastewater treatment system of the present invention (Bast Medium Biological Reactor Treatment System) reduces odors and in-house ammonia levels and increases the overall water quality of organic waste streams. It uses naturally occurring microorganisms to process wastewater and remove odor without chemical augmentation. The Bast Medium Biological Reactor Treatment System is simple, with few moving parts and low maintenance requirements. The invention also relates to a method for treating wastewater using the wastewater treatment system according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two stage process for treating wastewater that subjects the influent to anoxic and oxic filtering processes. The first stage performs anoxic nitrification i.e., the conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas by bacteria operating in the absence of oxygen. Influent (effluent from the primary clarifiers) is fed into the bottom of the anoxic dentirification tank, preventing contact with the atmosphere and thus reducing the amount of unwanted dissolved oxygen. The influent passes upwards through a layer of sludge biomass before contacting bacteria coated media which performs the denitrification process. This arrangement permits the influent to contact the sludge and the biomass to circulate through the filter, enhancing deoxygenation and the performance of the system.

Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus (10) including one or more vertically oriented curtains (11) each formed of mesh material having a minimal aperture size of 0.001 mm, means for applying liquid waste to said curtain(s) located above said curtain (17, 15) and collection means (20A) for collection of treated waste after passage through said one or more curtains (12). There is also provided a method of treatment of waste using the waste treatment apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precess and apparatus for biological treatment of liquid and solid waste. The liquid waste is treated by an upflow aerobic biofilter and the solid waste is treated with powdered zeolite.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method for removing organic matter and nitrogen from wastewater. In the wastewater treatment method, an excessive amount of organic matter which prevents nitrifying bacteria from growing is removed in a leading aeration tank, and the conditions of the aeration tank are optimized using the nitrifying carrier to which a great amount of nitrifying bacteria can be attached for growth, such that the nitrifying bacteria can multiply therein. As a result, a large amount of wastewater can be treated within a short time, and it is possible to stably cope with a change in load of the organic matter of the wastewater. Thus, the wastewater treatment apparatus can be smaller, and an improvement in performance thereof can be expected. Also, the wastewater can be treated stably during the winter season when the activity of the nitrifying bacteria becomes low, so that the wastewater treatment method according to the present invention can be applied to most wastewater treatment plants, e.g.

Abstract: A bifurcated fan (1) which draws in atmospheric air through air/liquid contact blocks of plastic grids which are sprayed with the liquid to be treated. The blocks change position in order to be sprayed on both front surfaces alternatively and thus remain clean. The liquid evaporates in the contact blocks and the concentrate is dehydrated in a secondary laminar evaporation base. The arrangement into converging sectors provides a geometry with minimal aerodynamic losses in a liquid with organic matter. The device includes a central tank which facilitates an aerobic biopurification process aided by the oxygenation in the contact blocks. Thermal exchanges may be included at the air inlet, using residual energy, particularly from thermal engines to which it provides refrigeration and cleaning of exhaust gases.

Abstract: A method for denitrification of water, in which the water to be denitrified is made to flow over a porous carrier which comprises a transition metal, preferably palladium, used in an amount between 0.01 and 5% by weight on the carrier and on which denitrifying bacterial strains capable of surviving in the presence of hydrogen are made to adhere, and in which hydrogen is used as a reducing agent and the pH of the reaction is adjusted to values of 4.5 to 7.8 preferably by using carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus to transfer gas to or from a liquid has a flexible and oxygen permeable but liquid water impermeable membrane, a flexible and gas permeable spacer, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a non-rigid restraint system. When used for treating wastewater, an aerobic biofilm is cultured adjacent the planar elements, an anoxic biofilm is cultivated adjacent the aerobic biofilm and the wastewater is maintained in an anaerobic state. A first reactor for treating wastewater has an anaerobic section, a plurality of gas transfer membrane modules, and an aerobic section. A biofilm is cultivated on the surface of the gas transfer membranes in fluid communication with the anaerobic section. Biological reduction of COD, BOD, nitrogen and phosphorous are achieved. In a second reactor, phosphorous is also removed chemically in a precipitation branch.

Abstract: A method of protecting and improving the quality of water in a body of water which comprises identifying areas of water runoff and/or points of storm water entrance into the body of water and the provision of floating booms to separate a small area(s) of a reservoir where surface and storm water run-off from the water shed or storm water entrance points enter the main body of water. Supported from the booms is a filter curtain of geosynthetic fabric material which is anchored to the floor of the reservoir along the profile of the reservoir floor. The fabric material has small openings in sufficient number to permit passage of a predetermined volume of water per unit time, but small enough to block particulate biodegradable organic particulate matter. The run off or storm discharge contains particulate matter, which is a carrier of microorganisms as small as one micron. The filter curtain prevents passage of the particulate matter and non-organic turbidity causing particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biomechanical apparatus and method for the continuous phase-separation and biological treatment of ship bilgewater contaminated with petroleum and biodegradable materials. The apparatus includes a pumping system attached directly to the bilge or waste oil holding tank for removing the biodegradable material(s) contained in the bilge waste aqueous and non-aqueous phases, which is integrated with a system for microbiologically treating the contaminated bilgewater. The system for microbiologically treating the contaminated bilgewater preferably includes petroleum- and hazardous material-degrading microorganisms. In operation, the three stage apparatus combines functions to physically separate petroleum hydrocarbons from the water phase, process and microbiologically destroy the petroleum hydrocarbons in the water and monitor and direct the discharge of the processed water overboard or recirculation back into the bilge compartment.