Abstract: A process is described for aerobically treating wastewater containing volatile compounds to degrade the volatile compounds without liberating them to the atmosphere. Influent wastewater and return sludge from an aerobic biophysical wastewater treatment system are contacted in a preaeration zone where a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of about 1 mg/l is maintained. In this preaeration zone a significant portion of the volatile compounds are biologically degraded. The minimum oxygen concentration in the preaeration zone is attained by prior aeration of the return sludge or by adding a small amount of oxygen to the preaeration zone. The mixture of influent wastewater and biophysical solids depleted of volatile compounds then flows to an aeration zone for further removal of pollutants.

Abstract: A process for converting lipid-containing bacterial capsular polysaccharide, such as lipo-polyribosyl ribitol phosphate, lipo-PRP, into lipid-free, endotoxin-free polysaccharide, such as polyribosyl ribitol phosphate, PRP, by solubilizing polysaccharide-containing powder derived from culture media of bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae type b, cleaving covalently bound fatty acids from the polysaccharide, and removing the lipids, and endotoxin.

Abstract: A process is described for aerobically treating wastewater containing volatile compounds to degrade the volatile compounds without liberating them to the atmosphere. Influent wastewater and return sludge from an aerobic biophysical wastewater treatment system are contacted in a preaeration zone where a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of about 1 mg/l is maintained. In this preaeration zone a significant portion of the volatile compounds are biologically degraded. The minimum oxygen concentration in the preaeration zone is attained by prior aeration of the return sludge or by adding a small amount of oxygen to the preaeration zone. The mixture of influent wastewater and biophysical solids depleted of volatile compounds then flows to an aeration zone for further removal of pollutants.

Abstract: The invention is a process for purifying wastewater containing organic and color-causing pollutants. The three unit processes include a first stage aerobic or anaerobic biophysical treatment, a second stage oxidizer treatment, and a third stage adsorbent contact treatment. The biophysical treatment removes the majority of the pollutants while the oxidizer treatment destroys residual organics and color-causing pollutants. The adsorbent contact treatment destroys any residual oxidizer in the wastewater and/or adsorbs any residual oxidation products. The preferred adsorbent is powdered activated carbon and the preferred oxidizer is some form of chlorine, e.g. sodium hypochlorite. The process may be operated in either a continuous flow mode or a batch flow mode.

Abstract: An improvement in the biological method for treating wastewater is provided. The method is featured by adding to the reactor an amount of floating porous biomass carrier which can be mixed thoroughly with the wastewater to be treated. By the utilization of the carrier, the microorganisms can be retained in the reactor in a high concentration and the mass transfer can be adjusted so that various phases of microorganisms are provided within the reactor. The method is also characterized in that the reactor is operated under aerobic, anoxic and/or anaerobic conditions which are sequentially provided in an appropriate order depending on the type of pollutant to be treated. The method can remove organic substances, and nitrous and phosphorus materials effectively in a single reactor, and reduce the volume of the resultant sludge and the capital investment greatly as compared with the prior art methods.

Abstract: A system for recovering oil from an oil spill site. A vessel transports buoyant, oil absorbent material to the spill site. The absorbent material is dispersed below the water surface and advances upward toward the water surface, thereby absorbing oil and water. The dispersed absorbent material is contained and transferred back to the vessel. Oil and water are removed from the absorbent material on the vessel, and the absorbent material may be reused.

Abstract: A floating media filter is provided, comprising a tank having a filtration chamber and an expansion chamber, wherein the filtration chamber is above and fluidically connected with the expansion chamber; floating filter media in the tank for forming a floating media pack, having a top portion, in the filtration chamber when the tank is filled with liquid and the filter media are undisturbed; an upper screen having openings adapted to prevent the filter media from passing therethrough, positioned in the tank near the top portion of the floating media pack; an inlet line fluidically connected to the tank below the filtration chamber; a sludge line having an output end, fluidically connected to the tank below the lower screen; a sludge valve, positioned in the sludge line; an outlet line fluidically connected to the tank above the upper screen; a lower screen having openings adapted to prevent the filter media from passing therethrough, positioned in the tank below the filter media and above the sludge line; and

Abstract: The fluid-bed reactor for biological effluent treatment, using carrier particles for microorganisms, consists of a tank with a retention system for the carrier particles, gas supply units and a jet ejector arranged along the tank for the particle recycle. The propulsion nozzle of the jet ejector is fed with the effluent stream which is to be treated.

Abstract: A process is described for the operation of a multiple zone batch treatment system for biological or biophysical treatment of wastewater. The system comprises two or more batch treatment zones with wastewater passing sequentially through all treatment zones. After the mix and settle batch steps occur for all zones, influent wastewater flows into the first zone and displaces clarified wastewater in a plug flow mode through each treatment zone and ultimately from the last zone. The combining of the decant and fill steps for all or most of the zones provides for shorter cycle times and greater capacity for the system.

Abstract: A process for the biological treatment by nitrification and/or denitrification of an effluent containing nitrogen pollution includes the following steps:an incident flow of this water is brought into a mixing zone with at least one compartment in which, by turbulent mechanical agitation, an inconsumable and insoluble granular material, loaded with biomass, is put in homogeneous suspension in this water, and is maintained at a more or less constant mass concentration;this water and this granular material in suspension are circulated in a separation zone from which is extracted on the one hand clarified water, and on the other hand biomass loaded granular material; andalmost all of the active biomass fixed on said granular material is brought back by forced recycling to the mixing zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorption resins comprising vinyl copolymers which do not dissolve in water and are capable of adsorbing microorganisms without inactivating the microorganisms and also adsorbents with a large contact area which are capable of adsorbing microorganisms efficiently as well as methods of making the resins and the adsorbents.

Abstract: A biofilter is provided, including a tank, having a bottom, a top and a sidewall having a lower portion which is inwardly sloping toward the bottom; floating filter media in the tank, the media forming a floating media pack when the tank is filled with liquid and the media are undisturbed, the media pack having a bottom and a top; a screen having openings adapted to prevent the floating filter media from passing therethrough, positioned in the tank between the bottom of the tank and the top of the tank; an agitator having a blade, the agitator being attached to the tank and adapted such that the blade is at least partially imbedded in the media pack when the tank is filled with liquid; an inlet line fluidly connected to the tank below the screen; a sludge drain line fluidly connected to the lower portion tank below the screen; a sludge valve, positioned in the sludge drain line; and an outlet line fluidly connected to the tank above the screen.

Abstract: A novel bioadsorption composition suitable for removing heavy metal from waster water effluent, the composition comprising a biomass encapsulated sol-gel matrix. A process for preparing the biomass encapsulated sol-gel matrix is also provided. The bioadsorption composition may be suitably used to remove a substantial amount heavy metal (such as uranium) from a waste water effluent, particularly a dilute aqueous stream comprising a waste water effluent (such as mine water). Heavy metal may then be recovered from the bioadsorption composition, thereby rendering the latter as reusable.

Abstract: An improved powdered adsorbent enhanced sludge process for the treatment of wastewater is disclosed that allows for in situ recovery of unregenerated powdered adsorbent. In situ recovery is performed by contacting a mixture of activated sludge and spent powdered adsorbent at disassociation conditions whereby cell lysis occurs. The cell lysis allows for physical separation of the spent powdered adsorbent from the activated sludge, thus allowing for recycle of adsorbent without the need for a regeneration process.

Abstract: A process for removing endotoxin from Gram-negative polysaccharides such as H. influenzae polyribosylribitol phosphate by adding alcohol incrementally until substantially all lipopolysaccharide precipitates.

Abstract: A process for removing endotoxin from Gram-negative polysaccharides such as polyribosylribitol phosphate by solubilizing polysaccharide-containing powder derived from Gram-negative bacteria fermentation broth to provide a divalent counter ion for endotoxin and adding alcohol incrementally to induce lipopolysaccharide precipition, and mixing material resulting from the alcohol addition with a nonionic resin, a detergent and a chelating agent.

Abstract: Product for activating the operation of a system for anaerobic digestion of organic residues and especially of a septic tank or similar while being placed in this system and especially the septic tank. Its distinguishing feature is that, owing to the qualitative modification of the hydrolysis process taking place in the system and especially the septic tank, its function is to fractionate the cellulose fibers and to densify the lightest flocs which it contains, the effect of this being to decrease the volume of the sludge present in the system and especially the septic tank, at an equal solids content.

Abstract: A process for removing endotoxin from Gram-negative polysaccharides such as H. influenzae polyribosylribitol phosphate by mixing with a nonionic resin, a detergent and a chelating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the improved separation of clarified liquids from biomass or rather for the separation of clarified sludges in the (aerobic and/or anaerobic) biological treatment of sewage using magnetically separable materials as carrier masses. The carrier masses are organic materials containing magnetically separable inorganic materials incorporated in abrasion-resistant form. These magnetically separable carriers occupy a suspension volume of from 1 to 85% by volume, based on the clarified liquid.The carriers contain magnetically separable inorganic materials incorporated as fillers in organic polymeric materials, particularly in cellular polymeric carriers. Other organic or inorganic fillers may also be used in these organic carriers. The magnetically separable materials used are oxides or mixed oxides of heavy metals, preferably iron oxides, such as Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 (magnetite) and .gamma.-Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, which are used in average particle sizes of less than 50 .mu.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the selective extraction of the metals gold, silver, platinum or mercury ions or colloidal gold, from an aqueous solution containing at least one of these metal ions which comprises contacting the solution, at a pH of 2 or less, with cells or cell extracts of a microorganism capable of binding these metals for a period of time and under conditions sufficient to allow binding of the metals to the cells or cell extracts.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system in which biologically active particulate material mixed with wastewater is recirculated under turbulent conditions. The biomass is maintained at high concentration, and recirculation of the particles maintains the biological layer on the particles at a more active and efficient state would be the case without such recirculation. The system is particularly efficient, especially when the organic waste materials are slowly or relatively non-biodegradable, when the particulate material is adsorbtive (as, for example are particles of activated carbon) and the recirculation system includes an ultrafilter. When combined with a pretreatment of either alum or ferric chloride with lime, the system is particularly suited for efficient and effective treatment of dairy wastes.

Abstract: A single-stage continuous aeration-batch clarification process for purifying wastewater containing pollutants includes the steps of continuously aerating the wastewater in the presence of biologically active solids and powdered absorbent in an aeration zone. A portion of the mixture of wastewater, biologically active solids and powdered absorbent is transferred to a settling zone where a settled solids phase and a clarified liquid phase are formed. During the settling step additional wastewater flows into the aeration zone. The clarified liquid phase is discharged from the settling zone while the settled solids phase may be returned to the aeration zone or sent to disposal.The process may be carried out with a single aeration basin and settling basin or with a plurality of aeration basins using a single settling basin.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a bioreactor for the biochemical treatment of liquids containing organic matter. It comprises a container with an inlet for receiving liquid to be treated with at least one horizontal plate to support a bed of microorganism cells which react with the organic matter to form a volatile gas. An aperture is provided in the plate to provide liquid flow communication between upper and lower compartments on either sides of the plate. A blockage element extends over the aperture to prevent the liquid and the microorganism cells from returning through the aperture to the lower compartment. An outlet is provided for releasing the gas from the container while a further outlet is used for releasing treated liquid.

Abstract: A two-stage process for purifying wastewater includes the steps of biophysical anaerobic treatment to remove the majority of the COD, followed by biophysical aerobic treatment to further purify the wastewater. A powdered adsorbent, preferably powdered activated carbon, is used with biological solids in each treatment step. Excess biophysical solids from the aerobic step are transferred to the anaerobic step for digestion. Fresh powdered adsorbent is added to the aerobic treatment step to compensate for that transferred to the anaerobic treatment step. Solids concentration in the anaerobic step is controlled by wasting solids to disposal.

Abstract: A process for treating organic sewage comprises the steps of mixing sewage containing organic pollutants with activated sludge under aerobic conditions, bringing the mixture of the sewage and activated sludge into contact with polyvinyl pyridine, thereby producing floc, and separating the floc from the liquid based on the difference in specific gravity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for accelerating the removal and recovery of selenium from aqueous solutions, such as agricultural irrigation drainage streams or mine waste waters by the bioreduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV) species by using Clostridium soil bacteria together with a rapid exchange reaction which occurs between the aqueous selenium species selenous acid (H.sub.2 SeO.sub.3) and pyrite (FeS.sub.2) to remove all forms of selenium from the aqueous solution. The exchange reaction product FeS.Se may be treated with dilute mineral acid such as sulfurous acid to generate hydrogen selenide (H.sub.2 Se), which is burned in air to yield free selenium. The free selenium recovered is available for use in the electronics, photocopying equipment and other industries. A reusable bacteria-containing soil and pyrite filter apparatus for installation in drainage canals and other conduits is additionally provided to facilitate the removal of aqueous selenium pollutants.

Abstract: A two-stage, batch process for purifying wastewater containing organic and adsorbable pollutants includes the steps of introducing a predetermined quantity of the wastewater into an aeration and settling zone of a primary treatment zone and aerating therein in the presence of a powered absorbent, such as activated carbon, and biologically active solids, terminating aeration and retaining the thus-treated wastewater in the aeration and settling zone a sufficient time for a substantial portion of the suspended solids to settle by gravity. A predetermined amount of the partialy-treated wastewater is withdrawn from the aeration and settling zone and introduced into a contact zone wherein it is agitated, preferably by aeration, in the presence of a powered adsorbent, agitation is terminated and the solids are allowed to settle by gravity. After completion of settling, clarified, substantially solids-free water is withdrawn from the contact zone.

Abstract: Carrier material for the immobilization of microorganisms, particularly for use in connection with microbiological conversion and/or separation of constituents from gaseous or liquid media, is disclosed. The carrier material comprises a dimensionally stable macroporous skeleton comprised of relatively coarse-grain granular material such as sinterable thermoplastic granules, and relatively fine grain microporous material, such as activated charcoal, which are bonded together. The carrier material thus comprises both macropores having a pore size of from about 10 to 200 .mu.m and micropores having a pore size of up to about 0.1 .mu.m depending upon the identity of the five grain microporous material that is used. Additional finely divided materials, such as catalytic agents or density modifying agents, may also be disposed within the macroporous skeleton. The preparation and use of the carrier material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating waste water containing high levels of organic waste products which employs a series of chambers through which the water flows with the upstream chambers promoting anaerobic digestion of the waste products and the downstream chambers promoting aerobic digestion of the waste products. The upstream chambers are charged with a sludge preferably which, because of the conditions maintained within the chamber, has an ash-like characteristic upon being dried and does not contain high levels of water included within it. It is sometimes desirable to recharge the chamber with sludge since this sludge acts as a buffer that can digest shock loads of waste products having a high chemical oxygen demand. The chambers include water circulators which stir the water within the chambers and the downstream chambers having floating on the water surface high surface area media which carries bacteria. Preferably the water flows through the downstream aerobic chamber in a carousel-like fashion.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus is provided for growing biomass from a supply of nutrient in a manner which permits precise control of the biomass growth environment. A reaction vessel includes a media-free compartment and a media compartment which retains biomass support bodies. A screen separates the two compartments. Nutrient is circulated through the media compartment, passed through the screen and is oxygenated and/or re-circulated between said compartments. As shown in FIG. 3, additional pairs of media-free and media compartments can be connected in series to provide a single reaction vessel. Suspended or packed biomass support bodies can be used and can be continuously or intermittently removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed type activated-sludge treatment of sewage or industrial waste water characterized in that a fine powder of a granulated blast furnace slag is added to an aeration tank of the activated-sludge treatment installation to facilitate the treatment. In a fixed-bed type activated-sludge treatment of the sewage or industrial waste water, the granulated blast furnace constitutes the main constituent element of a ceramic material to be mounted in the aeration tank so as to serve as a fixing carrier for the activated sludge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved process for the biological treatment of an aqueous, waste-containing liquid by the removal of organic matter by microorganisms wherein a carrier material for said microorganisms is added to said liquid and wherein said carrier material comprises a filler-containing, hydrophilic, open-celled polymer in the form of separate individual particles, the improvement wherein said polymer particles, when saturated with water and charged with at least 70 volume-% of biomass formed in the course of the process, have an average density of slightly below the density of said liquid and thereby are suspended in the upper two-thirds of said liquid.

Abstract: A two-stage process for purifying wastewater containing organic and adsorbable pollutants includes the steps of first aerating the wastewater in the presence of a powdered adsorbent, such as activated carbon, and biologically active solids in the aeration zone of a primary treatment zone which also includes a quiescent zone. The thus-treated water passes from the aeration zone to the quiescent zone where it is retained a sufficient time for a substantial portion of the suspended solids to settle by gravity. The partially-treated wastewater overflowing from the quiescent zone is introduced into one or more contact zones wherein it is agitated, preferably by aeration, in the presence of a powdered adsorbent, agitation is terminated and the solids are allowed to settle by gravity and, after completion of settling, clarified, substantially solids-free water is withdrawn from each contact zone.

Abstract: In a process for the biological sewage purification of sewage containing organic as well as nitrogen-containing pollutants, carbon decomposition and nitrogen removal are performed. The sewage is gassed with air and/or pure oxygen in a reactor in the presence of a biomass fixed on a support material and then, in a secondary sedimentation step, is separated into purified water and sludge. The sludge is at least partially recycled into the reactor. Particles of support material in lumpy and/or granulated form and in free-flowing quantities are employed in the reactor as support material for the microorganisms. To attain both a high carbon and a high nitrogen decomposition at the same time, the reaction is provided with BOD.sub.5 volume load of 0.4 to 2.5 kg/m.sup.3 d and a TKN volume load of 0.1 to 0.8 kg/m.sup.3. d, BOD.sub.5 decomposition, nitrification and denitrification are all performed within an undivided reactor, in which the O.sub.2 concentration within the liquid is 0.

Abstract: For the anaerobic purification of waste water it is difficult to maintain good operative contact between sludge particles with bacteria and water to be purified, i.e. sufficiently freely floating sludge particles, which means avoiding the formation of a dense settled layer of active sludge and avoiding easy washing away of sludge with the water in the usual upward flow thereof. The invention proposes the generation of a downward flow of the water to be purified in a reaction chamber and the introduction of an oxygen-free gas to contact the active sludge particles so that gas bubbles adhere thereto and keep them buoyant as much as possible notwithstanding said downward flow. Any sludge moving downwards with the water too much enters a flotation device near the top of the reaction chamber, from which it overflows to be returned wholly or partially to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Contaminated water is contacted with an agent which contains salts or cations of mono-, di-, or trivalent metals in a maximum amount of 50 masspercent and rock granules containing at least 25 masspercent zeolite, preferably clinoptilolite and/or mordenite. The amount of metal salts respectively cations present in the parent zeolitic rock can be increased according to necessity by ion-exchange, adsorption and/or impregnation, i.e. by combination of these processes following eventual dehydration. The agent obtained is homogenized. The exhausted bed can be regenerated biologically or with aqueous solution of a potassium salt.

Abstract: Regenerated adsorbent particles, such as activated carbon, are recovered from a wet oxidation-regenerated mixed liquor sludge from a wastewater treatment system by diluting and settling a blowdown slurry from the wet oxidation reactor to obtain a first aqueous phase containing primarily regenerated adsorbent particles and fine ash particles and a first solids phase containing primarily grit particles. The first aqueous phase is combined with a portion of the regenerated adsorbent particle slurry withdrawn from the upper portion of the wet oxidation reactor and, after treatment with a dispersing agent and then an anionic flocculating agent, the resulting mixture is settled to obtain a second aqueous phase containing primarily fine ash particles and a second solids phase containing primarily regenerated adsorbent particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the improved separation of clarified liquids from biomass in the aerobic and/or anaerobic biological treatment of sewage carried out using magnetically separable materials as carriers. The magnetically separable inorganic materials are used in quantities of from 1 to 150% by weight, based on activated sludge dry matter. The carriers consist of magnetically separable inorganic materials. The magnetically separable materials used are oxides or mixed oxides of heavy metals, preferably iron oxides, such as Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 (magnetite) and .gamma.-Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, which are used in average particle sizes of less than 50 .mu.m, preferably less than 10 .mu.m and more preferably less than 3 .mu.m (for example from 0.1 to 1 .mu.m). These magnetic carriers provide for improved sedimentation or for magnetic separation of the biomasses containing the magnetic materials in the biological treatment of sewage.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the biological treatment of sewage, which envisages the use of raw cellulosic materials brought into contact with the fouled water in the presence of cellulose-devouring micro-organisms, and is centered particularly on separation of the sewage's nitrogen and phosphorus content.

Abstract: In a denitrification process wherein denitrifying agents are supported on a carrier material, the invention comprises conducting denitrification in the presence of a carrier impregnated with an organic substance capable of serving as a reducing agent for the denitrifying agents. In another aspect the invention relates to a method of preparing such a carrier and to the carrier itself.

Abstract: In a process for the biological purification of wastewater, the wastewater is mixed with activated sludge in an aeration basin in the presence of carrier particles for microorganisms and is aerated with an oxygen-containing gas. Treated wastewater and free activated sludge are discharged from a discharge zone of the aeration basin downstream of an initial zone at least 20% up to 70% of the length of the aeration basin.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the startup of biological nitrification systems for wastewater treatment and preventing or reducing the effects of toxic or inhibitory materials or excursions of pH, temperature or dissolved oxygen upon nitrifying organisms. A rapidly metabolized soluble or miscible organic material containing little or no nitrogen is added to the carbon-consuming step of the process. Heterotrophic organisms consume the added material together with soluble ammonia to generate additional organisms. The soluble ammonia concentration in the wastewater is reduced to a non-toxic, less toxic, or less inhibitory level.

Abstract: In the process for the purification of water by flocculation, a porous granular material is used as a decantation accelerator and is preferably constituted by pyroclasts which can act as a substrate for a bacterial growth which achieves biological purification together with the chemico-physical purification of the flocculation.

Abstract: In the anaerobic biological treatment of wastewater, the anaerobic microorganisms are incorporated on carrier material having a density of 10-200 kg/m.sup.3 and open macropores of a diameter of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, e.g., polyurethane foam or foam rubber. The treatment can be conducted as a pretreatment or a final stage in either a stationary bed or when the carrier is in particulate form, in an agitated tank or fluidized bed.

Abstract: The purification process is carried out in two stages. In the first stage, pulverulent active carbon in finely-divided form is added to the waste water. The solids materials are then separated by conventional mechanical separating processes. The liquid phase prepurified in this manner is then allowed to trickle in a second stage through an active carbon adsorption tower, air being forced at the same time through the adsorption tower. The process has proved particularly valuable in the purification of pesticide-containing waste water.

Abstract: In an activated sludge process for the purification of wastewater, in a completely mixed tank in the presence of carrier particles for the microorganisms, the aerating gas feed creates a tubular spiral circulating flow of the wastewater about a horizontal axis extending from the inlet zone to the outlet zone of the tank. To avoid a buildup of the carrier particles in the outlet zone of the tank, the gas feed maintaining the circulating motion is reduced along the axis of flow with respect to the gas feed set in the initial zone of the flow path. Gas may also be sparged along an axis transverse to the flow near the outlet to create a tubular flow which also clears the carrier particles from the outlet.

Abstract: A process for treating high strength BOD containing liquors includes the step of mildly mixing and contacting the liquors with anaerobic bacteria and a powdered adsorbent support medium to remove a substantial portion of the organic matter and generate a methane fuel gas. Use of the powdered support medium at 0.1-20 g/l enables high removal of BOD in short treatment times, rapid clarification of treated liquors, and increased adsorbability of liquor color.In a subsequent decolorizing embodiment, digested and clarified liquors are contacted with reduced concentrations of powdered color adsorbent to produce a treated liquor low in dissolved organic matter and color.The spent streams of powdered adsorbent support medium-biomass and/or powdered color adsorbent are preferably regenerated and reused.

Abstract: Combinations of physicochemical and biological treatment processes are capable of removing dioxins, polychlorobiphenyls (PCB's) and other halogenated organic compounds from wastewaters. The dioxins and PCB's are removed by at least 90 percent in the pretreatment steps of neutralization, oxidation, and sedimentation; the residual amounts are removed in a powdered activated carbon enhanced sequencing batch reactor (PAC-SBR) operating at a high mixed liquor suspended solids concentration (>5000 mg/L). Powder activated carbon (PAC) is supplemented to the bioreactor to ensure complete removal of the dioxins (<0.8 ppt) and PCB's (<2 ppb).The PAC-SBR enhanced biological treatment process is capable of meeting stringent effluent limits on not only on dioxins and PCB's but also on other toxic halogenated organic compounds.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in filtering and treating contaminated water in an aquarium tank. A filter bag (10) is used for receiving a continuous supply of contaminated water (14) under a predetermined pressure. The walls (12) of the filter bag are made at least partially of a porous filter membrane formed of a matrix of pressure displaceable fibrous material. As the filter clogs with contaminants, bacterial growth and accompanying by-products, the fibrous material is displaced to increase the size of the interstices of the matrix to permit water to continue to flow through the interstices and continue filtering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorption resins comprising vinyl copolymers which do not dissolve in water and are capable of absorbing microorganisms without inactivating the microorganisms and also adsorbents with a large contact area which are capable of absorbing microorganisms efficiently as well as methods of making the resins and the adsorbents.