Abstract: Methods are provided for separation of bitumen from oil sands ore having a bitumen content higher than about 6%. Activated carbons, or combinations of activated carbons and caustic are used as process additives for ore-water slurry-based bitumen extraction processes or in situ bitumen recovery processes. These additives promote breakdown of adhesion between clay minerals and bitumen, resulting in the enhanced efficiency of extraction of bitumen from oil sands ore.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vacuum airlift system for treating an aqueous effluent including an upflow liquid column, where the upflow liquid column is configured to retain a fluid, a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet being fluidly coupled with the upflow liquid column, where the fluid inlet is positioned at about the bottom of the upflow liquid column, a downflow liquid column, a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet being fluidly coupled with the downflow liquid column, wherein the fluid outlet is positioned at about the bottom of the downflow liquid column, and a plurality of moving bed biofilm reactors, the plurality of moving bed biofilm reactors being positioned in the upflow liquid column or the downflow liquid column.

Abstract: A denitrification biofilter device, including: a regulating pool, a reactor body, a water tank, a first doser, a second doser, a backwash pump, a water inlet pump, and a blower. The regulating pool includes a raw water inlet and a water outlet. The reactor body includes a uniform water distributor, a filler layer, a buffer layer, a filter layer, a supporting layer, a filler supporting plate, a backwash water outlet, a treated water outlet, and a backwash water inlet. The treated water outlet and the backwash water inlet are disposed at the bottom of the reactor body and are connected to the water tank via pipes. The filler layer is filled with zeolites having a grain size of between 4 and 8 mm, a density of between 1.9 and 2.6 g/cm3, a porosity greater or equal to 48%, and a specific surface area of between 570 and 670 m2/g.

Abstract: The invention relates to wastewater treatment systems, in particular to biosorbers for wastewater treatment, comprising a bioreactor with a fluidized bed of charge and a layer of filtering charge, a system for saturating the water with air or oxygen, a sewage treatment pipeline, a purified water discharge line and a recirculated flow line with a circulating pump. According to the invention, the biosorber includes a receiving and dispensing chamber connected via a metering pump to the chamber with a coal removal trap that is connected to the fluidized bed bioreactor through a circulation pump, the biosorber including an automated biosorber control module, the bioreactor being provided with a convex reflector for activated coal, installed in the upper part of the bioreactor, designed to provide laminar upward movement of liquid along the walls of the bioreactor. The technical result achieved is to increase the degree of wastewater treatment while ensuring high reliability of operation.

Abstract: The continuous treatment of a flow of organic liquid sludge is disclosed. Following the optional addition of granular mineral matter to the flow, the sludge is injected at a rate q into a column of air which is at overpressure relative to atmospheric pressure. The air column is circulating at a rate Q>5q in a chamber extending over a specific length in order to create a fluidized bed, in which the sludge is aerolized, between air supply piping upstream of the sludge injection and an outlet reservoir downstream of the fluidized bed, the reservoir being substantially at atmospheric pressure. A flocculant is introduced continuously downstream of the chamber into the fluidized bed in order to aggregate the organic matter before the solid part obtained in this way is separated from the liquid part, the resulting solid part thus being deodorized.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vacuum airlift system for treating an aqueous effluent including an upflow liquid column, where the upflow liquid column is configured to retain a fluid, a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet being fluidly coupled with the upflow liquid column, where the fluid inlet is positioned at about the bottom of the upflow liquid column, a downflow liquid column, a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet being fluidly coupled with the downflow liquid column, wherein the fluid outlet is positioned at about the bottom of the downflow liquid column, and a plurality of moving bed biofilm reactors, the plurality of moving bed biofilm reactors being positioned in the upflow liquid column or the downflow liquid column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel triazole derivatives of formula (I) having insecticidal activity, to processes and intermediates for preparing them, to insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal or molluscicidal compositions comprising them and to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, nematode or mollusc pests wherein R1, R2, G1, G2, Q1 and Q2 are as defined in claim 1; or salts thereof.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a media filter having a filter chamber with a volume to accommodate filter media and a sludge outlet and a charge chamber for storing air. The charge chamber is fluidly connected to the filter chamber and has: (i) an air outlet for admitting air into the filter chamber; and (ii) an air inlet. The system also includes a trigger for selectively allowing the passage of air from the charge chamber air outlet into the filter chamber upon reaching a trigger release point and a sludge concentration/storage volume having at least one wall extending upward to form an upper opening. This wall has a height substantially above the trigger release point and substantially isolates the sludge volume from the charge chamber, except for the upper opening. Finally, an inlet to the sludge volume is at a height which allows pressure within the media filter during a filtration stage to move water above the wall height and into the sludge volume.

Abstract: Fine gas bubbles traveling at fast speed are employed to scrub a hard-surface filter for harvesting liquids from suspensions including those consisting of nutrient media and cell culture, on a continuous basis without clogging the filters.

Abstract: An artificial recharge system and method for recharging an aquifer. The artificial recharge system includes a constructed wetland, a settling pond, and a porous recharge reservoir. The constructed wetland receives water from a surface water source and has aquatic vegetation used to remove sediments and chemicals from the water. The settling pond receives the water from the constructed wetland and provides additional sediment removal. The porous recharge reservoir, which is hydraulically connected to the aquifer, receives the water from the settling pond. The water flows by gravity from the porous recharge reservoir to the aquifer. A backflush tube installed within a sand layer in the porous recharge reservoir is used to remove sediment and particulates from the sand layer.

Abstract: A specially designed hatch apparatus and method for entry to a water treatment chamber containing media for water treatment. The hatch's shape, specially embodied hatch/media gap seal and position allows normal chamber operation and access to the lower chamber cavity for cleaning and maintenance time through treatment media.

Abstract: A system of treating high nitrogen content waste water is disclosed, where the system includes a precipitation and conditioning subsystem, an ammonia stripper subsystem, and a denitrification subsystem. The system is adapted to reduce nitrogen contamination to level below about 10 ppm and in certain embodiments below 3 ppm.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wastewater treatment system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include one or more bioreactors which include a substrate that supports a biofilm. The bacteria used to form the biofilm may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. Various components of the wastewater treatment system may be optimized to improve the efficiency and energy consumption of the wastewater system.

Abstract: A biological reactor for treating wastewater. The reactor includes a gas injection system and a system for directing wastewater into the reactor. Further, the reactor includes a biological filter comprised of a packed bed of biofilm carriers and a volume of moveable biofilm carriers. During the method of treating the wastewater, the wastewater moves upwardly through the reactor and through the biological filter while gas is emitted from the gas injection system.

Abstract: Wastewater systems, methods and/or kits configured such that one or more screens and one or more gases introduced into the system allow the one or more gases to at least partially contact the one or more screens to dislodge or discourage the media or solids from and/or the biology growth on the one or more screens without substantially affecting the oxygen level in the proximity of the one or more screens.

Abstract: A denitrification system is disclosed, where a plurality of biological regenerated adsorptive cells or units. Each cell includes a counterflowing absorptive media and waste water to achieve a two or three zone biomass nitrate/nitrite degradation environment. The system includes a backwash water recirculation loop and a media recirculation loop, where the media recirculation loop subjects the media a sufficient shear to dislodge dead microbes and/or weakly bound microbial films from the media surface, but insufficient to substantially reduce the particle size of the friable media. Nutrient supply and distribution and gas controls are used regulate cell characteristics.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a plurality of meshed tubes made of synthetic yarn and provided with cilia; a plurality of tube stack cages containing the meshed tubes; and an aeration diffuser positioned between the tube stack cages and configured to provide air so that to-be-treated influent water moves to the tube stack cages. The hollow interior of the filter media, i.e. meshed tubes, enables water to move in any direction, and the high porosity maximizes the area for filtering of suspended solids and attachment of microorganisms. The resulting efficiency of removal of suspended solids and soluble organic material is far greater than conventional methods. Arrangement of diffusers in the middle of the reaction tank and between the tube stack cages and aeration by them result in perfect mixing in the reaction tank. The load of suspended solids and soluble organic materials is evenly distributed over the entire filer media.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for biologically treating fluids, in particular municipal or industrial wastewater or the like, the apparatus comprising a pair of reservoirs each containing growth medium having a biofilm thereon, the apparatus being arranged to pump the wastewater from one reservoir to another such as to alternatively expose the biofilms within the reservoirs to air and wastewater, thus making it possible to achieve sequential aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic conditions in the biofilms.

Abstract: A single submerged attached growth bioreactor interconnected to an equalization tank and a clear well. The equalization tank receives raw wastewater and provides primary settling of solids from the waste water. The output from the equalization tank is sent into the bioreactor. The wastewater flow path through the bioreactor biofilter is serpentine. Wastewater enters the first cell of the biofilter and flows downward to an opening at the biofilter bottom that hydraulically connects the first cell to a biofilter second cell. In the second cell the wastewater flows up from the bottom to an opening above the media within the cell, which connects the second cell with a third biofilter cell. Wastewater then flows downward through the third cell to the bottom and exits the biofilter through a pipe connected to a pump in the clear well. The hydrostatic pressure created by the differential liquid levels drives forward flow through the cells and into an effluent pipe at the bottom of the third cell.

Abstract: A method and system for filtering water in aquarium tanks comprising: a macerating/comminuting chamber with a continuously self-cleaning screen covering the discharge outlet that only allows, optimally sized, easily digestible, organic material to pass out of the macerating/comminuting chamber and into an, optionally self-cleaning, media containing denitrifying microbes. There are three different embodiments that use the method of the current invention. These comprise: a reverse flow under-gravel filter apparatus with the macerating/comminuting chamber and filter screen on the discharge side of the pump, a reverse flow under-gravel filter apparatus with the macerating/comminuting chamber and filter screen on the inlet side of the pump, and an external box filter apparatus with the macerating/comminuting chamber on the discharge side of the pump.

Abstract: An installation and a method for removing dissolved biodegradable compounds as a biological treatment step up-stream of an equipment to be protected from biofouling being part of a ground water, surface water or tertiary wastewater treatment line, wherein said upstream biological treatment step is carried out in at least one packed bed bioreactor comprising a vessel or a tank filled with packing elements, characterized in that: iv) said packing elements of said packed bed show a void fraction of at least 70% and the flow velocity of water through said packed bed bioreactor is at least 20 m/h, so that said packed bed does not have a removal efficiency of suspended solids in water, if any, of more than 30%; v) said packing elements of said packed bed show a specific surface area of at least 750 m2/m3; vi) said process does not require the use of any biocide or biostatic compound.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprising one apparatus (1) for de-nitrification and effluent solids removal, another apparatus (2) for biological main treatment, and a further apparatus (3) for solids removal (5), each apparatus including a volume (40) in which each process is performed, a media-retaining sieve (6) at the volume (40) and arranged to retain buoyant media particles (4) in the volume (40), and a gas sparging device (8), (9) which is located in a lower end region of the volume (40) and which is controllable by way of valves (11) and (15). The three volumes (40) are substantially (10) identical to, or multiples of, each other, the three sieves (6) are substantially identical to each other, and the three sparging devices (8), (9) are substantially identical to each other. The gas is sparged into the main treatment bed at a lower flow rate for wastewater aeration but intermittently at a higher flow rate to disrupt and clean the bed.

Abstract: Drainage water containing an organofluorine compound is introduced into a raw tank (1) and then filtered through a filtration device (4). Next, a microorganism, a micro-nanobubbling auxiliary agent and a nutrient are added thereto in a first transit tank (5) while micro-nanobubbles are generated thereinto by a micro-nanobubbling machine (7), thereby giving treated water. This treated water is then fed into an active carbon column (14) and then the above-described organofluorine compound contained in the treated water is decomposed by the microorganism as described above.

Abstract: A radial or crossflow media filter comprising a housing such as a vessel or tank (1), the housing containing filter media (9), a contaminated flow inlet (2) and a discharge outlet (8), the inlet comprising a manifold (5) situated within the housing, the manifold (5) having flow outlets (6) which are directed laterally, away from the discharge outlet (8). The flow inlet may comprise a substantially vertically aligned elongate tubular manifold (5) with a plurality of flow distribution holes or slots disposed along its length. Furthermore, the discharge outlet (8) may be accessed through a chamber within the housing which contains a second filter media (11) which is of larger average particle size than the first filter media (9).

Abstract: An aquarium filtration and drainage system comprising an undergravel filter with a compartment containing biomedia which is positioned over a drain at the bottom of the aquarium.

Abstract: A compact high efficiency combined biological and physical unsaturated wastewater treatment filter configured for periodic backwashing is disclosed. The filter utilizes packed media and removes pollutants and pathogens from wastewater and other dirty water sources. The filter comprises a periodic backwashing means to less the chance that biofilm growth will clog the media pores. However, such backwashing still leaves sufficient biofilm attached to the media to maintain a very high level of treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the filter utilizes high frequency dosing to cause pore saturation at or near the surface during dosing and shortly thereafter in order to maximize distribution uniformity and to induce downward airflow into the media. The system provides a number of unexpected benefits; including allowing a very low distribution pressure and providing high oxygen transfer at low energy utilization into the filter media for aerobic biodegradation of pollutants.

Abstract: An effluent treatment apparatus which is a flushed anaerobic digester with fixed biofilm (FAD system) is disclosed. The FAD system creates and maintains an optimum environment for the development and activity of anaerobic bacteria. The FAD system can be used for all treatment methods for anaerobic bacteria, regardless of function. The FAD system is intended for the production of biogas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filter whereof the reactor comprises: in its bottom part, an inlet for the effluents to be filtered and an outlet of oxygenated gas; in its upper part, an outlet for the filtered effluents; filtering means including media layers and an attached biomass, of density lower than that of the effluents to be filtered and interposed between the inlet and the outlet. The reactor is subdivided by means of racks retaining the filtering means into at least two filtering stages and into an upper outlet stage, wherein emerges the outlet for the filtered effluents. Each filtering stage is provided with a layer and its own filtering means and comprises, in its bottom part, a withdrawing outlet for excess biomass.

Abstract: An aerated biological filtration system (10) for treating waste water includes a treatment vessel (11) of elongated configuration which incorporates a circulating filter bed (23) and a static filter bed (24). The circulating filter bed incorporates a particulate material such as granulated activated carbon having a specific gravity in the range of 1.2 to 1.4 and effective size of 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm. The circulating filter bed is disposed above the static filter bed and an aeration system (27) is disposed between the filter beds. The aeration system is arranged to diffuse air through the circulating bed either continuously or intermittently so as to provide oxygen to micro-organisms attaching to the particulate material and to cause slow circulation of that particulate material. The system has particular application for domestic recycling of grey water.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor configured for reduced backflow of fluid is provided. The fluidized bed reactor comprises a vessel configured to contain a level of fluid, a feed conduit positioned to deliver feed into the vessel from an elevation above the level of fluid and a vacuum relief valve coupled to said feed conduit to introduce gas into the feed conduit.

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 invention relates to a method for purifying effluents in an anaerobic reactor (1) in which the micro-organisms are held by supports, the supports forming a bed which is fixed in a part (4, 5) of the reactor. The inventive method is characterized in that it includes a step wherein the reactor is backwashed once it has been at least partially clogged, by temporarily suspending the supports. Advantageously, the method includes an initial step for starting the reactor, during which the load of the reactor is increased with a short and constant hydraulic residence time.

Abstract: A device and method for growing aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria such as Pseudomonas Fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Starkeya novella and various autotrophic sulfur metabolizing bacteria, along with methods for releasing these bacteria into suspended growth or fixed film wastewater treatment zones such as soil or media, for the purposes of bioremediation and the removal of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon wastes.

Abstract: A compact high efficiency combined biological and physical unsaturated wastewater treatment filter configured for periodic backwashing is disclosed. The filter utilizes packed media and removes pollutants and pathogens from wastewater and other dirty water sources. The filter comprises a periodic backwashing means to less the chance that biofilm growth will clog the media pores. However, such backwashing still leaves sufficient biofilm attached to the media to maintain a very high level of treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the filter utilizes high frequency dosing to cause pore saturation at or near the surface during dosing and shortly thereafter in order to maximize distribution uniformity and to induce downward airflow into the media. The system provides a number of unexpected benefits; including allowing a very low distribution pressure and providing high oxygen transfer at low energy utilization into the filter media for aerobic biodegradation of pollutants.

Abstract: A nitrification-denitrification process using magnetic seeding and magnetic separation to treat water is provided. The process includes biologically converting ammonia to nitrates with a biofilm disposed on magnetic seed. Suspended solids are removed by mixing flocculant and magnetic seeds with the water and magnetically removing floc formed floc from the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying effluents in an anaerobic reactor (1) in which the micro-organisms are held by supports, the supports forming a bed which is fixed in a part (4, 5) of the reactor. The inventive method is characterised in that it includes a step wherein the reactor is backwashed once it has been at least partially clogged, by temporarily suspending the supports. Advantageously, the method includes an initial step for starting the reactor, during which the load of the reactor is increased with a short and constant hydraulic residence time.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system including a biological reactor is disclosed. At least one controlled-reaction-volume module is provided to the biological reactor. The at least one controlled-reaction-volume module includes a fixed-film media for supporting a biological growth. At least one mixer, such as, for example, a high momentum mixer, for communicate a fluid to the at least one controlled-reaction-volume module so that wastewater and the biological growth communicate to thereby treat the wastewater.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, a device for purifying water in a water water garden or fish pond comprises a filter medium configured to clean the water flowing through the device, and a housing configured to contain the filter media. The housing includes a wall configured to whirl the water flowing through the device to remove suspended particulates from the flow. Liquid flows into the housing, is turned by the wall to whirl the water about an axis, and exposed to elements held by the filter medium for cleaning the liquid. The liquid then flows out of the housing. Cleaning the medium is performed by opening a drain port and adding water to the chamber.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for removing the load of perchlorate and other oxyanions off of ion exchange resins through bioregeneration are disclosed. The improved systems and methods rely upon direct contact between the resin and a liquid product containing enrichment cultures of or pure strains of perchlorate-destroying microorganisms. Controlled temperatures also lead to improvements as do upflow conditions leading to bed expansion. These methods can be incorporated into methods for removing perchlorate from aqueous streams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a water treatment system (2) for treating and/or keeping clean water (1), in particular from swimming facilities (4), whereby the water (1) is pre-cleaned in a first step in at least one mechanical cleaning device (5, 8) and in a second step is put through a biological cleaning process in at least one biological cleaning device (12, 13). The water (1) is transported between the cleaning steps by force of gravity and the cleaned water (1) is optionally returned to the swimming facility (4).

Abstract: A wastewater treatment process is provided that entails both a biological or activated sludge process and a ballasted flocculation process. A first stream of wastewater is directed to a biological system for biologically treating the wastewater. The biological treatment process produces a first effluent and a first sludge. In cases where the biological system is an activated sludge process, the first sludge is recycled. A second stream of wastewater is directed to a ballasted flocculation system. The second stream of wastewater can be a stream independent of the first stream of wastewater or can be derived from the wastewater passing through the biological system. Sludge in the form of activated sludge or mixed liquor from the biological system is mixed with a second stream of wastewater in the ballasted flocculation system for the purpose of biologically treating the second stream of wastewater.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (8) in which a biomass is carried on a substrate which is fluidised. The fluidised substrate has below it a lazer of distributor particles through which the fluidising medium passes prior to contact with the fluidised substrate and biomass associated therewith. The effect of the distributor layer is that the particles damp out excessive turbulence in the fluidising medium thus preventing undue turbulence of the medium within the fluidised layer. This has the advantage of controlling, to some extent, the thickness of the biofilm, which may be carried by the fluidised substrate particles. The particles may be recycles (1, 2, 5) through the distributor layer where the action of the distributor particles serve to strip exces biofilm from the substrate particles which latter are then returned to the fluidised bed.

Abstract: A waste treatment system suitable for domestic use and capable of producing water suitable for recycling within the household. The system includes a bioreactor (30) and a decomposition chamber (16). The bioreactor (30) is adapted to digest liquid-base waste material using bacteria and is operable under anaerobic, anoxic and/or aerobic conditions. The decomposition chamber (16) decomposes substantially solid waste generated in the bioreactor. The bioreactor and decomposition chamber are in fluid communication such that substantially solid waste material generated in the bioreactor can be transferred to the decomposition chamber for further treatment. Resulting solids may optionally be forwarded to a vegetation cell (24) and the liquid (34) leaving the bioreactor may be optionally passed to a membrane treatment unit (40) and a disinfection unit (50).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a filter media tower assembly is provided comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is suspended within the second portion. The first portion is a removable media tower or cage for holding filter media, whereas the second portion is a media tower guide support structure that is mounted to a surface of a tank. In a second embodiment, a load cell or a weighing assembly is disposed above the removable media tower. The deployment of this weighing mechanism above the removable media tower provides constant monitoring of biomass build-up on the filter media.

Abstract: In a vessel containing a filter bed and containing a mixed liquor containing suspended solids, a system disturbs/dislodges a sludge mat that settles on the filter bed. Thus, the system controls the sludge mat on the filter bed that otherwise may blind the filter bed and significantly reduce or stop process liquid flow into and through the filter bed. The system helps maintain effective vessel effluent flowrates with reduced requirements for filter bed backwashing or other filter bed maintenance. The system includes a sludge mat dislodging member that moves along the filter bed surface, preferably on but substantially not inside the filter bed, to disrupt/dislodge the sludge mat and/or prevent formation of the sludge mat. Preferably, the dislodging member is carried inside the vessel on a moving arm or arms that rotate in a plane parallel to the filter bed surface. The preferred sludge mat dislodging member(s) hang from the rotating arm(s) to slide along the top of the filter bed through the sludge mat.

Abstract: A Catalytic Bioconversion (CB) process using kenaf core powder is used to promote an environmentally friendly method to biologically treat the petroleum contaminants in these wastes and waste waters while simultaneously producing a high energy solid fuel. The new process has very low capital and operating costs, treats and converts hazardous waste to non-hazardous waste, and can produce a viable solid fuel product instead of a waste. Typically, these petroleum-contaminated waste/wastewaters undergo some type of hydrocarbon separation and recovery via phase separation using heat and chemical treatment in storage tanks. The objective is to recover as much “good” hydrocarbon as possible and recycle it back to the production process. The material that is not recoverable, an emulsion of oil, water, and solids must be further processed and eventually discarded.

Abstract: A backwash system and method for a waste treatment system employ a waste inlet duct extending into an accumulation of microbial growth media particles in a lower region of a tank, with a vertical duct having a duct outlet in an upper region of the tank. A downwardly convergent strainer extends around the vertical duct beneath the duct outlet, with a liquid collector beneath the liquid leakage openings and a liquid outlet from the liquid collector communicating with the exterior of the tank. Compressed air is supplied into the vertical duct to impel the waste water up to the duct outlet and onto the strainer. A solids return duct has an upper end opening through the downwardly convergent strainer and a lower end opening above the accumulation of microbial growth media particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microbial remediation of organic wastes in sewers and other waste-laden environments utilizing in-situ microbial seeding. A bio-reactor containing inoculated carrier media is suspended within a sewer wet-well or other similar environment, and is at least partially immersed in the waste-laden fluid to be treated. Air and nutrients are continuously supplied to the bio-reactor via conduit from a remote, easily accessible location. Beneficial microbial populations are permitted to thrive and spread throughout the waste-laden environment, mineralizing organic wastes and eventually becoming dominant within the subject environment.

Abstract: The wastewater treatment system includes at least one fluidized bed reactor, such as a vessel containing media to which biofilms may attach. The vessel has an inlet and an outlet adjacent a bottom, and an overflow outlet adjacent a top, of the vessel. An element for admitting wastewater into the vessel and for agitating wastewater therein with sufficient energy to scour biofilm from the media, and for admitting additional wastewater into the vessel following a predetermined time to a level sufficient to cause water and at least some of the scoured biofilm to exit via the overflow outlet. Wastewater is drainable through the bottom outlet after a predetermined time for permitting aeration of the media. These fill and drain cycles effect a “tidal” nitrification and denitrification of the wastewater, with, for example, ammonia being converted ultimately to nitrogen gas.

Abstract: In a vessel containing a filter bed and containing a mixed liquor containing suspended solids, a system disturbs/dislodges a sludge mat that settles on the filter bed. Thus, the system controls the sludge mat on the filter bed that otherwise may blind the filter bed and significantly reduce or stop process liquid flow into and through the filter bed. The system helps maintain effective vessel effluent flowrates with reduced requirements for filter bed backwashing or other filter bed maintenance. The system includes a sludge mat dislodging member that moves along the filter bed surface, preferably on but substantially not inside the filter bed, to disrupt/dislodge the sludge mat and/or prevent formation of the sludge mat. Preferably, the dislodging member is carried inside the vessel on a moving arm or arms that rotate in a plane parallel to the filter bed surface. The preferred sludge mat dislodging member(s) hang from the rotating arm(s) to slide along the top of the filter bed through the sludge mat.