Abstract: A fluidized-bed bioreactor system for the conversion of coal into microbially solubilized coal products. The fluidized-bed bioreactor continuously or periodically receives coal and bio-reactants and provides for the production of microbially solubilized coal products in an economical and efficient manner. An oxidation pretreatment process for rendering coal uniformly and more readily susceptible to microbial solubilization may be employed with the fluidized-bed bioreactor.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of activated slurries of waste water, notably of urban waste water, characterized in that the water to be treated, previously subjected to the standard prior treatments such as screening, renewal of sediments, degreasing, and possibly a primary decantation, is directed to a single ventilation or aeration basin with a high mass load where it dwells during a reduced period, from which it is discharged to a clarifier-thickener equipped with inclined parallel plates or tubes, stimulating the separation of the slurry, which is being recycled in the ventilation or aeration basin at a high concentration made necessary by the reduced dwelling time of the water in the basin.

Abstract: A process for the purification of ground water is disclosed which comprises injecting conditioned water into a recharge well, simultaneously withdrawing water from an adjacent recharge well in order to create a purification zone therebetween, and withdrawing purified water from a supply well in an aquifer.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for decreasing the phosphorus content of an aqueous influent stream containing biodegradable substrates, comprising adding to said stream previous aerobically enhanced and anaerobically stressed bacteria; dividing said stream into separate first and second streams; treating the first stream in an aerobic zone, in the presence of sufficient oxygen, for a time sufficient to cause enhancement of the bacteria to take-up phosphorus in excess of their growth requirements; treating the second stream in an anaerobic zone containing less than about 1 ppm of oxygen, for a time sufficient to stress the bacteria and cause release of phosphorus which is nonessential for the bacteria growth requirements; intimately mixing said treated first and second stream; holding said mixed first and second streams to allow settling of precipitants; removing liquid effluent from the upper portion of the settled stream; removing high solids content sludge, containing bacteria and phosphorus from the lower portion

Abstract: In a sludge thickener, supernatant fluid is drawn off via peripheral ducts and oxygenated at a suitable location. The supernatant fluid is thereafter reintroduced into the thickener via diffusers distributed transversely of the thickener and intermediate the peripheral ducts. The generation of nauseating smells is thereby prevented, and an advantageous increase of the concentration of the sludges is attained.

Abstract: An improved wastewater treatment process is provided which utilizes a rotating biological contactor (RBC) containing at least two stages as the secondary treatment phase. In such RBC, biological oxidation of carbonaceous and nitrogenous matter is accomplished simultaneously in a partially submerged aerated RBC arranged for multiple stage treatment. Wastewater being charged to the RBC is preliminarily subjected to particulate separation and admixing with biologically treated and the clarified effluent from the RBC at a rate sufficient to produce a wastewater feed to the RBC system which has approximately acceptable standards of SBOD.sub.5 and NH.sub.3 -N. The process also features a high flow rate of the diluted wastewater through the RBC.

Abstract: Process for the start-up of high-temperature processes for the denitrification of tobacco materials via an anaerobic dissimilatory metabolic pathway of thermophilic organisms. The process advantageously permits the induction of denitrification activity through the use of a seed culture which, itself, is the product of a previous thermophilic denitrification treatment of the same type as that to which the start-up process is directed.

Abstract: An improved method of reducing the nitrate, nitrite and ammonium compound content of an aqueous tobacco extract employing microorganisms is described. The nitrates, nitrites and ammonium compounds are eliminated on a continuous basis via an aerobic assimilatory metabolic pathway by introducing aqueous tobacco extract and necessary additives into a work mixture, containing suitable microorganisms, at a dilution rate which does not exceed the growth rate of the microorganisms while withdrawing a portion of the work mixture at a rate such that the volume of the work mixture remains constant. Optionally the biomass may be removed from the withdrawn mixture.

Abstract: A process for reducing the content of nitrate and/or nitrite salts contained in tobacco is disclosed whereby tobacco is treated, under controlled aerobic conditions, with microorganisms capable of degrading nitrates and/or nitrites to other nitrogen-containing compounds, such as proteins and amino acids.

Abstract: An improved process for the reduction of the nitrate content of tobacco materials via dissimilatory denitrification is disclosed wherein more rapid reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas is effected by utilizing a vacuum during incubation. The process comprises inoculating nitrate-containing tobacco material with a microorganism capable of dissimilatory denitrification and thereafter incubating the tobacco material under conditions whereby the nitrate is reduced to nitrogen gas via dissimilatory denitrification while applying a vacuum.

Abstract: An activated-sludge process for wastewater treatment comprising the steps of:(1) feeding raw wastewater to an aeration tank containing activated sludge;(2) supplying air into the aeration tank to produce aerobic and anaerobic areas in said tank;(3) separating sludge from the mixed liquor coming out of the aeration tank and concentrating at least part of the separated sludge or said mixed liquor in a concentrator to thereby produce concentrated sludge and separated water; and(4) feeding the concentrated sludge into the aeration tank and maintaining the MLSS concentration in said tank at a value between 7,000 to 15,000 mg/liter, thereby removing the organic matter and nitrogen components from the wastewater within said aeration tank.

Abstract: According to an embodiment thereof, the method comprises using a pair of reaction vessels, sequentially, to treat the sludge. Both vessels are pressurized, and the first thereof has an aerator for aerating the sludge, and receives sulfuric acid and chlorine thereinto through a port. A dewatering device is provided upstream of the first vessel, and the outlet of the first vessel is coupled to an inlet of the second vessel through another dewatering device. The second vessel defines a final-treatment chamber in which the sludge is exposed to ozone, air and lime. The treatment method, then, comprises the steps namely: introducing the sludge into the first vessel and oxidizing and depressing the pH of the sludge so introduced, and recycling the sludge in the first vessel over a given period of time. Thereafter the sludge is dewatered and conducted to the second vessel wherein it is exposed to air, ozone and lime, as aforesaid, and discharged after a like period of time.

Abstract: In the treatment of wastewater by the activated sludge process, mixed liquor in the aeration tank or settled sludge is drawn from the system and concentrated. The concentrated sludge is returned to the aeration tank either immediately or after being mixed with separated water and settled sludge to thereby reduce the SVI of the mixed liquor in the aeration tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating ground and ground water contaminated with hydrocarbon and halogenated hydrocarbon compounds. Treatment of contaminated water removed from the ground is accomplished by microorganisms which consume the contaminants. Growth of microorganisms is enhanced under controlled conditions by addition of nutrients and gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide or a combination of these and other gases to the contaminated water. Treated water carrying microorganisms, nutrients and gases is returned for recirculation through the contaminated area of ground to leach out and biodegrade the contaminants deposited in the ground. Microorganism activity is also enhanced in the ground by injection of nutrients and oxygen or other gases into the ground and ground water in the contaminated area.

Abstract: Anaerobic digestion of organic material, particularly biological sludge, such as sewage sludge, is carried out in a closed system having a first digestion tank and a second concentration and partial digestion tank. The concentrated and partially digested sludge is fed to the first tank where it is maintained under vacuum such that an active zone of organic material undergoing digestion is detained therein for a long period of time. The digested sludge is withdrawn against the vacuum and has approximately 80 to 90% of the organic solids therein mineralized; thus simplifying dewatering and ultimate disposal of the sludge. Pathogens including viruses are also removed from the digested sludge. Denitrification takes place in the vacuum digester tank and gas consisting essentially of nitrogen is removed. Return sludge from the vacuum digester and influent sludge is fed into the second or concentrator tank to facilitate reseeding with anaerobic organisms.

Abstract: A method for recovering and recycling animal waste materials permits the separation of the solids with a desired moisture content from the remaining liquids and finer solid particles and wherein the liquids and finer solid particles are converted into a high quality single cell protein by means of aerobic digestion so as to maximize the value and percentage of total solids reclaimed as well as to maintain excellent sanitation and minimize odors from anaerobic decomposition.

Abstract: In the treatment of a waste water containing formaldehyde by a method which involves introducing the waste water into a biological digestor into which there is also introduced another stream comprising a nitrogen-containing compound, especially ammonia or an ammonium salt, process difficulty caused by the formation of refractory adducts of the formaldehyde with the nitrogen compound (especially hexamethylenetetramine) is minimized by introducing the waste water and the nitrogen compound into the digestor in two separate streams instead of allowing the two streams to mix in the digestor feed line or in a preliminary holding pond. The method is especially applicable in systems in which ammonia or some other source of ammonium ions is introduced into the digestor as a nutrient for the contained biomass.

Abstract: An on-site wastewater treatment system is disclosed suitable for domestic or other sewage. After separation of the settleable solids from incoming wastewater by means of a septic tank or other means the effluent is passed into a basin holding particles of a media through which the effluent travels. The media bed removes a substantial amount of the suspended solids in the effluent and some of the BOD (biological oxygen demand material). The filtrate is collected and uniformly dispersed, preferably by spraying, over the surface of the same media bed for travel therethrough a second time. The effluent carries oxygen from the air into the media. The media retains the effluent until the surface tension of the effluent between the particles of the media bed is overcome by gravity, at which time it is displaced from the media and discharged. During the retention time aerobic action in the media bed reduces the bacterial count of the effluent significantly.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the purification of effluent waters containing organic pollutants by a rapid biological oxidation (activated sludge) process characterized in that the liquid to be purified is introduced into a tank containing a liquid having a high biomass concentration. Liquid is drawn from the tank and reintroduced through an aerating device in such a way as to produce rotation of the liquid in the tank to the extent that a vortex is produced on the surface. A part of the liquid taken from the tank is strayed on to the vortex and a proportion passed to a mechanical separating means that separates sludge from the liquid and a proportion of the separated sludge is reintroduced directly in to the tank. The liquid from which the sludge has been removed constitutes the purified effluent.