Abstract: An apparatus for treating sewage using a semi-batch process is provided. The apparatus may include an aeration tank, a thickening tank, a dephosphorization tank, and first and second reactor basins. The first and second reactor basins may each include an opening portion formed by opening a side wall thereof so as to be connected with a lateral portion of the aeration tank and an aeration unit installed therein. The apparatus may also include a flow distribution pipe including a start pipe and a pair of flow pipes, a pair of stirrers each provided at a respective side of the auxiliary pipes in each of the pair of flow pipes, operating in turn to stir the dephosphorized sewage overflowing from the dephosphorization, and a decanter installed across the top of the side opposite to the opening portions of the first and second reactor basins.

Abstract: Systems and methods to treat wastewater are described herein. A wastewater treatment system may include a primary treatment system, a secondary treatment system, a disinfection treatment system, a solids treatment system, one or more fluid treatment systems, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing nitrogen-concentrated effluents by ammonia oxidation into nitrites followed by nitrite denitritation in a gaseous nitrogen in a sequential biological reactor (1) consisting in pouring a processable effluent volume in to the reactor by successive volume fractions, in dividing the entire processing cycle into successive sub cycles, wherein each sub-cycle comprises a feeding phase, an aeration phase for nitrification and an anoxia phase along which a carbon-containing source is introduced into the reactor for converting nitrites into nitrogen.

Abstract: An anaerobic digestion process for the treatment of domestic wastewater sludge that requires less space and funding to construct. Sludge to be treated is combined with recycled anaerobic digester sludge to form a blended sludge. The recycled anaerobic digester sludge provides a source of microorganisms necessary to initiate the breakdown of organic matter in the sludge to be treated. The sludge is then concentrated to increase total solids content to about 10-20%. Excess liquid is removed from the concentrated sludge. The concentrated sludge is then digested in an anaerobic reactor system such as a plug-flow reactor. Some benefits of the system's reduced volume, as a result of concentration of the sludge, include elimination of the necessity of substantially continuous stirring and the new possibilities for the types of construction to be used for the reactor. In addition to the reduced cost of the process itself, the process creates biogas that can be used to offset energy requirements for the process.

Abstract: A passive drain field assembly reduces nitrogen in wastewater by facilitating nitrification and denitrification. A first chamber receives effluent into a multi-pipe bundle. An air vent is provided that extends from the atmosphere into the first chamber. A second chamber receives effluent from the first chamber, and contains a medium, beneath which is positioned a drainage pipe for releasing treated effluent into the soil therebeneath. A berm creates a retention area in the second chamber that is lined with a water-impermeable liner. In use, ammonia present in the effluent is converted to nitrate in the presence of the oxygen admitted by the air vent in the first chamber. The liquid retained upstream of the berm and above the liner undergoes anaerobic reactions. The remaining liquid proceeds to a place in the second chamber from which the drainage pipe can be entered, from which the treated wastewater can enter the soil.

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for treating the waste water contaminated with methanol and boron in addition to other contaminants. The systems and methods allow specifically for the removal of the methanol and boron without the addition of significant chemicals to raise the pH. The water is treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin.

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: A method for treating ammonium-containing waste water by means of a single sludge system in an SBR reactor, in which ammonium is converted to nitrite in a first reaction and ammonium and nitrite are converted into molecular nitrogen in a second reaction carried out in parallel, the oxygen concentration in the reactor being maintained at a low level. A robust process is achieved by providing that the pH-value of the system is controlled and kept at a target value by controlled intermittent aeration, the fluctuation range of the pH-value amounting to 0.05 at most, and preferably 0.02 at most, and the O2-concentration being kept between 0.2 mg/l and 0.4 mg/l, and preferably between 0.25 mg/l and 0.35 mg/l.

Abstract: A method of treating a mixture of microorganisms containing phosphorus and magnesium, by first inducing the mixture microorganisms to release phosphorus and magnesium which is then tapped off as the mixture is thickened, to produce phosphorus and magnesium-rich liquid and phosphorus and magnesium-reduced treated mixture. This treated mixture is placed in an anaerobic digester where ammonia is formed but combines very little with phosphorus or magnesium as these elements have been greatly reduced in concentration. Next the high-ammonia mixture is dewatered, to produce an ammonia-rich liquid, which is combined with the phosphorus and magnesium-rich liquid. In one preferred embodiment a useable struvite product is harvested from this combination. Additionally, the production of nuisance struvite in the anaerobic digester is greatly reduced, in comparison with prior art waste treatment methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method produces nitrate ions on-site from water, natural gas and air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The apparatus generates nitrate ions and brings the nitrate ions into contact with an aqueous system. Hydrogen sulfide present in the aqueous system is removed and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing into the system nitrate ions, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated by the apparatus and added to the aqueous system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of biofiltration of a liquid effluent by simultaneous nitrification and denitrification uses the adding of an oxygen source at a predetermined rate and optionally the adding of a carbon source (such as whey) thus enabling the complete transformation of the nitrates (NO3) present in the effluent at the time of treatment through a biofilter. The specific operating conditions favoring the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification include the controlled injection of a slight quantity of air, adjustment of the level of nitrogen load (TKN+NO3) and the level of carbon load thereby making possible elimination for the most part of the release of unwanted nitrogen in the form of NO3 or NO2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of denitrifying a solution including introducing into the solution an amount of a carbon source within a duration and at a frequency so that indigenous heterotrophic bacteria deplete dissolved oxygen in the solution and obtain oxygen from nitrate in the solution. Related apparatuses and compounds also are disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous flow multistage aerobic wastewater sludge treatment system and process comprising at least two stages connected in series, each stage comprising one or more covered tanks, tank segments or compartments, each having an enclosed separate gas headspace, wherein the gas headspaces of each stage are connected in a specified sequence that may be identical to or different from the staging sequence followed by the sludge liquid. An oxygen containing gas stream, such as air or an oxygen enriched gas stream, is supplied to the headspace of each stage, and a means for aerating the sludge in one or more of the tanks, tank segments or compartments is provided to enhance the transfer of oxygen from the gas headspace into the sludge liquid for use by bacteria in digestion of the sludge. At least one stage of the sludge digestion system is operated at a thermophilic temperature above 50° C.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating organic wastewater and sludge which remarkably reduce the generated amount of sludge at a much lower running cost, and which reduce the size and the capacity of the solubilization tank. The method and apparatus for treating sludge employs a biological treatment system, wherein a biological treatment of wastewater is carried out, and a solid-liquid separation unit for separating a solid from a liquid in the wastewater after the biological treatment, to obtain a treated wastewater and a sludge. The apparatus has a means for obtaining a withdrawn sludge from a part of the sludge and an alkali-treatment tank, wherein an alkali-treatment of the withdrawn sludge is carried out. The apparatus also has a biological solubilization tank which solubilizes the sludge after the alkali-treatment under an anaerobic, anoxic or microaerophilic condition, and a means for recycling the solubilized sludge to the biological treatment system.

Abstract: The process for treating an ammonium containing liquid by denitrification treatment of an ammonium containing liquid containing at least ammonium comprises carrying out nitrate reduction treatment of reducing nitrate contained in or added to the ammonium containing liquid to nitrite, and carrying out anaerobic ammonium oxidation treatment of simultaneously anaerobically denitrifying nitrite produced in the nitrate reduction treatment and ammonium contained in the ammonium containing liquid by anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria.

Abstract: A process has steps of one or more of aerobic treatment to remove COD and nitrify a waste stream, anoxic treatment to denitrify a waste stream, anoxic treatment to remove selenium and anaerobic treatment to remove heavy metals and sulphur. The process may be used to treat, for example, FGD blow down water. The process may further include one or more of (a) membrane separation of the waste stream upstream of the anoxic digestion to remove selenium, (b) dilution upstream of the biological treatment step, (c) physical/chemical pretreatment upstream of the biological processes or dilution step to remove TSS and soften the waste stream, or (d) ammonia stripping upstream of the biological treatment steps or dilutions step. These processes may be provided in a variety of suspended growth or fixed film reactors, for example a membrane bioreactor or a fixed film reactor having a GAC bed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved system and method for treating wastewater or other liquid. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a control program for operating the system and method. In one embodiment, the treatment process utilizes a biological nutrient removal activated sludge process utilizing a continuously sequencing reactor (CSR).

Abstract: The process for treating an ammonium containing liquid by denitrification treatment of an ammonium containing liquid containing at least ammonium comprises carrying out nitrate reduction treatment of reducing nitrate contained in or added to the ammonium containing liquid to nitrite, and carrying out anaerobic ammonium oxidation treatment of simultaneously anaerobically denitrifying nitrite produced in the nitrate reduction treatment and ammonium contained in the ammonium containing liquid by anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for reclaiming water contaminated with the expected range of contaminants typically associated with produced water in order to produce a treated water having a quality adequate for reuse as a fracturing water. The system includes anaerobically digesting the contaminated water, followed by aerating the water to enhance biological digestion. After aeration, the water is separated using a flotation operation that effectively removes the spent friction reducing agents and allows the treated water to be reclaimed and reused as fracturing water, even though it retains levels of contaminants, including boron and methanol, that would prevent its discharge to the environment under existing standards. The treated water has had a sufficient amount of the gellation-inhibiting contaminants, such as acrylamide friction reducing compounds, removed to allow the treated water to be an economically viable fracturing water.

Abstract: A system for wastewater treatment comprises a tank and includes a mixer that generates large mixing bubbles, for example a bubble having a largest dimension of 6 inches to 10 feet. In some embodiments, the mixer is located in the anoxic zone. The mixing bubbles are large enough to move wastewater as they rise to the surface and generate a mixing current in the wastewater. The mixing current mixes the wastewater, and bacteria and other microorganisms to promote the bacteria and other microorganisms' conversion of the pollutants contained in the wastewater. The system further comprises an Integrated Fixed-film Activating Sludge (IFAS) system.

Abstract: A method and system for ballast water treatment are provided. A vacuum is applied directly to an existing vent of a vessel's ballast water tank during the vessel's voyage. The applied vacuum is in a range of approximately ?2 to ?4 pounds per square inch. To further assure success, living organisms can be added into the ballast water tank to consume (i) oxygen dissolved in the ballast water, and (ii) food sources for selected organisms contained in the ballast water. No modifications to the vessel's ballast water tank are required as all system components are coupled to the existing vent.

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for reclaiming water contaminated with the expected range of contaminants typically associated with produced water, including water contaminated with slick water, methanol and boron. The system includes anaerobically digesting the contaminated water, followed by aerating the water to enhance biological digestion. After aeration, the water is separated using a flotation operation that effectively removes the spent friction reducing agents and allows the treated water to be reclaimed and reused as fracturing water, even though it retains levels of contaminants, including boron and methanol, that would prevent its discharge to the environment under existing standards. The treated water may further be treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin.

Abstract: Wastewaters are treated by an activated sludge process that includes combining wastewater with bacteria-laden sludge in an activated sludge tank to form a mixed liquor, separating the mixed liquor into a clear effluent and activated sludge stream, pretreating at least a portion of the activated sludge stream in a conditioning tank, transferring at least a portion of the activated sludge stream in the conditioning tank to an interchange bioreactor operating in batch or continuous flow mode, processing the activated sludge stream within the interchange bioreactor by selecting desired growth conditions to cultivate at least one type of bacteria in the activated sludge stream, and returning at least a portion of the activated sludge stream in the bioreactor to the activated sludge tank. The process may further include a sidestream reactor to remove phosphates from the activated sludge stream leaving the interchange bioreactor.

Abstract: A system and method to treat a site includes oxygenating or ozonating the site, adding nutrients, and maintaining a low bio-chemical-oxygen-demand-to-total-kjeldahl-nitrogen (BOD5:TKN) ratio. Furthermore, the system and method maintain conditions effective to permit aerobic biological deamination of organic-nitrogen compounds and nitrification of ammonia-nitrogen compounds.

Abstract: In a micronanobubble reaction vessel 3 of wastewater treatment equipment, wastewater containing organic matter is treated with micronanobubbles. Thereafter, the 5 wastewater is introduced into an aeration tank 7. Part of organic matter in the wastewater is oxidized in the micronanobubble reaction vessel 3 by micronanobubble treatment prior to treatment with activity of microorganisms enhanced in the aeration tank 7. After organic matter load is thus reduced, the treatment water is introduced into the aeration tank 7, in which microorganisms exist in high concentration due to submerged membranes 17, so that the organic matter in wastewater can be effectively treated. This makes it possible to accomplish miniaturization of the aeration tank 7, reduction in scale of the whole equipment and therefore reduction in initial cost.

Abstract: The present invention describes improved methods and systems for treating waste water and solid waste, which may include the addition of catholyte and anolyte. The methods and systems of the present invention may be used to treat waste water and solid waste from animal farms, such as for example, hog farms, dairy farms, and cattle and sheep ranches. The methods and systems of the present invention may also be used to treat waste water from other sources, such as human waste or farm runoff from irrigation.

Abstract: The biological water or wastewater treatment process described herein alternates aeration and anoxic phases during a water treatment process. According to one exemplary process, the water or wastewater is directed into a biological tank. The water or wastewater in the biological tank is aerated until measured nitrate or redox values meet high nitrate or high redox set value conditions relative to minimum aeration and maximum aeration time requirements. Subsequently, the water or wastewater is subjected to anoxic treatment until the measured nitrate value meets low nitrate set value conditions relative minimum and maximum anoxia time requirements.

Abstract: A submerged membrane assembly including a membrane having a first surface, a second surface, and a vertical axis, and which is permeable between the surfaces by molecules of less than a predetermined size. A first fluid compartment in fluid communication with the first membrane surface and that contains at a first column height a first fluid having a first specific gravity, a second fluid compartment in fluid communication with the second membrane surface and that contains at a second column height a second fluid having a second specific gravity, and means for changing the second specific gravity. The second column height being selected relative to the first column height to produce a selected pressure differential across the membrane along the vertical axis at the first specific gravity and the changed second specific gravity.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel biological systems and methods for efficiently reducing nitrate levels and otherwise conditioning aquarium water and water in similar environments, and the use of catholyte and anolyte for the improved conditioning of water in aquariums and improved growing conditions for aquatic life.

Abstract: A 10,000 gallon sequencing batch reactor tank for the on-site bio-degradation of oily sludge. Bacteria already present in and adapted to oily sludge degrade the hydrocarbons found in oily sludge within two weeks from 20,000 ppm to less than 100 ppm. A degradation cycle requires 5 days. After five days a recirculation pump and aeration system are turned off and solids are allowed to settle to the bottom of the tank. An ultrafiltration unit connected to the tank requires approximately 16 hours to process the contents of the reactor tank.

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

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is provided including an aerobic membrane bioreactor and an anaerobic digester system connected to receive wasted solids continuously from the aerobic membrane bioreactor and also connected to return effluent from the anaerobic digester system continuously to the aerobic membrane bioreactor. Further, a process is provided for treating wastewater including the step of wasting a volume fraction of organic cell mass from an aerobic membrane bioreactor to an anaerobic digester system and maintaining a solids retention time (SRT) in the bioreactor that is (1) greater than a time needed to achieve growth of organisms suitable for converting carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD) into cell mass and (2) less than a time at which substantial decay of the organisms occurs. The system and process may further include optional pretreatment and/or phosphorus and/or nitrogen removal downstream of the membrane bioreactor system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing nitrogen-concentrated effluents by ammonia oxidation into nitrites followed by nitrite denitritation in a gaseous nitrogen in a sequential biological reactor (1) consisting in pouring a processable effluent volume in to the reactor by successive volume fractions, in dividing the entire processing cycle into successive sub cycles, wherein each sub-cycle comprises a feeding phase, an aeration phase for nitrification and an anoxia phase along which a carbon-containing source is introduced into the reactor for converting nitrites into nitrogen.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for oxidation and reduction of a reduced aqueous nitrogen contaminant.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved system and method for treating wastewater or other liquid. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a control program for operating the system and method. In one embodiment, the treatment process utilizes a biological nutrient removal activated sludge process utilizing a continuously sequencing reactor (CSR).

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method. The method includes establishing a setpoint value of oxidation-reduction potential of a mixed liquor, measuring a measured value of oxidation-reduction potential of the mixed liquor, comparing the measured value of oxidation-reduction potential and the setpoint value of oxidation-reduction potential, generating a control signal based at least in part on the step of comparing, controlling operation of an aeration device using the control signal, acquiring at least one value corresponding to the control signal and adjusting the setpoint value of oxidation-reduction potential using the at least one value. The value includes a frequency of operation of the aeration device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating wastewater are described, one method embodiment including the steps of flowing a stream comprising mixed liquor suspended solids and fixed growth solids to a high rate clarification stage, forming a clarifier effluent, a first waste activated sludge stream, and a return waste activated sludge stream. The high rate clarifier effluent stream then flows to a membrane stage that includes a membrane media, producing a membrane reject (retentate) stream and a treated effluent (permeate) stream. Optionally, the methods include routing a screened raw wastewater to an anaerobic and/or aerated anoxic stage and introducing a gas comprising oxygen to the wastewater during the aerated anoxic stage, and optionally allowing the product of this stage to flow to an aeration stage prior to the high rate clarification stage.

Abstract: A method for processing environmental samples to remove or otherwise reduce the level of certain chemical species. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates a process for reducing the level of inorganic and/or organic chemical species in wastewater or other aqueous or semi-aqueous environments or other waste environments. The present invention further provides compositions of bacteria useful in modulating the redox potential of an environment to generate redox mediator species which facilitate the removal of particular inorganic or organic molecules from the environment or from samples therefrom. The redox potential is preferably modulated through microbial-mediated oxidation or reduction of metal cations under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, respectively. The present invention is further directed to a computer program which facilitates the controlled modulation of the redox potential of an aqueous or semi-aqueous environment or other environments.

Abstract: The biofilter is used for the purification of a waste liquid using layers of filtering material, wherein the waste liquid moves downwardly by gravity while an O2-containing gas moves upwardly therein. The biofilter comprises a gas collector to capture at least a portion of the gas moving upwardly therein to mitigate the problem of biofilter clogging due to a microbial seal at the surface of the uppermost filtering layer.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system. Toilet, kitchen, commercial, and industrial process waste is segregated from the total wastewater stream and treated in order to reduce the total nitrogen, phosphorous, pathogens, household hazardous and hazardous wastes and organic carbon released into the environment. Release of treated toilet, kitchen, commercial, and industrial process liquid waste is eliminated. Segregation of toilet, kitchen, and commercial and industrial process wastewater from non-toilet, kitchen, commercial and industrial process wastewater requires separate sewer plumbing and separate storage of the toilet, kitchen, commercial and industrial process wastewater. The non-toilet, non-kitchen, non-commercial & non-industrial process wastewater can be released via a traditional septic tank and drain field or processed for reuse.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane in a membrane separation activated-sludge process. By the method, deposits adherent to the surface of a membrane used in a membrane separation activated-sludge process can be effectively scratched off and the membrane filtration rate can be prevented from decreasing. Membrane-cleaning particles in which the surface to be in contact with the water to be treated has been hydrophilized and has a surface roughness of 100-2,500 ?m are introduced into a bioreactor. The particles are caused to flow by the lifting effect of air bubbles ejected from an aerator or by the fluidizing effect of a fluidizing means to thereby cause the particles to scratch off deposits adherent to the surface of a separation membrane element. Membrane-cleaning particles which are non-porous or have closed cells can be used. Membrane-cleaning particles having an antibacterial ingredient can be supported on the surface or in inner parts thereof.

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: A method utilizing inorganic nutrient salts, which are inexpensive and easily usable, for waste water whose aerobic and/or anaerobic biological treatment cannot be established unless inorganic nutrient salts are added, is provided. A method and apparatus are provided for utilizing recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate, characterized by adding the recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate, which has been recovered from a treatment process for organic waste and/or organic waste water treatment, to a biological treatment step comprising an anaerobic treatment step and/or an aerobic treatment step to utilize the recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate as an inorganic nutrient source. Preferably, the recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate is utilized as particles, with its particle size being 0.5 mm or less, and/or the pH of a liquid, to which magnesium ammonium phosphate is added, being 10 or lower.

Abstract: Disclosed are a membrane coupled activated sludge method and apparatus operating anoxic/anaerobic processes alternately for removal of nitrogen and phosporus, wherein nitrogen and phosphorous together with organics in the sewage, wastewater, filthy water etc. can be simultaneously removed with an economic and efficient manner, an operation thereof is easy and efficient, a capacity thereof is high and the method is economic due to the reduced operating costs with performing measurement and control of a recycle rate, a recycle time of alternate operation of the anoxic and anaerobic process, an amount of sludge, an amount of aeration and an operation of a blower for an intermittent membrane cleaning.

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 method for treating wastewater. The method comprises: providing a first dose of air to aerate a medium bed; supplying a dose of wastewater to the aerated medium bed; allowing nitrification of the wastewater to occur; allowing denitrification to occur; and providing a subsequent dose of air to the medium bed. A combined aerobic and anaerobic treatment apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a medium bed; a wastewater conduit in fluid communication with the medium bed; an air conduit in fluid communication with the medium bed; and where the combined aerobic and anaerobic treatment apparatus is configured to first allow a dose of wastewater in the medium bed to undergo a nitrification process which is generally aerobic, and then second allow the dose of wastewater in the medium bed to undergo a denitrification process which is generally anaerobic. An apparatus for treating wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel biological systems for efficiently reducing nitrate levels and otherwise conditioning aquarium water and water in similar environments.

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: Methods and apparatus for treating wastewater are described, one method embodiment including the steps of flowing a mixed liquor suspended solids to a high rate clarification stage, forming a clarifier effluent, a first waste activated sludge stream, and a return waste activated sludge stream. The high rate clarifier effluent stream then flows to a membrane stage that includes a membrane media, producing a membrane reject (retentate) stream and a treated effluent (permeate) stream. Optionally, the methods include routing a screened raw wastewater to an anaerobic and/or aerated anoxic stage and introducing a gas comprising oxygen to the wastewater during the aerated anoxic stage, and optionally allowing the product of this stage to flow to an aeration stage prior to the high rate clarification stage.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing nitrogen is provided herein. In the apparatus, the nitrogen is removed from wastewater containing a BOD component and ammonium nitrogen by anaerobic ammonium oxidation.