Abstract: The present invention relates to the extraction of lithium from liquid resources such as natural and synthetic brines, leachate solutions from minerals, and recycled products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering metals from aqueous solutions or solid feedstocks such as ores and waste. In particular, the invention relates to a method of recovering a target metals using a microorganism.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for preferentially separating mercury from a metal product where both are present in an ore leachate. The separation is accomplished by adding a precipitating agent and a coagulant to an ore leachate followed by separating a mercury-laden precipitate therefrom to collect the treated leachate. The treated leachate includes about 0 to 50% by weight of the mercury and about 90% to 100% by weight of the metal product present in the ore leachate. In embodiments, the method further includes adding a flocculant to the ore leachate prior to the separating of the mercury-laden precipitate.

Abstract: Metals, such as mercury, may be removed from glycol fluids by applying a sulfur compound having the general formula HS—X, wherein X is a heteroatom-substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and/or alkylaryl group either alone or in combination with or as a blend with at least one antifoam additive, at least one demulsifier and/or a buffering agent, to chelate the at least one metal and form a chelate complex of the sulfur compound with the at least one metal and then separating the chelate complex from the fluid.

Abstract: Biogenic activated carbon compositions disclosed herein comprise at least 55 wt % carbon, some of which may be present as graphene, and have high surface areas, such as Iodine Numbers of greater than 2000. Some embodiments provide biogenic activated carbon that is responsive to a magnetic field. A continuous process for producing biogenic activated carbon comprises countercurrently contacting, by mechanical means, a feedstock with a vapor stream comprising an activation agent including water and/or carbon dioxide; removing vapor from the reaction zone; recycling at least some of the separated vapor stream, or a thermally treated form thereof, to an inlet of the reaction zone(s) and/or to the feedstock; and recovering solids from the reaction zone(s) as biogenic activated carbon. Methods of using the biogenic activated carbon are disclosed.

Abstract: Overburden from surface coal mining in many regions can produce a rain runoff laden with selenium, in the selenate form, as well as rare earth elements (REEs). This occurs from rainwater leaching through exposed selenium/mineral-containing rocks in the overburden. The mineral-containing runoff water is caught in ponds, or deep mine water is collected from pools. Alternatively, leachate can be collected from coal gob or refuse piles. Extraction of REEs, as well as remediation of deleterious substances such as selenium, is performed by treatment with sulfur-modified iron (SMI) in a contact bed of an upflow reactor vessel. After a period of use of the SMI, the spent SMI is subjected to a recovery process for REEs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a nanostructured composite material comprising a mixture of at least one metal particle such as iron and a carbon material from biomass such as D-glucose, D-glucosamine hydrochloride or a-cyclodextrin. The invention is also directed to a composition comprising the composite material comprising the composite material and an inorganic salt, and a method for synthesizing the composite material comprising immersing the carbon material into a solution of metal ions, drying the impregnated carbon particle and subjecting the impregnated carbon particle to a carbothermal reduction process. The nanostructured composite material is useful as an oxygen scavenging layer in a multi-layer film which comprises the oxygen scavenging layer and an oxygen barrier layer that retards the permeation of oxygen from an external environment.

Abstract: Metals, such as mercury, may be removed from aqueous, hydrocarbon, or mixed oilfield or refinery fluids by: applying a sulfur compound having the general formula HS-X, wherein X is a heteroatom substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and/or alkylaryl group either alone or in combination with or as a blend with at least one demulsifier, a buffering agent, a pour point depressant, and/or a water clarifier to chelate the at least one metal and form a chelate complex of the sulfur compound with the at least one metal and then separating the chelate complex from the fluid.

Abstract: An insulin infusion set (IIS) device with one or more features designed to achieve longevity in a patients continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) site viability. One exemplary feature is an adsorbent material configured to adsorb phenolic excipients (e.g., m-cresol or other preservatives) from the insulin formulation. The adsorbent material may be positioned along a fluid pathway specifically designed to increase and/or extend exposure between the insulin formulation and the adsorbent material. Another exemplary feature is a medicament configured to reduce the patients inflammation or slow the progression of the patients inflammatory response. Yet another exemplary feature is a diffusive catheter configured to deliver the insulin formulation in a diffuse manner.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is the use of a porous or non-porous organosilicon material for eliminating radionuclides, mineral anions, anionic molecular entities and negatively charged dyes or active principles from an aqueous solution, characterized in that the structure of said organosilicon material is formed of repeat units, each repeat unit comprising at least one positively charged entity selected from an ammonium entity, an imidazolium entity, a guanidinium entity, a pyridinium entity and a phosphonium entity and being incorporated into a silicon network by at least two silicon-carbon bonds. The invention also relates to a specific novel organosilicon material, comprising at least one benzyl group, one 4-phenylbenzyl group or one styrene group in each repeat unit.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for preferentially separating mercury from a metal product where both are present in an ore leachate. The separation is accomplished by adding a precipitating agent and a coagulant to an ore leachate followed by separating a mercury-laden precipitate therefrom to collect the treated leachate. The treated leachate includes about 0 to 50% by weight of the mercury and about 90% to 100% by weight of the metal product present in the ore leachate. In embodiments, the method further includes adding a flocculant to the ore leachate prior to the separating of the mercury-laden precipitate.

Abstract: Composite ion-exchange materials for use in an ion-exchange column are provided. Also provided are ion-exchange columns packed with the materials and methods for using the materials to remove metal ions from samples, such as waste water samples. The composite ion-exchange materials comprise a composite material comprising a metal chalcogenide and an alginate, wherein the composite material is mixed with a granular material.

Abstract: Advantage is taken of macrolide antibiotics' complexation with free cholesterol to yield fluorescent complexes to determine the levels of free cholesterol, total cholesterol, or lecithin: cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) in serum or plasma or fractions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying biochar to turf and landscape to allow the turf and landscape to be effectively maintained under reduced water and/or reduced fertilizer applications.

Abstract: Hybrid zero-valent iron systems and methods for treating a fluid containing a contaminant that removes or reduces the concentration of contaminants, such as toxic metals, metalloids, oxyanions, and dissolved silica.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions for use in biological and chemical separations, as well as other applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to hybrid felts fabricated from electrospun nanofibers with high permeance and high capacity. Such hybrid felts utilize derivatized cellulose, and at least one non-cellulose-based polymer that may be removed from the felt by subjecting it to moderately elevated temperatures and/or solvents capable of dissolving the non-cellulose-based polymer to leave behind a porous nanofiber felt having more uniform pore sizes and other enhanced properties when compared to single component nanofiber felts.

Abstract: A BAK removal device is constructed as a plug of microparticles of a hydrophilic polymeric gel that displays a hydraulic permeability greater than 0.01 Da. The polymer hydrophilic polymeric gel comprises poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA). The particles are 2 to 100 ?m and the plug has a surface area of 30 mm2 to 2 mm2 and a length of 2 mm to 25 mm and wherein the microparticles of a hydrophilic polymeric gel has a pore radius of 3 to 60 ?m.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a water source use a treated, softened, acidic water source according to the invention. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: A method of hydraulic fracturing is provided which uses metal silicides to generate significant pressure inside a wellbore. The method comprises injecting a fracturing fluid and an aqueous or reacting fluid into the wellbore to react with the fracturing fluid. The fracturing fluid comprises metal silicide, which may be uncoated or coated, and hydrocarbon fluid. The reacting fluid comprises water or a solvent. A method of removing buildup in pipelines such as subsea pipelines which uses metal silicides to generate heat and pressure inside the pipeline is also provided. The method comprises injecting an organic slug and an aqueous slug. The organic slug comprises metal silicide and hydrocarbon fluid. The aqueous slug comprises water. Alternatively, there is also provided a method for purifying flowback water produced from a hydraulic fracturing process comprising adding metal silicide to the flowback water produced from a hydraulic fracturing process.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing collagen and trace elements from sea water consists of various steps which are raw material preparation, resting of raw material, preliminary filtration to remove heavy metals, deodorize and purity remaining impurities, spraying of water, separation of heavy metals, collagen and trace elements from water and separation of collagen and trace elements. The process according to this invention, apart from sea water, can be applied to other type of salt water by adjusting the salinity and density of the water to an optimal value. The process according to this invention yields clean and purified collagen which is easily absorbed by human body and contains numerous types of trace elements.

Abstract: Recycling spent hydrophobic polymeric media can beneficially utilize waste oil to dissolve the media. The method employs simple equipment and materials, many or all of which are already on location in various industrial operations such as fracking operations or food production factories. The method does not call for landfilling spent media, thus reducing the environmental impact and reducing expense. Transport costs for spent media and disposal fees can likely decrease. The resulting product can be sold to refineries for further processing and repurposing, thus generating additional revenue.

Abstract: A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer.

Abstract: There are provided an adsorbent material excellent in the adsorptive removal properties of Cs and Sr also in seawater, and a method for producing a crystalline silicotitanate suitable for the adsorbent material. The adsorbent material according to the present invention comprises: at least one selected from crystalline silicotitanates represented by Na4Ti4Si3O16.nH2O, (NaxK(1-x))4Ti4Si3O16.nH2O and K4Ti4Si3O16.nH2O wherein x represents a number of more than 0 and less than 1 and n represents a number of 0 to 8; and at least one selected from titanate salts represented by Na4Ti9O20.mH2O, (NayK(1-y))4Ti9O20.mH2O and K4Ti9O20.mH2O wherein y represents a number of more than 0 and less than 1 and m represents a number of 0 to 10.

Abstract: There is provided iron powder having a halogenated organic compound treating performance equivalent to or higher than that of a material for treating halogenated organic compounds, although an environmental load substance such as copper is not contained, and a method of producing iron powder for treating halogenated organic compounds including: immersing the iron powder in one or more kinds of solvents selected from water and organic solvents which have lower vapor pressure than water and contain oxygen; performing solid-liquid separation for the iron powder immersed in the solvent, to thereby obtain the iron powder wet by this solvent; and applying drying treatment to the iron powder wet in the solvent, while keeping a temperature at less than 40° C.

Abstract: A process removes radioactive contamination from wastewater obtained in the decontamination of a cooling circuit of nuclear reactors or of parts thereof or in the course of operation of a nuclear reactor. A MnO2 precipitate is exclusively produced in the wastewater with the aid of permanganate ions added thereto as an oxidizing agent and of one or more organic reducing agents present in and/or metered into the wastewater, and the MnO2 precipitate is separated from the wastewater.

Abstract: There is provided an adsorbent material having adsorptive removal properties of Cs and Sr in seawater, and a method for producing a crystalline silicotitanate suitable for the adsorbent material. The adsorbent material includes one selected from crystalline silicotitanates represented by Na4Ti4Si3O16.nH2O, (NaxK(1-x))4Ti4Si3O16.nH2O and K4Ti4Si3O16.nH2O wherein x represents a number of more than 0 and less than 1 and n represents a number of 0 to 8; and one selected from titanate salts represented by Na4Ti9O20.mH2O, (NayK(1-y))4Ti9O20.mH2O and K4Ti9O20.mH2O wherein y represents a number of more than 0 and less than 1 and m represents a number of 0 to 10. The adsorbent material is produced by a method for producing a crystalline silicotitanate in which a silicic acid source, a sodium compound and/or a potassium compound, titanium tetrachloride, and water are mixed to obtain a mixed gel, and the mixed gel is subjected to a hydrothermal reaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a water source use a treated, softened, acidic water source according to the invention. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis includes a composite including a matrix comprising a bioerodible magnesium alloy and a plurality of ceramic nanoparticles within the matrix. The bioerodible magnesium alloy has a microstructure including equiaxed Mg-rich solid solution-phase grains having an average grain diameter of less than or equal to 5 microns. The microstructure can be produced by one or more equal-channel high-strain processes.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and method for separating radioactive nuclides from a waste salt and recovering a refined salt, which are able to maximize process efficiency and operating efficiency of a process of regenerating a waste salt produced during a pyrochemical process of used nuclear fuel by converting the waste salt into a thermally stable form and distilling the waste salt under a reduced pressure using a single apparatus having two top covers which are mountable to replace radioactive nuclides included in the waste salt, and highly improve applicability and utility in a remote operation facility for disposal of a radioactive waste by further simplifying operation/handling compared with conventional processes.

Abstract: Crosslinked polyolefins for use in recovering or containing hydrocarbons such as hydrocarbons contained in oil, are disclosed. Advantageously, the crosslinked polyolefins absorb the hydrocarbon to form a gel that can be collected and processed by heat to release the collected hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An engineered process of manufacturing a carbon capturing agent calcium aluminum carbonate Ca—Al—CO3 includes steps of mixing, solid-liquid separation, drying and extrusion, crushing and conveying, and calcined molding. The acid bath of Ca+2 and Al+3 is mixed with the alkaline bath of Na2CO3 and NaOH while stirring to form slurry which are then subject to solid-liquid separation to obtain a filtrated cake. The filtrated cake is place into a drying and extrusion device to obtain granular material. The granular material is placed in a conveying and crushing equipment to obtain a powder material. The powder material is calcined at furnace for forming a Ca—Al—CO3, which is nano-layered composite with high porosity. Thereby, the preparation of a solid sorbent can be scale up under systematically controlled with yield of at least batches of kilograms used in medium-high temperature (400˜800° C.) CO2 capture.

Abstract: A method for the producing of an agent for the removal of dissolved phosphorus compounds from water, relying on the formation of the biopolymer metal compound system which is characterized by that, the natural plant fibers are subjected to the activation, subsequently the activated natural plant fibers are coated with biopolymer or derivatives thereof with the ionic character. The natural plant fibers are coated with at least one water-soluble polyvalent metal compound before or after coating the natural plant fibers with biopolymer or derivatives thereof with the ionic character. Such modified natural plant fibers form a composite fibrous material in the form of biopolymer hydrogel support crosslinked in the presence of water-soluble polyvalent metal compound support on the warp from natural fiber.

Abstract: The titanium-impregnated carbon nanotubes for selenium removal provide a composition for removing or reducing the levels of selenium in water. The titanium-impregnated carbon nanotubes comprise a range of about 5 wt % titanium to 20 wt % titanium. A process for removing selenium from water includes the steps of placing the titanium-impregnated carbon nanotubes into contact with the water and adjusting the pH value of the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removing disease material from the blood of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to using biological binders to trap disease material that is desired to be removed from the blood of a patient.

Abstract: A method of separating one or more valuable metal cations from an ionic solution by (a) contacting the ionic solution with an activated photoisomerizable host molecule containing a photoisomerizable moiety and a host moiety, where the photoisomerizable moiety has first and second states, and where the host moiety has a greater affinity for a metal cation when the photoisomerizable moiety is in the first state (active binding state) than when the photoisomerizable moiety is in the second state (release state), so that an ion-host molecule association is formed, and (b) separating the ion-host molecule association from the ionic solution. Also disclosed are photoisomerizable host molecules, a method of recovering valuable metals from a waste stream using the photoisomerizable host molecules, and an apparatus comprising a photoisomerizable host molecule attached to a support.

Abstract: A method of diagnosis, prognosis or treatment of an autoimmune disease in a subject wherein the method comprises detecting aquaporin-1 (AQP1), aquaporin-2 (AQP2), aquaporin-5 (AQP5), aquaporin-7 (AQP7) and/or aquaporin-8 (AQP8) autoantibodies in a sample obtained from said subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for separating a solution from magnetic resin portions, particles and/or fines by passing a solution containing the resin portions, particles and/or fines through a bed of particulate magnetic material.

Abstract: A method of removing mercury and/or sulfur from a fluid stream comprising contacting the fluid stream with a sorbent comprising a core and a porous shell formed to include a plurality of pores extending therethrough and communicating with the core. The core comprises a copper compound selected from the group consisting of a basic copper oxysalt, a copper oxide, and a copper sulfide.

Abstract: Provided are filtration media and matrixes comprising a pulverized powder of ion exchange resin and a polymeric binder. The resin can be pulverized to an average particle size in the range of 50 to 250 microns and can comprise a cation exchange resin, an anion exchange resin, a chelating resin, a biologically-related ion exchange resin, or combinations thereof. The media can further comprise activated carbon. The binder can be ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The filtration media can be used to make matrixes and systems. Methods of making and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Method for rhenium recovery from copper solvent extraction solution. It is determined whether the copper solvent extraction solution contains trace amounts of rhenium. If so, a feedstock from the copper solvent extraction solution is provided, which is then filtered, producing filtered feedstock. Trace amounts of rhenium are absorbed from the filtered feedstock using a supply of ion exchange resin selective for rhenium. The ion exchange resin is washed. Trace amounts of rhenium are eluted from the ion exchange resin using a first amount of eluent, a second amount of eluent and a third amount of eluent. The first amount and the third amount of eluent produce supplemental feedstock and the second amount of eluent produces rhenium eluate. The rhenium eluate is collected and the ion exchange resin is protonated.

Abstract: Provided are plasma-treated binders for use in filtration media comprising sorbent media. Plasma treatment can use silane, oxygen, or both. Plasma-treated binders can be charge-modified with the addition of an anti-microbial agent. The filtration media can be used to make matrixes and systems. Methods of making and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Organic material may be removed from a fluid, such as an aqueous fluid, by contacting the fluid with a surface active porous medium. The surface active porous medium includes a bed of substrate particles (e.g. sand), at least a partial coating of nanoparticles on the substrate bed, and a plurality of absorbing particles fixated on the nanoparticles. The absorbing particles may include, but are not necessarily limited to, coal fines, activated carbon, activated charcoal, activated coal and combinations thereof. The surface active porous medium may be regenerated by contacting the surface active porous medium with an acid solution to substantially remove the organic materials therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to treating fluid to at least reduce selenium content within the fluid. The treating includes conditioning stages to alter a composition of the fluid prior to removal of the selenium content from the fluid. The composition of the fluid after the conditioning stages facilitates the removal of the selenium content or at least limits detrimental impact to selenium removal efficiency.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for purifying the rabies virus, comprising a single ion-exchange chromatography step, said step being cation exchange chromatography according to which: a) the supernatant of a culture of cells infected with this virus is brought into contact with a cation exchange chromatography support comprising a polymethacrylate matrix onto which sulfoisobutyl groups have been grafted such that the rabies virus binds to this support, and; b) the virus is eluted from its support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying water using a hybrid material based on carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles of clay, preferably laponite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the reduction of pitch in an aqueous medium generated in a papermaking or pulping process, comprising the following steps: a) providing an aqueous medium comprising pitch generated in a papermaking or pulping process; b) providing a ground calcium carbonate and/or a precipitated calcium carbonate; c) providing a hydrophobising agent selected from an aliphatic carboxylic acid having between 5 and 24 carbon atoms; d) contacting the ground calcium carbonate and/or the precipitated calcium carbonate of step b) with the hydrophobising agent of step c) for obtaining a hydrophobised ground calcium carbonate and/or a hydrophobised precipitated calcium carbonate; and e) contacting the aqueous medium provided in step a) with the hydrophobised ground calcium carbonate and/or the hydrophobised precipitated calcium carbonate obtained in step d), to the use of a hydrophobised ground calcium carbonate and/or a hydrophobised ground calcium carbonate for reducing the amount of pi

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating contaminated soil and/or ground water in situ. The compositions and methods comprise stabilized forms of colloidal activated carbon that are used to quickly sorb contaminants. Unlike traditional activated carbon in granular or powder form, the compounds and methods of the present invention are operative to transport particulate activated carbon through a matrix of soil and groundwater upon application by injection, gravity feed, or percolation into soil and groundwater, which in turn decontaminate groundwater in place without the cost or disruption associated with digging the contaminated soil and groundwater out of the ground for on-site purification or disposal at a hazardous waste landfill.

Abstract: Method for the stabilization of contaminants within a material selected from soils, mining tailings and by-products, sludge wastes and industrial wastes, by mixing the material with an alum sludge composition. The composition includes one or more aluminum compound(s) and/or complex(es) together with a reactive carbon material.

Abstract: Mass transfer sorption processes involve passage of a processed aqueous solution through a layer of granulated sorbent pre-filled with an organic liquid immiscible with either water or an aqueous solution under treatment. The apparatus for mass transfer of sorption processes is a vertical tank with inlet and outlet fittings loaded with a layer of sorbent disposed between the upper and the lower distribution and drainage systems. The industrial plant for separation of the components of aqueous solutions of inorganic substances includes the said apparatus and the apparatus for the separation of organic liquids from aqueous solutions. The latter has a casing with three chambers, the middle one of which is separated from the first outer one by a grid and from the other by a hydrophobic drainage layer. The emulsion to be separated is introduced into the middle chamber, and the separation results are derived from the outer chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions for use in biological and chemical separations, as well as other applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to hybrid felts fabricated from electrospun nanofibers with high permeance and high capacity. Such hybrid felts utilize derivatized cellulose, and at least one non-cellulose-based polymer that may be removed from the felt by subjecting it to moderately elevated temperatures and/or solvents capable of dissolving the non-cellulose-based polymer to leave behind a porous nanofiber felt having more uniform pore sizes and other enhanced properties when compared to single component nanofiber felts.