Abstract: A method for low-cost arsenic removal from drinking water using chemically prepared bottom ash pre-treated with ferrous sulfate and then sodium hydroxide. Deposits on the surface of particles of bottom ash form of activated iron adsorbent with a high affinity for arsenic. In laboratory tests, a miniscule 5 grams of pre-treated bottom ash was sufficient to remove the arsenic from 2 liters of 2400 ppb (parts per billion) arsenic-laden water to a level below 50 ppb (the present United States Environmental Protection Agency limit). By increasing the amount of pre-treated bottom ash, even lower levels of post-treatment arsenic are expected. It is further expected that this invention supplies a very low-cost solution to arsenic poisoning for large population segments.

Abstract: A material for purification of a semiconductor polishing slurry that without changing of pH value, is capable of efficiently purifying a polishing slurry to thereby not only prevent metal contamination of a polished object as effectively as possible but also achieve recycling of a polishing slurry without any problem; a relevant module for purification of a semiconductor polishing slurry; and a process for purifying a semiconductor polishing slurry with the use thereof. In particular, a material for purification of a semiconductor polishing slurry characterized in that it comprises a fibrous substrate having a functional group capable of forming a metal chelate or such a functional group together with hydroxyl fixed onto at least the surface thereof. This material for purification of a semiconductor polishing slurry is, for example, used in such a manner that it is inserted in a container fitted with polishing slurry inflow port and outflow port while ensuring passage of polishing slurry flow.

Abstract: Generally, systems for air and water purification using unpowered charged sorbent mediums (3) which may include layered double hydroxide (LDH) (1) compositions, lignin (2), and methods of sorbing inorganic or organic material(s) onto such mediums, including anionic contaminants (10), cationic contaminants (11), non ionic organic contaminants (20), and even biological agents (7) such as bacteria or viruses present in liquids or gases.

Abstract: A method for the removal of ammonia and its salts from fluid compositions. The method comprises contacting the fluid compositions with a scavenger on a solid support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a filter unit for depleting or enriching a liquid or gas with substance(s) comprising i) providing a filter unit comprising at least one convective layer and at least one receiving layer adjacent one another, ii) passing the liquid or gas through the filter so that the main direction of flow is along the layers and the main flow of liquid gas is in the convective layer, allowing the substance(s) to: a) be transferred from a convective layer to a receiving layer, and b) be retained or otherwise modified or transferred within a receiving layer, or c) be provided by the receiving layer, and d) be transferred from the receiving layer to the fluid in the convective layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are fuel filters and process for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a post refinery fuel stream. In one embodiment, the disclosed process requires passing the post refinery fuel stream through a fuel filter to provide a clean fuel stream having a reduced concentration of sulfur-containing compounds relative to the post-refinery fuel stream, wherein the fuel filter comprises an adsorbent comprising an inorganic oxide having a surface acidity characterized by a pKa of less than or equal to ?3.

Abstract: A separation medium, a method for using that separation medium and an apparatus for selectively extracting multivalent cations such as pseudo-lanthanide, prelanthanide, lanthanide, preactinide or actinide cations from an aqueous acidic sample solution is described. The separation medium is preferably free-flowing and comprises particles having a diglycolamide (DGA) extractant dispersed onto an inert, porous support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for preparing fibrous catalysts, to fibrous catalysts, to catalysts systems and to uses of the fibrous catalysts in the treatment of a waste stream. The method comprising the steps of: (i) treating a fabric comprising polyacrylonitrile fibres with a hydrazine salt and a hydroxylamine salt in the presence of a base to provide a modified fabric; (ii) treating the modified fabric with a base; and (iii) treating the modified fabric with an aqueous solution comprising a salt of a transition metal cation and a salt of a non-transition metal cation. The transition metal cation is selected from a scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper cation, and mixtures thereof; the non-transition metal cation is selected from a calcium, magnesium, lithium and zinc cation, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a solution for removing a sulphur compound or carbon dioxide from a fluid and methods for its use, said solution comprising a metal at between about 0.05 to 25 percent by weight, an amine at between about 10 to 80 percent by volume and water. The sulphur compound may be hydrogen sulphide or a mercaptan. In one aspect, the method is practiced at temperatures significantly below zero.

Abstract: There is provided a method or a system for purification of water from neutral and anionic organic contaminants using either a mixture of a complex of an organic cation adsorbed on clay as a micelle, and a granular material or a complex of an organic cation adsorbed on clay as a micelle. There is also provided a column accommodating the mixture of a complex of an organic cation adsorbed on clay as a micelle, and a granular material.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may reduce metal compounds from water. A system may include alginate particles in a housing. The alginate particles may be formed by directly adding alginate granules to an aqueous solution comprising metal ions, such as calcium ions.

Abstract: Unwanted natural and synthetic organic impurities are removed from liquid media contaminated therewith, e.g., liquids and beverages intended for human consumption, or industrial/wastewaters, by introducing into such media a thus effective amount of an optionally modified/insoluble cationic vegetable gum containing one or more cationic or cationizable substituents, maintaining the cationic vegetable gum in such liquid medium until the organic impurities are sorbed thereon, and thence recovering the vegetable gum/sorbed impurities therefrom, whereby purifying the liquid medium.

Abstract: A filtering unit for removing a virucidal substance from a biological fluid including an outer casing having at least one input aperture and at least one output aperture. The outer casing including a filter medium, which separates the filtration unit into an input compartment and an output compartment. The filter medium includes at least one hydrophilic material able to absorb or adsorb the virucidal substance. The at least one hydrophilic material includes either porous non-woven material or a porous membrane.

Abstract: The web of the invention can comprise a super absorbent layer that can act as an moisture sensitive fuel shut-off valve, absorbent, adsorbant or reactant. The web of the invention can comprise a super absorbent fabric or layer made of a superabsorbent particle or fiber. The web can comprise a nanofiber layer having dispersed within the nanofiber layer a super absorbent particulate and optionally a second particulate material that can act as an absorbent, adsorbant or reactant. Fluid, gas or liquid, that flows through or by the assemblies of the invention can have any gas, liquid or solid material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid interact with the super absorbent particulate. If needed these materials can also react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the active particulate within the nanofiber layer.

Abstract: The scale inhibitors in a variety of aqueous systems, or a part or sample thereof, also including one or more dissolved interfering ions, are separated therefrom and analyzed, such scale inhibitors comprising a polymer containing at least one anionic functional group, e.g., a strong acid functional group or a phosphonate or phosphate ester, and such analysis including treating these aqueous systems with a cationic substrate or a free cation.

Abstract: Provided are filter elements and methods of making and using the same where the filter elements are suitable for liquid filtration and contain particle-loaded meltblown fiber webs. A filter element comprises: a porous article comprising a web of self-supporting nonwoven polymeric fibers and a plurality of sorbent particles enmeshed in the web, the article comprising a first surface and a second surface; a liquid-impermeable housing surrounding the porous article; an inlet in fluid communication with the first surface; and an outlet in fluid communication with the second surface. Spiral-wound webs, web-covered blocks, and stacked disks of webs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one metal compound and/or a component thereof from a mixture, said process comprising contacting the said mixture with a heteropoly acid or heteropoly acid anion, thereby producing a precipitate comprising the heteropoly acid or heteropoly acid anion and the metal compound and/or a component thereof. The present invention further relates to a process for the purification of a mixture containing at least one metal compound, said process comprising contacting the said mixture with a heteropoly acid or heteropoly acid anion, thereby producing a precipitate that is substantially insoluble in the said reaction mixture and recovering the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the removal and disposal of arsenic from an aqueous medium. The systems and methods include the removal of arsenic from a source by contact with either a chemically treated natural or synthetic zeolite, for example a ferric-loaded zeolite. The spent zeolite is disposed of at an appropriate arsenic disposal site. A system for monitoring and maintaining an arsenic removal/disposal system by an off-site provider is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for removal of arsenic and heavy metals from water.

Abstract: A method of treating domestic wastewater wherein the wastewater is directed through a high carbon ash particulate. Contaminants such as phosphorus, nitrogen, BOD and COD can be removed. In addition, treatment of the domestic waste with ash will raise the pH of the wastewater, generally to above 10, killing bacteria contained in the wastewater.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stable composite material comprising a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member, and a macroporous crosslinked gel that is located in, and fills, the pores of the support member, in which crosslinked gel is entrapped a stabilising polymer, which stabilising polymer is neutral, linear or branched, non-crosslinked, and substantially water-insoluble. The presence of the stabilising polymer is such that it allows the composite material to largely retain its porosity and morphology after being dried. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the stable composite material described above, and to its use. The stable composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for immobilizing acidic or electrophilic compounds in a solution. The process is characterized in that it consists in bringing a crosslinked polyimine, which is insoluble in the medium and in which the imino groups are —NH-groups, into contact with said compounds and in then separating, by filtration, the modified polyimine obtained. The crosslinked polyimine comprises linear segments composed of —HN—R1—NH—R2—Ar—R3-units in which R1, R2 and R3 are identical or different alkylene or alkenylene groups and Ar represents an aromatic group. The process is of use for fixing undesirable compounds or for purifying acidic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decontamination process comprising the step of contacting a aqueous solution containing a pollutant or contaminant with a decontaminating agent, wherein the decontaminating agent is sapropel. The present invention also provides a decontamination system (110).

Abstract: A method of using silicon carbide for removing adventitious materials such as endotoxins, prions, viruses and bacteria from water, buffers, aqueous solutions or biological preparations of DNA or proteins, or any combination thereof. The present invention provides for a method of removing adventitious materials from a fluid by passing the fluid through a column or filter bed comprised of silicon carbide particles, or by passing the fluid through a silicon carbide slurry. The method reduces at least 90% of bacteria and endotoxins. It is an economical, reproducible and regenerable process for removing adventitious materials from various fluids.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to capture and release microbe particles using amino-functionalized silica substrates are described. An example apparatus adapted to capture a microbe particle includes a silica substrate and a positively charged material to at least partially coat the silica substrate. The positive charged material includes an aminopropyl functional group.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles for removing contaminants from a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, the article comprising carbon nanotubes, which comprise at least one molecule or cluster attached thereto or located therein, wherein the carbon nanotubes are present in the article in an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of contaminants in fluid that come into contact with the article. A method of making the nanomesh material used in such articles is also disclosed, as are methods of purifying fluids using these articles.

Abstract: Filter and/or absorbent materials comprising an open cell foam having a surface, wherein the surface of the open cell foam is at least partially coated with a layer comprising photocatalytic titanium dioxide; methods for making such materials comprising: (a) providing a mixture comprising photocatalytic titanium dioxide in a binder; (b) immersing an open cell foam article in the mixture; (c) removing the article from the mixture and removing excess mixture from the article; and methods of treating gases or liquids by passing the gas or liquid through such a material wherein the material has been activated by UV radiation are described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a reactive filtration method includes continuously regenerating a reactive filter media while simultaneously filtering contaminants from fluid flowing through the filter media. In one embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises mixing metal granules with the filter media and agitating the mixture. In another embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises introducing a metal in the fluid flowing through the filter media and agitating the filter media. In one embodiment, a method for removing phosphorus, arsenic or a heavy metal from water includes introducing a metal salt reagent into the water at a molar ratio of 5:1 to 200:1 to the phosphorous or the arsenic in the water and passing the water through a bed of moving sand.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of filter materials for the purification and disinfection of water, water solutions and other liquids, as well as for sterilizing filtration of injections and other solutions, for concentration of biomolecules in physiological liquids, concentration and extraction of viruses, preparation of apyrogenic water, in biocatalytic diaphragm reactors. The invention solves the problems of a new filter material production, characterized by high sorption properties, high retention efficiency of submicron electronegative particles, microorganisms, submicron non-polar particles and chemical contaminations, and, at the same time, characterized by low hydrodynamic resistance. A base of filter material is the nonwoven organic synthetic polymeric fabric, modified by the aluminum hydroxide particles, fixed to the surface of base fibers for improvement of its sorption properties and for making it positively charged.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The apparatus comprises a container that includes a housing, an inlet located at a first end of the housing and an outlet located at a second end opposite the first end. An outer wall extends between the first and second ends and enclosing a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet and an arsenic fixing agent is disposed in the fluid flow path. The arsenic fixing agent can include an insoluble rare earth-containing compound, more specifically, a compound comprising one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The inlet and the outlet are adapted to be closed during transport and storage. The container is adapted to be sealed for long term disposal after exposure to an aqueous solution containing arsenic.

Abstract: Method for the elimination of metal ions from aqueous media, such as zinc, lead, chrome, copper, iron, aluminium, manganese, cadmium, cerium or silver and mixtures of the metals present in a trace or ultratrace state in aqueous effluents, by adsorption on a solid charge containing a metal chosen from group VIII.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the removal and disposal of arsenic from an aqueous medium. The systems and methods include the removal of arsenic from a source by contact with either a chemically treated natural or synthetic zeolite, for example a ferric-loaded zeolite. The spent zeolite is disposed of at an appropriate arsenic disposal site. A system for monitoring and maintaining an arsenic removal/disposal system by an off-site provider is also disclosed.

Abstract: Trace levels of dissolved toxic species are removed from water flowing horizontally in a conduit equipped with overhead debris-excluding structure by suspending from the overhead structure elongated absorbent structures in the form of porous bags which confine particulate absorption material. The bags are free to swing upwardly in the downstream direction in response to heavy water flows, thereby avoiding blockage of the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for separating one or more components of interest from a sample containing particulates and soluble materials. The method comprises the steps of: (a) filtering a sample through silica filter media whose surface silanol groups have reacted with one or more silanes, and (b) simultaneously capturing particulates and binding a soluble component to the silica filter media. The bound soluble component of interest is subsequently eluted from the silica filter media. In one embodiment of the invention, unwanted soluble materials are captured by the treated silica filter media and desired component of interest is recovered from the flow-through. In another embodiment, different components of interest are recovered from both the eluate and the flow-through. Preferred treated silica filter media are silane-treated rice hull ash or diatomaceous earth with functional quarternary ammonium group or functional sulphonate group.

Abstract: Ruthenium compounds, either alone or in combination with other remediating compounds, can be used to oxidize, remove and sequester contaminants in water and soil or sediments.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the removal of biological species, such as Cryptosporidium, from water using aluminium based media which contains surface Al—OH groups.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for manipulating relatively dense materials, such as colloidal rod particles, are provided. Microfluidic devices for separating a denser first material from a less-dense second material are provided. Methods of manipulating a relatively dense first material, for example, colloidal rod particles, and separating the first material from a less-dense second material, are provided. Methods of marking samples or sample components with relatively dense materials, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sorbent comprising a disordered polyvalent metal oxide on the surface of an inert substrate. The substrate can be a layered silicate, such as vermiculite, an aluminosilicate such as montmorillonite, or a nonlayered silicate such as a zeolite. The sorbent removes ionic contaminants, such as arsenic, from process streams.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater, and more particularly stormwater runoff or domestic waste, wherein the wastewater is directed through a high carbon ash particulate. Contaminants such as phosphorus, nitrogen, BOD and COD can be removed. In addition, treatment of the stormwater runoff or domestic waste with ash will raise the pH of the wastewater, generally to above 10, killing bacteria contained in the wastewater.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for removing biological pathogens using surfactant-modified zeolite (SMZ). A method for removing biological pathogens from a fluid or a fluid-based gel includes filtering the fluid or fluid-based gel using SMZs. A method for removing air-borne biological pathogens includes drawing air through a fluid layer or a fluid-based gel layer and filtering the fluid or the fluid-based gel layer using SMZs.

Abstract: A removing agent for heavy metal ion in water which comprises synthetic zeolite, wherein 10 mol % or more of a total amount of exchangeable cation is substituted with magnesium ion and 60 mol % or more thereof is substituted with magnesium ion and calcium ion, and activated carbon at a weight ratio of 2:98 to 50:50 can effectively adsorb and remove heavy metal ions such as lead in water as well as residual chlorine and trihalomethane efficiently, particularly, in tap water, so as to allow delicious and healthful water without disturbing the balance between calcium ion and magnesium ion.

Abstract: An activated carbon composition is disclosed, which includes an activated carbon and a carboxylic acid containing compound. The activated carbon composition is prepared by immersing an activated carbon in an aqueous solution of a carboxylic acid containing compound. The activated carbon composition is used for purifying aqueous solutions by providing a bed of the activated carbon composition and passing the aqueous solution through the bed of the activated carbon composition. The aqueous solution is passed through the bed such that the flow of the aqueous solution to be purified into the bed and the flow of purified aqueous solution from the bed has a pH differential less than ±1 pH.

Abstract: To compose a composite filter for obtaining water having a high purity usable as water for life and water for medicine from water in which impurities are mixed. Furthermore, to compose an apparatus for obtaining water having a high purity using the filter. Moreover, to configure the apparatus so as to facilitate exchange of the filter. That is, water having a high purity can be obtained by allowing raw water to permeate through a composite filter which consists of a first layer 11 made of fibers, a second layer 12 made of ion exchange resin, a third layer 14 made of activated carbon and a fourth layer 16 made of an unwoven textile. These first layer, second layer, third layer and fourth layer are configured as separate independent filters respectively so that each filter can be exchanged independently. Furthermore, different kinds of filters can be combined dependently on purposes of use.

Abstract: A composition comprising a magnesium halide coated macroporous carbonaceous substrate is provided for effecting moisture removal from a hydrogen halide fluid. Moisture removal is effected by intimately contacting the hydrogen halide fluid with the magnesium halide coated macroporous carbonaceous substrate and separating the fluid from the coated substrate.

Abstract: A method for removing arsenic from water by contacting water with a strong base anion exchange resin comprising at least one metal ion or metal-containing ion whose arsenate salt has a Ksp no greater than 10?5, provided that the metal is not zirconium.

Abstract: A device for body fluid purification, comprising a container having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid and a means for preventing an adsorbent from flowing out of the container and an adsorbent charged in the container, the adsorbent comprising a spherical hydrogel, the spherical hydrogel having an average particle size in a range of from about 460 to 600 ?m and having a substantially uniform particle size and comprising an epoxidated cellulose having hexadecylamine immobilized thereon in an amount of 100 to 300 ?mol per gram of dry weight of said epoxidated cellulose, and water, wherein the weight ratio of said epoxidated cellulose having hexadecylamine immobilized thereon to the water is 2:8.

Abstract: A process and adsorbent for removing contaminants from silicone based solvents is disclosed. The process provides for cleaning a solvent for reuse, and regeneration of the adsorbent. The adsorbents are for adsorbing organic and inorganic compounds that have accumulated in the silicone solvents.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of a granulate for the removal of liquid, gaseous and/or dissolved organic constituents from a process stream, said granulate consisting of dimensionally stable, porous synthetic particles with an extracting agent having a boiling point higher than 350° C. at 1 bar immobilized therein, characterized in that the granulate is obtainable by suspension polymerization of a monovinyl compound in the presence of a polyvinyl compound, with at least 50% wt. % of the monomer units having an aromatic structure and with the solvent for the monomers acting both as a non-solvent for the copolymer and as an extracting agent.

Abstract: Methods for removing arsenic from water by addition of inexpensive and commonly available magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, or calcium hydroxide to the water. The hydroxide has a strong chemical affinity for arsenic and rapidly adsorbs arsenic, even in the presence of carbonate in the water. Simple and commercially available mechanical methods for removal of magnesium hydroxide particles with adsorbed arsenic from drinking water can be used, including filtration, dissolved air flotation, vortex separation, or centrifugal separation. A method for continuous removal of arsenic from water is provided. Also provided is a method for concentrating arsenic in a water sample to facilitate quantification of arsenic, by means of magnesium or calcium hydroxide adsorption.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a material based on organic and/or inorganic fibres and chitosan for fixing metal ions contained in an effluent. The invention is characterised in that chitosan represents between 0.01 and 20% by dry weight of fibres and its degree of deacetylation is higher than 90%.