Abstract: Provided is an absorber that removes sulfur oxide in a flue gas with an absorbent, an absorbent storing unit that stores the absorbent that has absorbed the sulfur oxide, an oxidation-reduction potential meter that measures an oxidation-reduction potential of the absorbent in the absorbent storing unit, a reducing additive supplying unit that supplies a sulfur oxoacid reducing additive into the absorbent storing unit, and a control device that controls the reducing additive supplying unit based on a measured value of the oxidation-reduction potential of the absorbent measured with the oxidation-reduction potential meter, wherein the reducing additive supplying unit supplies the sulfur oxoacid reducing additive when the measured value of the oxidation-reduction potential has exceeded an upper limit of an appropriate range of the oxidation-reduction potential.

Abstract: A sulfurous acid/lime alkalinization pre-treatment sequential filtration method for industrial wastewaters containing colloids of starch, milk, whey, and other similar acting organic components to condition and remove a number of chemicals/pharmaceuticals and heavy metals before the treated filtrate is land applied or undergoes further biological nitrogen reduction for open stream discharge via anaerobic and aerobic treatment.

Abstract: Materials and methods of synthesizing mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine materials, which can be synthesized in the presence of aqueous radioactive iodine species found in caustic solutions (e.g. NaOH or KOH). This technology provides a one-step process for both iodine sequestration and storage from nuclear fuel cycles. It results in materials that will be durable for repository conditions much like those found in Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and estimated for Yucca Mountain (YMP). By controlled reactant concentrations, optimized compositions of these mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine inorganic materials are produced that have both a high iodine weight percentage and a low solubility in groundwater environments.

Abstract: A rapidly installed intermittent flow and storm water treatment method and apparatus employing rapid solids separation and sulfur dioxide chemical dewatering technology to produce disinfected reclaimed storm water with heavy metals removed and diluted nutrients suitable for open stream or land application.

Abstract: A method for treating phosphate-containing wastewater, such as phosphogypsum pond water. The method includes the steps of: (a) adding a first cation to the wastewater to precipitate fluorosilicate from the wastewater; (b) adding a second cation to the wastewater to precipitate fluoride from the wastewater; (c) raising the pH of the wastewater to precipitate the second cation from the wastewater; (d) removing residual silica from the wastewater; and (e) precipitating phosphate from the wastewater. The precipitated fluorosilicate may be sodium fluorosilicate. The precipitated phosphate may be struvite.

Abstract: A compact and portable liquid concentrator and contaminant scrubber includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. A reagent may be mixed with the liquid to react with contaminants in the liquid.

Abstract: A method and device for aggregating algae in an aqueous solution is disclosed. The method can include providing an algae feed comprising a liquid and algae dispersed therein. The algae feed can be aggregated by applying a nanosecond pulsed electric field to the algae feed. The nanosecond pulsed electric field can include a plurality of electric pulses having a pulse duration ranging from 1 to 1,000 nanoseconds. The method can also include separating an aggregated algae stream from the algae feed and feeding the aggregated algae stream to a lipid extraction operation.

Abstract: A pre-treatment method injecting sulfur dioxide into waters containing suspended solids to undergo ultra violet disinfection to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3) to self-agglomerate and precipitate solids from the wastewater for settling or filtration removal and provide acid to reduce bicarbonate and mineral scaling and microbial buildup on ultraviolet light tubes to improve their performance.

Abstract: Described are chemical formulations that remove heavy metals from waste solutions containing a chelating agent. Also disclosed are methods for removing heavy metals from waste solutions utilizing such chemical formulations.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method and an apparatus for removing metals in waste water, such as thallium contained in waste water generated by rinsing waste containing chlorine, ash obtained by burning garbage, fly ash, etc. and reduces the concentration of metals in the waste water to a discharge standard, and the present invention provides a method for removing metals comprising applying direct-current electricity by an electrolyzer 5 to waste water S5, which contains metal aggregate, discharged via a reaction tank 1, a settler 2, and a reaction tank 4, and thereby the waste water S5 is electrolyzed together with depositing metals dissolve in the waste water S5 as metal oxides, separating the waste water containing deposited metal oxides in a precision filtration apparatus 6 into suspended solid MP and waste water S7, and removing a small amount of metals dissolve in the waste water S7 after removing the suspended solid MP in an ion exchange unit 7.

Abstract: A hybrid chemical/mechanical water treatment plant and method employing rapid sulfur dioxide chemical disinfection and dewatering technology in conjunction with lime and oxidization/reduction agents to removal pharmaceuticals and personal care products from waters to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for water treatment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a grey water treatment system includes an oxidation reactor for oxidizing grey water. The grey water treatment system also includes a biological reduction and precipitation system with microbes designed to remove one or more target components from the oxidized grey water.

Abstract: A method and kit is provided for reducing cyanuric acid levels in pool water comprising the steps of adding a reducing agent to remove substantially all of the chlorine from the water, adding a source of melamine to react with the cyanuric acid to form melamine cyanurate, and removing the precipitated melamine cyanyurate. Following completion of the method, the pool water is then re-chlorinated. The application of this method addresses the “green water” problem typically associated with the removal of cyanuric acid from swimming pools with melamine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating wastewater containing at least one copper complex, comprising: 1) providing the wastewater containing the at least one copper complex, wherein the at least one copper complex is chosen from EDTA-Cu2+ complex and ammonia-Cu2+ complex; 2) adjusting pH of the wastewater containing the at least one copper complex to be within a range from 2.0 to 3.0, and adding ferrous sulfate to convert copper in the wastewater into a form of cuprous ions; and 3) adjusting pH of the wastewater obtained in step 2) to be within a range from 8.0 to 10.5, so that the cuprous ions in the wastewater are converted into precipitates of cuprous hydroxide and/or precipitates of cuprous oxide.

Abstract: Reduced-carbon footprint concrete compositions, and methods for making and using the same, are provided. Aspects of the reduced-carbon footprint concrete compositions include CO2-sequestering carbonate compounds, which may be present in the hydraulic cement and/or aggregate components of the concrete. The reduced-carbon footprint concrete compositions find use in a variety of applications, including use in a variety of building materials and building applications.

Abstract: The present application relates to a process of color neutralizing treatment liquids, wherein the treatment liquid comprises a chromophore selected from the group consisting of monoazo, triarylmethane, xanthene, anthraquinone, hydrophobic dyes, and mixtures thereof, wherein the hydrophobic dyes are selected from the group consisting of benzodifuranes; methine; triphenylmethanes; naphthalimides; pyrazole; naphthoquinone; mono-azo, di-azo dyes and mixtures thereof, said process comprising the steps of: i. providing a mixing vessel with the treatment composition comprising the chromophore; ii. providing to the mixing vessel more than 0.045% of a reducing agent selected from the group consisting of sulfite, thiodiurea, formaldehyde bisulfite formaldehyde sulfoxilate and mixtures thereof; and iii. mixing until discolouration by color neutralization of the chromophore is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural water-recycling system comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing module and a method of recycling agricultural water using the same, and more particularly to an agricultural water-recycling system comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing module and a method of recycling agricultural water using the same, in which phosphorus (P) contained in effluent from a sewage treatment plant is removed by using the iron (Fe)-ionizing module comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing electrode consisting of an iron plate serving as a cathode and a titanium plate serving as an anode and an electrode-washing device. According to the present invention, an effluent treatment process of a sewage treatment plant and an electrode washing process needed for iron ionization can be simultaneously performed, the iron ionization is controlled depending on the concentration of phosphorus contained in the effluent, thereby improving effluent treatment efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing phosphorus from sewage wastewater by electrocoagulation, comprising: providing an electrode assembly comprising an anode and a cathode with a porous membrane interposed therebetween; placing the electrode assembly in an electrocoagulation tank; passing sewage wastewater through the electrocoagulation tank to treat the sewage wastewater by electrocoagulation; and introducing the treated water into a mixing tank to further treat the water.

Abstract: A process for recovering a target metal from an oxidized metalliferous material comprises the steps of: in an acid generation stage, adding sulfuric acid to a solution comprising a metal halide to generate an acidic aqueous halide solution; in a leaching stage that is separate to the acid generation stage, leaching the oxidized metalliferous material with the acidic aqueous halide solution to leach the target metal into solution; passing the solution from the leaching stage to a target metal recovery stage in which the target metal is recovered from the solution while the metal halide is retained in solution; and returning the solution with the metal halide therein from the target metal recovery stage to the acid generation stage.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered a novel composition, method of making the composition, system, process for treating a fluid containing a contaminant. The fluid may be aqueous. The contaminated fluid may be in the form of a suspension. The treatment reduces the concentration of the contaminant. The reduction in concentration of a contaminant may be sufficient so as to effect remediation of the fluid with respect to the contaminant. The treatment may reduce the concentration of a plurality of contaminants. The present composition, system, and process are robust and flexible. The composition includes zero valent iron, an iron oxide mineral, and ferrous iron. The ferrous iron promotes maintenance of the iron oxide mineral. The iron oxide mineral promotes the activity of the zero valent iron. The process and system may involve multiple stages. A stage may be optimized for treatment with respect to a particular contaminant.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a process for removing dissolved niobium, titanium, and zirconium impurities from an iron chloride solution having an iron concentration of about 50 to about 250 grams/liter comprising: (a) heating the iron chloride solution comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of a niobium compound, titanium compound, zirconium compound, and mixtures thereof, in a vessel, at a temperature of about 120° C. to about 300° C., and at least autogenous pressure, to precipitate the compound as a solid; and (b) separating the solid from the iron chloride solution. The separation of the solid is accomplished by filtration, settling, or centrifugation. In one embodiment, the iron chloride solution is a byproduct of the chlorination process for making titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Wastewater containing soluble selenium is treated in a bioreactor. Microorganisms in the reactor reduce the selenium to elemental selenium, which is insoluble. The elemental selenium is discharged from the reactor in waste sludge. The sludge is treated to recover selenium. In one method, the sludge is washed with chemicals, for example surfactants, and agitated to disrupt the adhesion of the selenium particles to the cells. The selenium particles are then separated from the cells using a physical separation process such as a centrifuge or differential filtration. In another method, the sludge is de-watered or dried to a very high solids content. The selenium particles are dissolved using an oxidizer under high pH conditions. A solids fraction is removed from the resulting slurry. A resulting selenium brine is further refined to recover the selenium.

Abstract: A high-efficiency water softening process is disclosed. The softening-process is particularly effective for the treatment of water process streams containing a broad array of contaminants, such as Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr, iron, aluminum, manganese, copper, zinc, silica, TOC, oil, and grease. The softening-process includes steps of: (a) adding carbonate ions and hydroxide ions to said water process stream until the process stream pH is raised to between at or about 10.5 and at or about 14.0; (b) optionally adding a coagulation aid so as to facilitate the creation of separated solids comprising a substantial portion of the contaminants; (c) optionally adding a polyelectrolyte so as to facilitate the creation of separated solids comprising a substantial portion of the contaminants; and (d) phase-separating the separated solids so as to remove the contaminants and produce a highly purified water process stream.

Abstract: A method of reducing or preventing the amount of iron sludge or precipitate that forms as a result of the recovery of silver from chemical solutions, such as a standard photographic solution. The method generally involves the introduction of a source of a conjugate organic base, such as a weak organic acid like citric acid or a salt of the conjugate organic base like a citrate salt, to the chemical fluid either before or during the silver recovery process. Preferably the source of conjugate organic base is introduced by combining it with a binder to form a time release cake or placing it in a container that has a semipermeable membrane that maintains the concentration of the conjugate organic base in the chemical fluid from about 0.2 to about 78 milimolar over a period of time.

Abstract: Selenium in the form of a reduced species such as selenocyanate is oxidized to produce an oxidized selenium species such as selenate or selenite, and then a biological reduction process is used to remove selenium from the oxidized selenium species. In an example, a chemical oxidant is added to a wastewater containing selenocyanate to produce selenate and selenite. The partially treated wastewater is then fed to a reactor containing a fixed media supporting a biofilm with selenium reducing organisms. The selenium in the selenate and selenite is reduced to an insoluble form of selenium, such as elemental selenium, which precipitates from the wastewater.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing elements is described herein.

Abstract: A method for reclamation of a brine that includes mixing a brine containing thiocyanates with an oxidizing agent; and allowing for a time sufficient for the oxidizing agent to oxidize at least a portion of the thiocyanates is disclosed. Other methods may also include determining the quantity of unoxidized thiocyanates after the oxidizing treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for treating a chlorine-containing waste, which can separate and recover a chlorine component from a chlorine-containing waste, and also can achieve a high chlorine removal thereby obtaining a high purity chlorine compound, and can decrease the amount of water for recovering chlorine.

Abstract: A hybrid chemical/mechanical water treatment plant and method employing rapid sulfur dioxide chemical disinfection and dewatering technology in conjunction with lime and oxidization/reduction agents to removal pharmaceuticals and personal care products from waters to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for water treatment.

Abstract: A pre-treatment method injecting sulfur dioxide into waters containing suspended solids to undergo ultra violet disinfection to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3) to self-agglomerate and precipitate solids from the wastewater for settling or filtration removal and provide acid to reduce bicarbonate and mineral scaling and microbial buildup on ultraviolet light tubes to improve their performance.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of efficiently removing selenium from water. The method involves: adding an oxidant to the liquid, adjusting the liquid's pH to below 7.5, adding ferric salt in an amount such that less than a quarter of selenium in the liquid precipitates and adding a poly dithiocarbamate material to the liquid in an amount such that the amount of poly dithiocarbamate material (in ppm) is greater than the amount of ferric salt (in ppm). This method removes far more selenium than previous methods, and does it using a smaller amount of expensive chemicals. Moreover this method makes it far more likely to achieve cost effective compliance with the ever-increasing environmental standards for selenium in water.

Abstract: A method for removing undesired substances from liquid water may comprise the steps of: subjecting an oxygen-containing substance to an environment; increasing a temperature within said environment; ionizing said oxygen-containing substance; forming an electrostatically enhanced oxygen species; transferring at least some of said electrostatically enhanced oxygen species to said liquid water; processing said liquid water by action of said electrostatically enhanced oxygen species; creating a charged negatively electrostatically enhanced water species by the presence of said electrostatically enhanced oxygen species in said liquid water; and removing said undesired substances from said liquid water through action of said charged negatively electrostatically enhanced water species in said liquid water, perhaps with the goal of purifying water. Such water may be used in a variety of manners, including but not limited to reuse of the purified water in a closed loop system as a cleaning agent.

Abstract: A hybrid chemical/mechanical dewatering sewage treatment plant and method employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with slower conventional mechanical dewatering solids agglomeration and disposal methods to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for disposal of sewage and wastewater.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches an apparatus for circulating electrically conductive solutions between electro-chemical cells. The apparatus is able to decrease the size or surface area of the cells and operate the electro-chemical at reduced amperage. Movement of the solution over the plates also facilitates reduced build up of scale on the plates. The flow rate or treatment dwell time can be controlled.

Abstract: A method for the removal of soluble metal ion contamination from fluids is disclosed. The method includes passing the contaminated fluid through a filter medium comprising a reducing metal and a filter aid, such as diatomaceous earth, and collecting a filtrate with lower concentration of soluble metal ion contamination. The reducing metal can have a reduction potential of from ?0.50 volt to ?3.10 volt and can be capable of reducing the soluble metal ions to insoluble metal, which can then be entrapped in the filter medium or otherwise separated.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for treating contaminant-containing wastewater are provided. The systems generally include a reducing zone for reducing the oxidation-reduction potential of the water and a clean-up zone comprising zero valent iron for removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the contaminant-containing water. The systems are operable to remove one or more contaminants from the contaminant-containing water and are operable for extended durations without clogging due to the formation of iron hydroxides.

Abstract: A method uses anionic and cationic polymers added in, any order or simultaneously, to aqueous media for the removal of substances. The sequential addition of the two biopolymers, anionic xanthan, followed by cationic chitosan, causes the rapid formation of very large and cohesive fibrillar aggregates that may exhibit high solids to liquid ratios and that quickly settle out from the aqueous media. The aqueous media can be easily separated from the large fibrillar aggregates by settling under gravity or by filtration through a porous containment device, such as a synthetic or non-synthetic woven or non-woven fabric including a geotextile fabric or a solid containment device containing a solid mesh screen.

Abstract: Compositions of reducing agents and carriers for producing a stable negative oxidation reduction potential in consumable materials are disclosed and claimed. Compositions of the invention find use in enhancing the hydration and anti-oxidant value of consumable materials such as foods, beverages and cosmetics, for example. Compositions of the invention also find use in water treatment, agricultural and scientific research applications. Methods for using and making the compositions are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for bioremediation of contaminants in water using soapstock, an acid oil of soapstock, a neutralized acid oil of soapstock or combinations thereof are described. Systems for bioremediation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for conditioning a waste solution obtained during the wet-chemical cleaning of conventional or nuclear plants and containing organic substances and metals in ionic form. At least a portion of the organic substance is degraded by electrochemical treatment or UV radiation of the waste solution, at least one metal precipitates by the addition of phosphoric acid and a resultant phosphate precipitate is removed from the waste solution.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a process for removing dissolved niobium, titanium, and zirconium impurities from an iron chloride solution having an iron concentration of about 50 to about 250 grams/liter comprising: (a) heating the iron chloride solution comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of a niobium compound, titanium compound, zirconium compound, and mixtures thereof, in a vessel, at a temperature of about 120° C. to about 300° C., and at least autogenous pressure, to precipitate the compound as a solid; and (b) separating the solid from the iron chloride solution. The separation of the solid is accomplished by filtration, settling, or centrifugation. In one embodiment, the iron chloride solution is a byproduct of the chlorination process for making titanium dioxide.

Abstract: In the co-production of propylene oxide and styrene monomer, there is produced a sodium-containing heavy residue stream previously suitable only as a low grade fuel. In accordance with the invention, the heavy residue stream is mixed with a hydrocarbon and an aqueous acid, and the resulting mixture is separated into an aqueous sodium salt-containing slurry phase and an organic phase reduced in sodium.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method and an apparatus for removing metals in waste water, such as thallium contained in waste water generated by rinsing waste containing chlorine, ash obtained by burning garbage, fly ash, etc. and reduces the concentration of metals in the waste water to a discharge standard, and the present invention provides a method for removing metals comprising applying direct-current electricity by an electrolyzer 5 to waste water S5, which contains metal aggregate, discharged via a reaction tank 1, a settler 2, and a reaction tank 4, and thereby the waste water S5 is electrolyzed together with depositing metals dissolve in the waste water S5 as metal oxides, separating the waste water containing deposited metal oxides in a precision filtration apparatus 6 into suspended solid MP and waste water S7, and removing a small amount of metals dissolve in the waste water S7 after removing the suspended solid MP in an ion exchange unit 7.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of Mercury in a liquid stream, such as an aqueous wastewater or process water stream or a non-aqueous liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream is disclosed wherein the liquid stream is contacted with an effective amount of a Hg-complexing agent, the mercury contaminants in the liquid stream form insoluble complexes with the Hg-complexing agent, then the insoluble complexes are removed from the liquid stream via microfiltration or ultrafiltration techniques including the use of submerged hollow fiber ultrafilters or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of precipitating metals from groundwater in a form that will remain stable under the aerobic conditions typical of most aquifers eliminating secondary water quality issues associated with reducing/anaerobic precipitation technologies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for decontaminating aqueous media comprising organic contaminants. The process is targeted at reducing the COD and/or the TOC of an aqueous medium comprising organic molecules. It consists in subjecting the aqueous medium to an electron beam generated by an electron accelerator in the presence of a catalyst and in then removing the precipitates formed from the treated solution, said catalyst comprising a metal ion persulfate and optionally an Fe(II) salt or an Fe(III) salt.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating aqueous fluids and their associated methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises providing an untreated aqueous fluid with a first concentration of a contaminant. The method further comprises chemically treating the aqueous fluid to precipitate at least a portion of the contaminant. The method further comprises mechanically treating the aqueous fluid to remove at least some of the precipitated contaminant from the aqueous fluid, and to produce a treated water with a second concentration of the contaminant, wherein mechanically treating the aqueous fluid comprises flowing the aqueous fluid through a centrifuge. The method further comprises placing the treated water in a first well bore of the well treatment operation.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide waste abatement apparatuses and methods for treating waste solutions derived from depleted or used plating solutions, such as from an electroless deposition process or an electrochemical plating process. The waste abatement systems and processes may be used to treat the waste solutions by lowering the concentration of, if not completely removing, metal ions or reducing agents that are dissolved within the waste solution. In one embodiment of a demetallization process, a waste solution may be exposed to a heating element (e.g., copper coil) contained within an immersion tank. In another embodiment, the waste solution may be exposed to a catalyst having high surface area (e.g., steel wool or other metallic wool) within an immersion tank. In another embodiment, the waste solution may be flowed through a removable, catalytic conduit (e.g., copper tubing) having an internal catalytic surface.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing elements is described herein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment device comprising a reactor (1) and means for injecting (2) at least one reagent into said reactor, characterized in that it comprises means for supporting said injection means mobile relative to said reactor (1) between an active position whereby the injecting means (2) are arranged inside said reactor and a retracted position whereby the injecting means (2) are brought outside said reactor.