Abstract: A chemical/biological wastewater treatment plant apparatus and treatment method employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental biological system for treating the separated treated wastewater by land applying it for the propagation of biosynthetic fuels and other plants; and/or passing it through aqueous plant or microbial reduction of the dissolved solids and ammonia for BOD compliance to produce water of sufficient quality to reduce the overall salt load currently being added by wastewater treatment facilities into natural waterways, and to produce water of sufficient quality to meet open stream and ocean effluent discharge requirements; and disposing of the high BTU low moisture solids.

Abstract: A portable system for on-site monitoring and treatment of water comprising a protective enclosure adapted to be positioned proximate a site of collected water, an internal fluid flow system disposed within the enclosure comprising a first conduit extending from a dirty water inlet on the enclosure to a pair of dirty water outlets and a second conduit extending from a return water inlet on the enclosure to a filtered water outlet and a clean water outlet. Probes are provided in the conduits for monitoring fluid parameters therein and communicating those parameters to a controller within the enclosure. The controller compares the measured parameter levels with predetermined acceptable levels and actuates valve members in said conduits in response to the measured parameter levels to selectively communicate the respective conduits with respective outlets for the treatment of water passing through the system.

Abstract: In controlling a sterile water production device, if pH of sterile water is smaller than a preset pH, an additional aqueous hypochlorite solution is injected into the sterile water to increase the pH back to the preset pH, and a molar quantity of residual alkaline impurities present in such additional aqueous hypochlorite solution is determined. Next, a predetermined amount of further additional aqueous hypochlorite solution is injected into the sterile water, wherein such predetermined amount is an amount required to yield additional content of hypochlorous acid in a resulting sterile water, to such a degree that a molar quantity of that hypochlorous acid is equal to the foregoing determined molar quantity of residual alkaline impurities. After such injection, pH of sterile water yielded is increased, and an acid aqueous solution is then injected into the sterile water to thereby decrease the increased pH back to the preset pH.

Abstract: A water treatment system includes a circulation pump and an electrolytic chamber in fluid communication with a main body of water. Electrolytic plates within the electrolytic chamber generate chlorine. When mineral deposits foul the electrolytic plates, water is isolated within the electrolytic chamber and a minimal amount of a pH-reducing agent is added to the electrolytic chamber to remove the mineral deposits. In a first embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is admitted on a periodic timed basis. In a second embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is added when the pH of the main body of water falls below a predetermined threshold. In both embodiments, cleaning is accomplished by adding the pH-reducing agent when the circulation pump is not operating so that the acid dwells within the electrolytic chamber for a sufficient amount of time. Activation of the circulation pump causes the pH-reducing agent to enter the main body of water.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control method, for a wastewater purification system, where the status of a wastewater purification system employing a batch activated sludge process is accurately understood by analyzing the data waveforms of DO, ORP and pH. In the control method for a wastewater purification system, an aeration device is controlled by a programmable sequencer, a controller acquires respective data waveforms from a first sensor, a second sensor and a third sensor and the control status data of the programmable sequencer, the controller analyzes the data waveform of dissolved oxygen concentration from the first sensor, the data waveform of oxidation-reduction potential from the second sensor, and the data waveform of hydrogen ion concentration from the third sensor, and the controller performs an alarm process when a deviation from a previously fixed normal state is discovered as a result of the analysis.

Abstract: A method for achieving the optimum pH of the water used for irrigation, comprising passing water through a water meter or a pH monitor, which transmits a signal based on the volume of flow of the water or the pH of the water, a pump which receives a signal from the water meter or pH monitor and injects a predetermined amount of an acidic compound into the irrigation water based upon the volume of flow of the water or the pH of the water.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and program for effecting the decomposition of organic waste material comprises: providing a treatment tank for decomposition of organic waste material, the treatment tank containing an active biomass comprising at least one bacteria that decomposes organic material; providing at least two inlets to the treatment tank, a first inlet comprising an inlet for organic material and a second inlet comprising an inlet for an aqueous stream; a processor that receives and stores information on: the status of chemical oxygen demand of the active biomass; and the oxygen provision capability of a first organic material that can be fed into the treatment tank through the first inlet; a mass flow control system controlled by the processor which feeds the at least one organic material through the first inlet at a rate based at least in part upon the status of chemical oxygen demand in the treatment tank as recognized by the processor.

Abstract: The invention is a method and an apparatus for continuously controlling denitrification in wastewater purification in a sewage treatment plant having at least one denitrification stage under varying nitrogen loads comprising the steps a) provision of excess sludge, b) treatment of the excess sludge according to running parameters determined in advance, c) separation of the treated excess sludge into an organic fraction and an inorganic fraction, d) measurement of actual values for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the organic fraction, e) recirculation of the organic fraction to one of the denitrification stages, f) comparison of actual values with predetermined setpoint values for DOC fractions and, in the event of difference between actual values and setpoint values, determination of altered running parameters for treatment of the excess sludge in step b), g) repetition of steps a), to f).

Abstract: A portable system for on-site monitoring and treatment of water comprising a protective enclosure adapted to be positioned proximate a site of collected water, an internal fluid flow system disposed within the enclosure comprising a first conduit extending from a dirty water inlet on the enclosure to a pair of dirty water outlets and a second conduit extending from a return water inlet on the enclosure to a filtered water outlet and a clean water outlet. Probes are provided in the conduits for monitoring fluid parameters therein and communicating those parameters to a controller within the enclosure. The controller compares the measured parameter levels with predetermined acceptable levels and actuates valve members in said conduits in response to the measured parameter levels to selectively communicate the respective conduits with respective outlets for the treatment of water passing through the system.

Abstract: Sludge can be treated by placing it in a carrier sized for bulk shipment of sludge by road or by rail. An antipathogenic substance such as lime is mixed into the sludge located in the carrier in order to treat pathogens in the sludge. At least one mixer adapted for mixing sludge throughout the carrier is employed. A dispenser such as a conduit or a loader bucket can dispense the antipathogenic substance so that the mixer can mix the substance with the sludge. The sludge is transported in the carrier either before or after the mixing with the antipathogenic substance. The mixture of sludge and antipathogenic substance is allowed to remain in the carrier long enough to treat pathogens with the substance before unloading the sludge from the carrier at a destination established for utilization, storage, transfer or disposal of the sludge.

Abstract: Presently no chemicals are added in the pulp/paper mills wastewater treatment. There is a loop hole with the Biological Oxygen Demand test utilized. Regulators depend on the Biological Oxygen Demand test. All mills are discharging raw untreated wastes high in Chemical Oxygen Demand, (COD), Total Organic Carbon, (TOC) and COLOR. Liquid Alum solution is added to raw influent. All electrical energy aerated systems are eliminated. All flows from sewers join prior to the entrance to clarifier. The continuous in-line pH controller is proprietary as well as the continuous in-line COD analyzer. Because mills wastewater is amphoteric, it is mandatory that the raw influent pH be adjusted to range of 5.7 to 6.0 for optimum removal efficiencies. Aluminum chloride, ferric chloride and ferrous sulfate may be replaced for alum with higher operating costs. The precipitate is thickened, dewatered and incinerated, and approximately 75% of the chemicals regenerated.

Abstract: A chemical/biological wastewater treatment plant method and apparatus employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental biological system for treating the separated treated wastewater by land applying it for plant consumption, and/or passing it through aqueous plant or microbial reduction of the dissolved solids and ammonia for BOD compliance to produce water of sufficient quality to meet open stream and ocean effluent discharge requirements; and disposing of the high BTU low moisture solids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water treatment apparatus, method and system for use in the treatment of wastewater or contaminated water, the apparatus including an energisable material or base platform configured and arranged for placement in the flow of wastewater, the platform having a substantial surface area with a media layer suitable for use in hosting bacterial cultures, and further including an energisable layer attachable to the media layer which, when energized with an electrostatic negative voltage charge from a direct current power source, can attract suspended solids in the wastewater and bond aerobic bacterial cultures to the media layer, and whereby additional media can be introduced into the area about the energisable material or layer that can also attract suspended solids thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for treating water for human consumption, for an industrial process, for agricultural purposes or for other purposes. The method used to remineralize raw water comprises a stage in which carbon dioxide and at least one inorganic base are injected. According to the invention, the method comprises the following stages: the flow Q of raw water is separated into a flow Q1 and a flow Q2; only flow Q1 is remineralized by injecting carbon dioxide and at least one inorganic base, said remineralization being carried out in at least one remineralization basin; remineralized flow Q1 is mixed with untreated flow Q2.

Abstract: A method for controlling a cooling water tower comprising: providing a cooling tower system, which includes a recirculated evaporative cooling water stream, a source of make-up water, an evaporative cooling unit, a heat exchanger, a bleed off line, and a bleed-off valve which is in communication with said bleed-off line; providing a plurality of conduits through which said makeup water flows into said evaporative cooling water stream, wherein there is at least a first conduit that contains a weak acid cation ion exchange column and a second conduit that does not contain a weak acid ion exchange column, and wherein each conduit has at least one conduit valve; choosing a pH and a conductivity setpoint value and a deadband value above and below said setpoint value in said cooling tower system; measuring both the pH of said evaporative cooling water stream with one or more pH meters and conductivity of said evaporative cooling water stream with one or more conductivity meters; and implementing a response to said

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for purifying water, in particular for the continuous purification of water in the paper industry, said device comprising at least one supply line and at least one drain line for the water. The device also comprises a compression device for at least one sub-stream of the water, an injection device for injecting at least one gas and an expansion device for expanding at least one sub-stream of the water. In addition, the device comprises a unit for separating different phases of the water for purification. The device is characterized by a control system, which detects at least one parameter of the water and controls at least the addition of at least one additive in accordance with the process parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling resistivity and pH levels in a coolant delivery system are provided. The coolant delivery system can employ a first ion introduction element that introduces hydrogen ions into a coolant of the coolant delivery system, and a second ion introduction element that introduces hydroxide ions into the coolant. An amount of hydrogen ions and an amount of hydroxide ions introduced into the coolant can be selected to substantially maintain an acceptable resistivity and pH level of the coolant.

Abstract: A water treatment system for reducing the level of bacteria in a flow of water by creating an environment favorable for aerobic bacteria and unfavorable for anaerobic bacteria is disclosed. The system may include a method including intaking a flow of water, lowering a pH level of the flow of water to a predetermined range of pH levels, and adding sodium chlorite to the flow of water after lowering the pH level to the predetermined range of pH levels for producing chlorine dioxide. The sodium chlorite is added in an amount sufficient to produce a residual amount of sodium chlorite that does not produce chlorine dioxide, and the flow of water is outputted to the point of use with a residual amount of chlorine dioxide. The system may include an apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing odors utilizes oxidation-reduction potential to characterize the quality of water or wastewater and control addition of a species thereto that reduces or inhibits biological sulfide generation. Oxidation-reduction potential is measured at a downstream station and, based on the measurement, a nitrate compound is added at an upstream station to promote inoffensive biological products instead of foul-smelling products.

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: A process to substantially remove the fluorinated anionic surfactants from fluoropolymer dispersions comprising the following steps: a) addition to the fluoropolymer dispersion of an anionic polyelectrolyte; b) contact of the dispersion with an anionic exchanger; c) separation of the dispersion from the anionic exchanger and recovery of the dispersion substantially fluorinated anionic surfactant free.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater streams by adding, either separately or as a mixture, a nitrate containing compound and an alkaline material in an amount sufficient to achieve a lower concentration of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides downstream of the addition as compared to the atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides present in the wastewater stream prior to the addition. By adding alkaline material in addition to a nitrate containing compounds, the amount of nitrate containing compound added can be reduced by at least 10% as compared to the amount of nitrate that would theoretically need to be added in the absence of alkaline material to achieve a comparable lower concentration of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides in the wastewater stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining chemical dosage required to reduce sulfides in wastewater includes providing a headspace apart from the wastewater. The temperature of the wastewater and the concentration of sulfide gas in the headspace are measured. Dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas concentrations in the wastewater are calculated from the temperature of the wastewater and the concentration of sulfide gas in said headspace. When pH is monitored, dissolved sulfide concentrations can be calculated.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated process for efficiently treating an aqueous system with chlorine dioxide. The process results in high efficiency yields of chlorine dioxide on a continuous basis by minimizing the waste of precursor chemicals. Additionally, the process creates less environmental stress because the formation of unwanted by-products is minimized. The level of chlorine dioxide in the aqueous system treated and other parameters of the process are monitored and adjusted automatically to maintain them within acceptable levels.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated process to inhibit corrosion of the metal surface of an inactive boiler containing water.

Abstract: The invention features a system for treating liquid including a liquid treatment device comprising adsorbent media for removing a substance from liquid and a pH adjuster device located upstream of the liquid treatment device relative to a direction of flow of the liquid. The pH adjuster device contains particulate or solid state pH adjuster material capable of releasing H or OH groups into the liquid or consuming H or OH groups from the liquid effective to raise or lower the pH of the liquid while it passes through the media. The pH adjuster may include acidifier or basifier material. Also featured is a method of using the device to remove a substance from liquid by adsorption and/or ion exchange.

Abstract: The apparatus for reducing biological wasted sludge includes a sludge hydrolysis reactor, a sludge neutralization reactor and a membrane bioreactor (MBR). The method of the present invention includes subjecting a biological wasted sludge to hydrolysis and neutralization treatments to offer an intermediate feed suitable to be treated in the MBR. The hydrolyzed sludge and microorganisms are retained in the MBR, so that a further hydrolysis of sludge and decomposition of organics undergo to achieve the objectives of stabilization of sludge and reduction of sludge. Thanks to the filtration membrane of the MBR, specific microorganisms can be acclimated and accumulated in the MBR to decompose substrates in the sludge which are difficult to be decomposed, and an effluent of expected water quality can be meet.

Abstract: A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system, such as an evaporative cooling system. A sidestream from such system is routed to a reaction chamber and back to the system. A conditioner is added to the sidestream before entering the reaction chamber and a buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber. Since some of the buffered sidestream is re-circulated, a fluid bed develops in the reaction chamber consisting of conditioner, buffer, precipitated solids and sidestream water. Continued sidestream water entry mixes with the fluid bed causing additional precipitation of solids. An upper outlet on the reaction chamber regulates the height of the fluid bed, and a drain provides for periodic discharge of the lower fluid bed. In another embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer, resulting in a softer, more readily drainable fluid bed.

Abstract: A method and system for use in the course of extracorporeal blood flow, e.g., cardiopulmonary bypass, dialysis, and angioplasty procedures, in order to reduce or minimize inflammation, excessive bleeding, and other undesirable side effects. The system can include one or more automated blood parameter sensor modules and one or more blood parameter regulating modules. The system is particularly well suited to monitor and/or regulate blood parameters that include blood analytes (e.g., biomolecules, drugs or metabolites) as well as blood functions (e.g., clotting time, fibrinolytic activity, immune response). The system is particularly well suited for use in the management of clotting (e.g., heparing/protamine) and bleeding (e.g., aprotinin).

Abstract: A system for controlling the pH of the process water used in conjunction with formaldehyde-free binder composition for glass fiber products. A base solution is introduced into the process water used to coat the glass fibers in the formaldehyde-free binder after the water is extracted from binder coated glass fibers when the pH of the process water in less than about 6.0. The addition of the base solution increases the pH of the process water to a range from about 8.0 to about 6.0 thereby reducing the risk of corrosion when the process water is recirculated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preventive treatment of corrosion, oxidation and/or depositions in domestic supply water distribution circuits, comprising steps which consist in: a diagnosis including an analysis of the state of corrosion, oxidation, depositions of the domestic supply water distribution circuit and an analysis of chemical elements of the water flowing in said circuit by sampling water flowing in said circuit; and preventive treatment of corrosion, oxidation and/or depositions of the domestic supply water distribution circuit by operating a treatment unit (3) measuring the flow rate of water entering the domestic supply water distribution circuit (2), and injecting a treatment product comprising silicates in an amount substantially proportional to the volume of water entering the domestic supply water distribution circuit, but not exceeding the feeding standards and adjusted on the basis of the result of the analysis of chemical elements of the water flowing in said circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater streams by adding, either separately or as a mixture, a nitrate containing compound and an alkaline material in an amount sufficient to achieve a lower concentration of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides downstream of the addition as compared to the atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides present in the wastewater stream prior to the addition. By adding alkaline material in addition to a nitrate containing compounds, the amount of nitrate containing compound added can be reduced by at least 10% as compared to the amount of nitrate that would theoretically need to be added in the absence of alkaline material to achieve a comparable lower concentration of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides in the wastewater stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method recycles the abrasive fluid or slurry effluent used in the polishing step in the manufacture of semiconductors. Agglomerations of abrasive grains built up in the slurry effluent are crushed using a mill, ultrasonic oscillation, or pressurized circulation. The slurry effluent is then regenerated and reused.

Abstract: The present invention is process for irrigation of a golf course, which involves monitoring reclaimed water, and treating it when necessary to avoid harmful effects to plantlife. The reclaimed water is tested with a plurality of monitors to obtain results for water quality characteristics, including: pH; residual chlorine; and, sodium. These results are inputted to a computerized data handling system for data collection, storage and analysis for comparison to predetermined acceptable ranges for water quality characteristic, and to show any deviation from said acceptable ranges. Either alarms are set off or treatment occurs or both, when deviations are observed. Treatment includes a dechlorination system to correct active chlorine. Other important monitors may be included for one or more of the following: hardness; turbidity; alkalinity; conductivity and nitrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.

Abstract: A liquid filter method includes use of a filter media belt enclosed by sealably mated cover pan and floor pan defining a vacuum chamber connected to a sealed clean liquid tank, with clean liquid pumped out continuously to draw liquid to be filtered into an upper region of the filter chamber via an inlet hose connected to a source of liquid to be filtered. The cover pan is lifted after the vacuum is relieved to allow indexing of the filter media belt. A main control valve to the clean liquid tank is closed and pumping liquid continues during indexing. A vacuum control device limits the maximum vacuum developed in the clean liquid tank and a vacuum pump removes air from the tank for priming and to eliminate excess accumulated air. A hose seal for the cover is mounted to the filter belt to be moved in and out by the belt movement, allowing cleaning of the seal. A double loop hose seal creates an intervening space into which liquid is directed to minimize air leaks.

Abstract: A water treatment system and method reduces the pH level of a waste stream from an unacceptably high level with maximum efficiency and safety, and minimum costs and labor. The system includes a pH control system that detects a pH level of the waste stream. An acid discharge unit including a source of acid and an acid feeding mechanism is activated and deactivated by the pH control system according to the pH level of the waste stream. A housing contains the acid discharge unit and at least part of the pH control system. The acid feeding mechanism may feed dry acid directly to the waste stream or premix the dry acid with water to form a wet acidic solution that is fed into the waste stream. A mixing tank may be provided downstream of the housing to serve as an area for mixing acidic materials from the acid discharge unit with the waste stream prior to discharge from the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling the alkalinity and the pH of an industrial process. The apparatus is adapted for being located outside a main process stream of the industrial process. The apparatus includes inlet means (2, 3, 4) for a basic substance, an acidic substance and water, control means (6) for said inlet means (2, 3, 4), a reactor (1) for reacting the basic substance, the acidic substance and the water for providing a predefined alkalinity and pH in the resulting aqueous buffering mixture, and outlet means (9) for supplying said buffering mixture to the main process stream for controlling the alkalinity and the pH of the industrial process.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.

Abstract: A method for processing liquid animal plasma or serum into two products of albumin rich fraction and immunoglobulin rich fraction by adding less than 1% sodium hexametaphosphate at preferred pH range from 4.1 to 4.5 and using a settling or centrifuge process is provides in this invention. The immunoglobulin rich product is used for health purposes. The albumin rich product is used as a protein, binding or gelling ingredient. The novel process in the invention is feasible for commercial production.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of protein purification and the recovery of large proteinaceous material through small, nanometer sized, pore exclusion filters for removal of contaminants such as viral pathogens.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of an aqueous media having contaminants therein, including adding hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous media, exposing the aqueous media to a catalytic environment, removing the aqueous media from the catalytic environment prior to the aqueous media having a five minute residence time within the catalytic environment, thereafter adding ozone to the aqueous media, and allowing the ozone and aqueous media to interact outside of the presence of the catalytic environment.

Abstract: A process for treating cooling tower water in a system which includes a recirculated evaporative cooling water stream and a source of make-up water. A side stream is taken off of the source of make-up water and the side stream is directed to either a strong acid cation exchange resin unit and/or to a weak acid cation exchange resin unit, after which it is returned to the make-up water line. The pH of saturation is determined for the recirculated evaporative cooling water as is the pH. Depending upon the difference between the pH and the pH of saturation, the side stream of the make-up water is opened or closed and directed to one or both of the cation exchange units.

Abstract: A method and system for use in the course of extracorporeal blood flow, e.g., cardiopulmonary bypass, dialysis, and angioplasty procedures, in order to reduce or minimize inflammation, excessive bleeding, and other undesirable side effects. The system can include one or more automated blood parameter sensor modules and one or more blood parameter regulating modules. The system is particularly well suited to monitor and/or regulate blood parameters that include blood analytes (e.g., biomolecules, drugs or metabolites) as well as blood functions (e.g., clotting time, fibrinolytic activity, immune response). The system is particularly well suited for use in the management of clotting (e.g., heparing/protamine) and bleeding (e.g., aprotinin).

Abstract: A system to control nutrients, suspended algae, and filamentous algae in lakes, ponds, and estuaries includes a structure for containing macrophytic vegetation. One embodiment segregates a column of water within a body of water desired for remediation and shields the water column from sunlight sufficiently to kill phytoplankton therein, the lysis thereof releasing nutrients. The released nutrients are sequestered, and remediated water is replaced in the water column with water from the body of water. Floating or submerged macrophytes can be introduced in combination with shading and induced water movement to optimize nutrient uptake by the macrophytes. Water column shading may also be achieved by the macrophytes themselves, or by other means. The macrophytes can include floating aquatic plants, such as water hyacinths, submerged aquatic plants, and terrestrial or aquatic plants caused to float artificially. The invention also deals with toxic algae in a safe and sequestered way.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of protein purification and the recovery of large proteinaceous material through small, nanometer sized, pore exclusion filters for removal of contaminants such as viral pathogens.

Abstract: A method for the biodegradation on an oil-based sludge comprising a mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method comprises forming an aqueous solution in a reactor of an oil-in-water emulsion of the oil-based sludge, bacterial culture and nutrients for the bacterial culture, the bacterial culture having the ability to grow on petroleum hydrocarbons as sole carbon source and having been isolated from a hydrocarbon contaminated soil or hydrocarbon-containing sludge or other environments rich in hydrocarbon degrading bacteria, maintainingthe aqueous solution under aerobic conditions in the reactor at a temperature of at least 10° C. for a period of time sufficient to reduce the amount of hydrocarbon by at least 25%, and discharging aqueous solution having a reduced amount of hydrocarbons from the reactor. The method may be used on sludge containing aromatics, resins and asphaltenes.

Abstract: A system for removing fluoride from wastewater is provided. The system comprises a reaction tank for processing said wastewater by adding calcium salts, a filtration tank for removing the precipitated fluoride formed in the reaction tank, a single fluoride electrode disposed at the reaction tank for measuring a concentration of fluoride in the influent wastewater and providing an output signal, and a programmable controller for controlling addition of said calcium salts into said reaction tank. The programmable controller defines a setpoint of fluoride concentration in the reaction tank and automatically controls addition of calcium salts based on the setpoint and the output signal provided by the single fluoride electrode. A method of removing fluoride from wastewater is also provided.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are presented which allow efficient use of solid/liquid and liquid/liquid stages with chemical additives in separations technology.