Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane bioreactor process for continuous selective removal of organic toxicants or other oleophilic solutes present in an aqueous process stream wherein low concentration levels of said toxicant are removed from the aqueous process stream by being extracted and concentrated by the permeably selective hollow fiber membrane and then provided to a microorganism for metabolization into a water soluble metabolite. The water soluble metabolite is prevented from reentering the aqueous process stream and removed from the bioreactor in the aqueous nutrient effluent stream.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the separation of halogenated hydrocarbons from concentrated hydrochloric acid, which contains 10 to 37% by weight of hydrogen chloride. The hydrochloric acid is freed from the halogenated hydrocarbons in an extraction with paraffins having more than 7 carbon atoms, or with paraffin waxes having dropping points from 70.degree. to 160.degree. C. or with paraffin/paraffin wax mixtures, preferably in a continuous counterflow extraction or cross-flow extraction.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of aqueous effluents from the production of epoxy resins, which effluents contain as their main impurities chlorohydrins, glycidol, isopropyl alcohol and sodium chloride, which process comprises the following steps:(a) hydrolytic treatment of the effluent under alkaline conditions, until the effluent's content of epichlorohydrin in reduced down to values of about 75 ppm, and the effluent's glycidol content is reduced to values lower than about 4,000 ppm;(b) removal of about 90% of sodium chloride from the hydrolyzed effluent; and(c) anaerobic digestion of the hydrolyzed, sodium chloride-deprived effluent, after preliminary dilution, neutralization and integration with nitrogen and phosphorus sources.The (b) step can be carried out by means of a process of concentration of the effluent, in order to cause sodium chloride to precipitate, or by submitting the same effluent to a treatment of electrodialysis.

Abstract: A process for the decontamination of materials such as soil, sediments and sludges contaminated with organic contaminants such as PCB's. The process comprises the steps of separating the material into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction when liquid is present leaching the solid fraction with a leaching solvent to obtain contaminated leaching solvent and a mixture of decontaminated solids and leaching solvent and stripping the contaminant, from the contaminated leaching solvent with a stripping solvent to concentrate the contaminants. When liquid is present in the material, adsorbing residual contaminants from the liquid fraction are adsorbed onto decomtaminated solids to produce decontaminated liquids and contaminated solids.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the purification of wastewaters containing biodegradable aliphatic compounds which is characterized in that these compounds are brought into contact with microorganisms capable of biodegradation immobilized by embedment in a gel-type organic polymer that does not denature the microorganisms.

Abstract: For a separation into a purified fraction and a polluant concentrate, contaminated soils are ground in a drum to which loose pieces acting like grinding elements have been added and with a net energy input of 4 to 16 kWh per 1000 kg throughput. The speed is 50 to 90% of the critical speed ##EQU1## The suspension discharged from the drum is separated by sieving into a relatively coarse fraction and a relatively fine fraction. The relatively coarse fraction is discharged as a purified fraction and the relatively fine fraction is desludged. The separated sludge is dewatered and is subsequently delivered as a polluant concentrate. The desludged remainder of the finer fraction is dewatered and is subsequently delivered as purified soil.

Abstract: Cationic organic impurities such as ternary sulfonium ions and quaternary ammonium and phosphonium compounds are effectively removed from polar liquids such as water or water/alcohol mixtures by contacting the polar liquid with an absorbent comprising a trinitroarenol such as a picric acid. This method is particularly effective for removing such cationic impurities from polar liquids containing organic zwitterions.

Abstract: A method for more selectively removing macromolecules from a plasma solution, whereby plasma containing the macromolecules to be removed is provided and heated to a temperature near or above normal body temperature but below the boiling point of the plasma solution. The heated plasma solution is filtered while at a temperature near or above normal body temperature but below its boiling point with a membrane filter to remove selectively macromolecules from the plasma solution. An apparatus for accomplishing the foregoing is also provided.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating waste water which comprises the steps of adding thermal decomposition product consisting of CaO-MgO-SiO.sub.2 system compound singly or in combination with at least a metal salt selected from the group consisting of iron salts and magnesium salts to waste water containing an emulsion or a latex, thereby causing coagulation and sedimentation of particles consisting mainly of resin existing in the waste water and then removing the coagulated particles.

Abstract: Blood derived fluids are subjected to modification resulting in the production of anaphylatoxins. The anaphylatoxins may then be removed by passing the modified blood through silicic acid particles in an amount sufficient to substantially reduce the anaphylatoxins, while still retaining the other blood components and without affecting adversely the use of the blood for the patient.

Abstract: An improved oxidation and photooxidation process for treating water containing an oxidizable contaminant. In one embodiment, the organic compound does not have an electron donating aromatic group. A stochiometric excess amount of a calcium salt is added to precipitate carbonate and bicarbonate ions contained in the water as calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate is removed from the water and the filtered water is then subjected to an oxidation process. In another embodiment, the organic compound does have an electron donating aromatic group. Carbonate and/or bicarbonate is added so that the water has a stochiometric excess amount of carbonate and bicarbonate. The water is then subjected to an oxidation process.

Abstract: A body fluid purification method which comprises passing the body fluid through an apparatus for purifying a body fluid by removing micro-aggregates, histamine, etc, from the body fluid. This apparatus comprises a housing constituting a body fluid flow path, and a filter consisting of activated carbon fiber prepared by baking novoloid filber in steam, the filter being transversely arranged in the housing so as to cross body fluid the flow path.

Abstract: Trialkyl arsines are removed from fluids, in particular gases, by contacting with a solid sorbent material containing at least one silver component (preferably nitrate and/or oxide and/or metal) and a support material (preferably alumina, fluorided alumina, silica, fluorided silica, titania or magnesium aluminate).

Abstract: A method for disposing of non-polar organic wastes including the steps of dissolving the organic waste in an organic solvent which is not environmentally objectionable, in combination with a suitable surfactant, mixing the resultant solution with a quantity of water to develop an emulsion in which the organic element is effectively dispersed in the water and thereafter mixing the emulsion with cement which, when allowed to solidify, encapsulates the organic waste within the solid cementitious mass. This solid mass is suitable for disposal in a landfill or the like. This invention is useful in safely disposing of environmentally hazardous organic wastes.

Abstract: A process for detoxifying a high aqueous content hazardous waste stream having a water content greater than about 70 weight percent and comprising halogenated hydrocarbonaceous compounds which comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the hazardous waste stream containing halogenated hydrocarbonaceous compounds in the presence of hydrogen and in the absence of a basic compound with a hydrogenation catalyst comprising a refractory support and at least one metal having hydrogenation activity and which metal is selected from the metals of Groups VI-B and VIII of the Periodic Table in a hydrotreating reaction zone operated at conditions selected to hydrogenate at least a portion of the halogenated hydrocarbonaceous compounds which conditions include a pressure from about 100 psig (2068 kPa gauge) to about 5000 psig (34475 kPa gauge), a maximum catalyst temperature from about 250.degree. F. (121.degree. C.) to about 850.degree. F. (454.degree. C.) and a hydrogen circulation rate from about 200 SCFB (35.6 std. m.sup.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating solid material consisting of removing organic hazardous waste from contaminated solid material with an aqueous ammonia solution. The resulting aqueous ammonia solution containing organic hazardous waste is further processed to isolate the organic hazardous waste in a small volume for disposal. Solid material such as soil so treated can be returned to the excavation site without further processing.

Abstract: A method of oxidatively decomposing a radioactive ion-exchange resin is described, the method comprising oxidatively decomposing a radioactive ion-exchange resin containing an anion-exchange resin with hydrogen peroxide used as an oxidizing agent in the presence of iron and copper ions used as catalysts, wherein the weight ratio of hydrogen peroxide to the ion-exchange resin, that is the ratio of the net weight of hydrogen peroxide to the dry weight of the ion-exchange resin containing an anion-exchange resin, is held to be no higher than 17 and the pH of the reaction system is adjusted to be within the range of 0.5 to 6, or citric acid ions are preliminarily adsorbed on the radioactive ion-exchange resin before it is subjected to decomposition treatment or citric acid ions coexist with the radioactive ion-exchange resin in the oxidatively decomposing system, and an apparatus used for conducting the method is also described.

Abstract: Carrier material for the immobilization of microorganisms, particularly for use in connection with microbiological conversion and/or separation of constituents from gaseous or liquid media, is disclosed. The carrier material comprises a dimensionally stable macroporous skeleton comprised of relatively coarse-grain granular material such as sinterable thermoplastic granules, and relatively fine grain microporous material, such as activated charcoal, which are bonded together. The carrier material thus comprises both macropores having a pore size of from about 10 to 200 .mu.m and micropores having a pore size of up to about 0.1 .mu.m depending upon the identity of the five grain microporous material that is used. Additional finely divided materials, such as catalytic agents or density modifying agents, may also be disposed within the macroporous skeleton. The preparation and use of the carrier material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating a photographic processing waste solution comprising concentrating the photographic processing waste solution containing at least thiosulfate ions, characterized in that there is provided at least one part selected from (i) to (v) shown below:(i) a part for adding sulfite ions or a compound capable of releasing sulfite ions into the photographic processing waste solution at the time or before heating of the photographic processing waste solution;(ii) a part for contact evaporated gas with a catalyst having a metal of the following (a) to (d) or a compound thereof carried thereon:(a) at least one selected from the group VIII elements consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium and platinum,(b) copper,(c) zinc,(d) manganese;(iii) a part for permitting a water-soluble polymer to exist;(iv) a part for permitting an oxidizing agent capable of oxidizing thiosulfate ions to exist; and(v) a part for adding a pH controlling agent into the photogr

Abstract: A process for the decontamination of materials such as soil, sediments and sludges contaminated with organic contaminants such as PCB's. The process comprises leaching a mixture of solids, water and contaminant in a three step process with solvents to obtain contaminated solvent and water and a mixture of decontaminated solids and solvent. The contaminant is stripped from the contaminated leaching solvent with a stripping solvent to concentrate the contaminants.

Abstract: A novel catalytic process is provided for the controlled degradation of organic materials into environmentally compatible products comprising at least carbon dioxide. The process employs a solid catalyst comprising at least one transition element and a peroxide to form a reaction mixture with the organic material which is degraded in the presence of photoenergy absorbable by the catalyst. The catalytic process has multiple applications including the purification of organic solvents; the regeneration of granular activated carbon; the purification of potable water and industrial waste water; and the elimination of organic hazardous and/or toxic substances from collected wastes.

Abstract: Water contaminated with at least one volatile compound is treated by air stripping the volatile compound into the gas phase, then removing the volatile compound from the gas phase by contacting it with an aqueous mixture of biological solids and powdered adsorbent. The partially-purified water is further treated by a biophysical aerobic process which in turn produces the aqueous mixture of biological solids and powdered adsorbent used to remove the volatile compound from the gas phase. The aqueous mixture of biological solids and powdered adsorbent containing the volatile compound is thickened and the solids slurry treated by regeneration, preferrably wet air oxidation, to destroy the biological solids and volatile compound as well as regenerate the powdered adsorbent. The regenrated adsorbent may be returned to the biophysical aerobic treatment process.

Abstract: Process for extracting organic compounds which are present in water in the form of solutions or suspensions by a liquid carboxylic acid which is immiscible with water. Branched or unbranched linear acids such as n-heptanoic, n-octanoic, or 2-ethylhexanoic acids make it possible to quantitatively extract compounds such as phenols, amines or amino acids from such aqueous solutions, thereby rendering the process useful for the purification of industrial wastewaters.

Abstract: Waste streams from N-phosphonomethylglycine facilities are treated to remove by-products and unreacted raw materials by heating the waste stream in the presence of a transition metal catalyst and contacting the waste stream with an oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for oxidizing organic residues in an aqueous stream, comprising a chamber having a top, a bottom, an inlet for introducing a liquid thereinto, and an outlet for removing liquid therefrom, a plurality of dividers in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet dividing the chamber into a plurality of subchambers, a plurality of ultraviolet lamps in the subchambers, means for directing liquid flow through the chamber in a serpentine fashion, a plurality of separate subcovers over the subchambers and the lamps, which subcovers may be individually opened and closed, conductors for supplying electrical current to the lamps, and means for interrupting the flow of current to the lamps under each subcover when the subcover is open while simultaneously permitting such current flow to lamps which are not under an open subcover.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating soil consisting of removing organic hazardous waste from contaminated soil with an aqueous ammonia solution. The resulting aqueous ammonia solution containing organic hazardous waste is further processed to isolate the organic hazardous waste in a small volume for disposal. Soil so treated can be returned to excavation site without further processing.

Abstract: We disclose a process for removing water-soluble organics from produced water. The process comprises: acidifying the produced water with acid; contacting the acidified with a free oil to form a mixture; agitating the mixture to produce a thoroughly mixed phase; and separating the phase to produce a free oil phase and a clean water phase.

Abstract: Iron pentacarbonyl is removed from sludge containing iron particles by treating with surfactants followed by oxidation with hydrochlorite ion.

Abstract: Oxidizable for organic and/or inorganic compounds in waters are subjected to catalytic degradation using a catalyst applied to an oxygen-storing inert carrier, for example of graphite, coke, a non-gassing coal or active carbon. The carrier used is coated with a cationic dye complexed with heteropolyacids and/or polyacids and/or salts or metal acids of subgroups V to VIII.The advantages of the process include the prevention of biological growth on the catalyst surface by the biocidal dye cation and the avoidance of calcium and magnesium deposits on the catalyst surface through the presence of the cationic solid.

Abstract: A chemical method of removing thiourea from spent hydrochloric acid cleaning solutions comprising the steps of: adjusting the pH to not less than 12 by addition of base to remove metal hydroxides; oxidizing thiourea to urea by the addition of at least 4 moles of hydrogen peroxide per mole of thiourea; and further oxidizing urea to nonregulated/nonhazardous compounds by the addition of at least 3 moles of a hypochlorite per mole of urea. UV analysis confirms a greater than 98% removal of thiourea from solutions containing 0.4 to 2.7 wt. % thiourea after as little as 3 hours with an exotherm, .DELTA.t, of less than 105.degree. F.

Abstract: Oil well production fluid composed of oil and water and containing in excess of 100 ppm water soluble petroleum carboxylates in anionic form dissolved in the water is treated by acidifying the fluid to a pH of 6.0 or lower with a strong acid and then is intimately mixed. The oil and water are separated one from the other. The content of the water soluble organics in the water is thereby substantially transferred to the oil phase. In a second aspect of the invention, water used to extract corrosion compounds to render the oil suitable for fueling gas turbine power plants is acidified to a pH of 6.0 or lower and is thereafter intimately mixed with fuel oil.

Abstract: A process for the decontamination of materials such as soil, sediments and sludges contaminated with organic contaminants such as PCB's. The process comprises the steps of separating the material into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction when liquid is present leaching the solid fraction with a leaching solvent to obtain contaminated leaching solvent and a mixture of decontaminated solids and leaching solvent and stripping the contaminant, from the contaminated leaching solvent with a stripping solvent to concentrate the contaminants. When liquid is present in the material adsorbing residual contaminants from the liquid fraction are adsorbed onto decontaminated solids to produce decontaminated liquids and contaminated solids.

Abstract: A method for degrading linalool using Pseudomonas strains is described. Also described are novel Pseudomonas putida strains which degrade linalool and in some instances geraniol and citronellol. A method for producing 6-methyl-5-heptene-2-one using certain novel strains is also described.

Abstract: A method for recovering organic ether solvent and alkali metal fluoride from a slurry thereof such as may be formed as a byproduct in silane manufacture. First water is added to a slurry having an organic ether liquid phase and a finely-divided solid phase comprising an alkali metal fluoride. The water is added in an amount sufficiently large to reduce adherence of organic ether to the solid phase and sufficiently small not to create a discernable separate aqueous liquid phase. The slurry with added water is maintained at a treatment temperature of at least about 50.degree. C. for a treatment period of at least one minute, typically 15-30 minutes at 90.degree.-110.degree. C. Thereafter, the treated slurry is seaparated into a crude fluoride solid and an ether liquid suitable for direct recycle or recycle after simple further treatment.

Abstract: A process for the purification of hydrochloric acids contaminated with C.sub.1 -chlorinated hydrocarbons involves the controlled use of a distillator column. The contaminants are removed by stripping with HCl gas, the stripping being performed in a bubble column.

Abstract: A process for removing toxic or hazardous substances from soils, sludges, sediments, clays, aqueous streams, and other non-hazardous materials comprises collecting the contaminated material, converting it to a slurry, adding one or more surfactants and/or alkaline agents to the slurry to free the toxic or hazardous substance(s) from the contaminated material and place it in the liquid phase of the slurry. Preferably, a modifier is added to the slurry in order to aid the concentration of the toxic substance in the liquid phase of the slurry. The concentrated toxic substance is then collected for disposal. Most preferably the concentration of the toxic substance is carried out in a froth flotation cell.

Abstract: An improved method of disposing of radioactive or hazardous liquid aqueous waste compositions having a substantial amount of dissolved solids comprises mixing the liquid under a high mechanical shear with a clay selected from the group consisting of attapulgite, sepiolite, and mixtures thereof. Water soluble or miscible organic liquids as well as liquid hydrocarbon mixtures thereof may also be solidified by utilizing the aforesaid clays together with an organic ammonium montmorillonite having at least 10 carbon atoms, the amount of montmorillonite used being proportional to the amount of liquid hydrocarbon present.

Abstract: This support is constituted by a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, whereof at least part of the --OH groups have been replaced by --OSO.sub.3 H groups. The crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel comprises 70 to 95% by weight of chains derived from polyvinyl alcohol and 5 to 30% by weight of chains derived from crosslinking monomers, such as triethylene glycol diacrylate and tetraethylene glycol triacrylate.These supports can be used for the ex-vivo purification of the blood plasma in pocket 31 or 33.

Abstract: An improved method of disposing of radioactive or hazardous liquid hydrocarbon compositions comprises placing the liquid hydrocarbons in a container and adding an organic ammonium montmorillonite in ratios of between about 1:2 and 3:1, by volume, respectively. The organic ammonium montmorillonite has at least 10 carbon atoms. A polar organic compound having between 1 and about 10 carbon atoms is also preferably added with the montmorillonite. Where the liquid waste material includes 5% or more of water in addition to the liquid hydrocarbon a minus 200 mesh sodium montmorillonite is also preferably added.

Abstract: A scrubbing process for high feed concentrations of different materials in liquid streams.

Abstract: A landfill composition containing no free liquid as determined by the paint filter test protocol wherein a 100 ml sample of the landfill composition containing an industrial waste product, placed in a 400 micron conical paint filter for five minutes, passes no water through the filter, is produced by admixing the industrial waste product with 5 to 80 weight percent, based on the total solids content of the industrial waste product, of finely grounded granulated blast furnace slag comprising 30-40 percent SiO.sub.2, 40-45 percent CaO, 10-20 percent Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 3-10 percent MgO, 1-3 percent S, 0.3-3 percent MnO, 0.3 percent Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 and a trace of phosphorous, the finely ground granulated blast furnace slag having a Blaine particle size of about 1,800-6,000 sq.cm/g.

Abstract: A process for the removal of trace quantities of hydrocarbonaceous compounds from an aqueous stream which comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the aqueous stream with an adsorbent to remove trace quantities of hydrocarbonaceous compounds from the aqueous stream to provide an aqueous stream having a reduced concentration of hydrocarbonaceous compounds; (b) contacting spent adsorbent which has accumulated the hydrocarbonaceous compounds from the aqueous stream with an elution solvent to remove the hydrocarbonaceous compounds from the spent adsorbent thereby regenerating the adsorbent; (c) contacting the elution solvent in admixture with the hydrocarbonaceous compounds which were removed from the spent adsorbent in step (b) in the presence of hydrogen with a hydrogenation catalyst in a hydrotreating reaction zone; (d) contacting the hydrotreating reaction zone effluent with an aqueous scrubbing solution; and (e) introducing a resulting admixture of the reaction zone effluent and the aqueous scrubbing solution

Abstract: A process for the purification of ground water is disclosed which comprises injecting conditioned water into a recharge well, simultaneously withdrawing water from an adjacent recharge well in order to create a purification zone therebetween, and withdrawing purified water from a supply well in an aquifer.

Abstract: An aerobic method for in situ treatment of water and soil which has been contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons. The aerobic method involves feeding an aqueous solution of an oxygen source and nutrients without the addition of a flammable carbon source such as propane or methane gas to a contaminated area to cause the indigenous microorganisms to grow consuming the contaminants.

Abstract: A process for separating oxygenous organic compounds from aqueous media by liquid-liquid extraction with an organic extraction agent. In order to enable the satisfactory and selective separation of the organic compounds without remarkable amounts of extraction agent remaining dissolved in the raffinate and without microorganisms possibly present in the aqueous media being impaired, an extraction agent is used that contains up to 100% by mass of at least one aldehyde including 4 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the trihalomethane contents for precursor thereof of influent water are disclosed. The methods comprise adding to the influent water powdered activated carbon and a water soluble or water dispersible cationic polymer. The polymers are chosen from: (a) polyquaternary ammonium polymers formed from reaction of a secondary amine with an epichlorohydrin or epoxide (b) cross-linked polyquaternary ammonium polymers formed from reaction of a secondary amine, epichlorohydrin or epoxide, and a third reactant selected from the group consisting of ammonia, primary amines, alkylenediamines and polyamines and (c) substantially linear high molecular weight polyquaternary ammonium polymers of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,288,770, such as polydiallyldimethyl ammonium chloride.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of chemical addition to a microbial population to condition the population to (i) enhance bioconversion or biodegradation of a given substrate, or (ii) survive and perform greater bioconversion of a substrate when the population is exposed to fluctuating and in particular shock loads of the substrate. The method comprises conditioning the population by exposure of such to a non-toxic or non-inhibitory amount of a material which is biochemically or structurally similar to the substrate in question. The method is applicable in systems where the production of useful metabolites is the objective, as well as in waste treatment where degradation of a waste into more acceptable form is to be achieved.

Abstract: A method of treating radioactive waste water generated during chemical decontamination at nuclear power facilities is disclosed. Decontaminating agents, with organic acids, and normally containing inhibitors and surface active agents, are decomposed by oxidation using hydrogen peroxide, at a temperature of 60.degree.-90.degree. C., in the presence of copper ions, or copper ions and iron ions, as catalysts.

Abstract: Waste liquors from fermentation processes and other sources are disposed of by creating an oil-in-water emulsion and incinerating the emulsion.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the trihalomethane contents for precursor thereof of influent water are disclosed. The methods comprise adding to the influent water powdered activated carbon and a water soluble or water dispersible cationic polymer. The polymers are chosen from: (a) polyquaternary ammonium polymers formed from reaction of a secondary amine with an epichlorohydrin or epoxide (b) cross-linked polyquaternary ammonium polymers formed from reaction of a secondary amine, epichlorohydrin or epoxide, and a third reactant selected from the group consisting of ammonia, primary amines, alkylenediamines and polyamines and (c) substantially linear high molecular weight polyquaternary ammonium polymers of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,288,770, such as polydiallyldimethyl ammonium chloride.