Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing hormone(s) from a liquid, the method comprising contacting the liquid with a filter comprising activated carbon fibers. Also disclosed is an article of manufacture comprising (i) a filter comprising activated carbon fibers and (ii) instructions informing a user that the filter is capable of removing hormone(s) from I.

Abstract: A method for estimating incoming pollution loads during operation of a municipal wastewater treatment plant involves the step of continuously measuring the conductivity and turbidity of the raw water to be treated. The concentration of a pollutant in the raw water to be treated is estimated as a function of the measured conductivity and turbidity. The flow rate of the raw water to be treated is also continuously measured. The load of the pollutant in the raw water to be treated is estimated as a function of the estimated concentration of the pollutant and the measured flow rate. The estimated pollutant load allows adjustment of downstream treatment for eliminating the estimated total load of the pollutant.

Abstract: A bilge water filter for filtering bilge water discharged being drained from the bilge of a vessel includes a casing having first and second ends and at least one sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an inlet extending through the first end of the casing, and an outlet extending through the second end of the casing. The bilge water filter also includes a filter media disposed in the casing, between the inlet and the outlet, the filter media being adapted to absorb contaminants present in the bilge water while allowing substantially contaminant-free bilge water to be discharged from the outlet of the bilge water filter. The bilge water filter is adapted to be externally mounted to the outer surface of the hull of a vessel (i.e., to the outer surface of the hull) for draining bilge water from the vessel, capturing contaminants inside the filter and discharging contaminant-free bilge water from the outlet of the filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating waste water including nitrogen-containing organic compounds to convert these compounds into harmless gases without performing a post-treatment. The method comprises spraying waste water in a heated space to gasify the waste water into waste gas, and oxidizing the waste gas by contacting it with a catalyst to convert the nitrogen-containing organic compounds into harmless gases. An apparatus for treating waste water using the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water treatment control system using a fluorescence analyzer includes an activated carbon injection equipment 4 having an activated carbon injector 4a, a fluorescence analyzer 7 provided on the upstream of the activated carbon injector 4a, and a flowing water flowmeter 6. An activated carbon injection rate necessary to reduce a trihalomethane formation potential is calculated by an activated carbon injection rate calculating apparatus 8 based on a measured value from the fluorescence analyzer 7. An activated carbon injection amount from the activated carbon injector 4a is controlled by an activated carbon injection amount control apparatus 9 based on the activated carbon injection rate and a measured value from the flowing water flowmeter 6.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a simple method which can efficiently convert dioxins and/or PCBs contained in liquid into unharmful substances. Such a method according to the present invention is by introducing a liquid containing dioxins and/or PCBs, and oxygen containing gas to a reactor in which catalystexists, and conducting wet-oxidation reaction under liquid phase condition of the introduced liquid. According to the present inventive method, a simple method which can efficiently extract dioxins, PCBs and/or component containing thereof, from soil may be provide by a method comprising of; contacting soil and/or ash containing dioxins and/or PCBs with a liquid. Further, the present invention provides a method for cleaning the unit used for decomposing or oxidizing dioxins and/or PCBs contained in liquid by introducing cleaning solution to the unit and conducting cleaning operation under liquid phase condition.

Abstract: An in situ method and system for reductive dechlorination, the precipitation of chromium, the precipitation of heavy metals, and microbial denitrification. The invention comprises the formation of in situ anaerobic reactive zones to precipitate and filter out dissolved heavy metals as metallic sulfides, to degrade nitrate to nitrogen gas, to reduce chlorinated hydrocarbons to ethene, and to precipitate and filter out chromium. The invention is comprised of an injection well or wells that extend into a contaminated groundwater. A conduit located within the injection well conveys a reagent to the contaminated groundwater. The reagent may be a carbohydrate rich solution. Microbes digest the carbohydrates to produce sulfate reducing and methanogenic conditions within the reactive zone that include a dissolved oxygen level less than about 0.5 mg/l, a redox potential less than about −250 mv, and a dissolved organic carbon to contaminant ratio of greater than about 50:1.

Abstract: A biofilter system of the present invention utilizes an Alternating-Aerobic-Anoxic (AAA) process in a single reactor to provide efficient and cheap removal of carbonaceous materials, nitrogenous materials, and/or mixtures thereof from aqueous waste. The biofilter system of the present invention is particularly suitable for treating aqueous waste from aquaculture, industrial processes and animal husbandry. The biofilter system includes: a main biofilter chamber containing therein aerobic and anaerobic bacteria without physical separation; an inlet port and an outlet port connected to the main biofilter chamber; and a means for oxygenating the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the main biofilter chamber, including means for timing the oxygenation of the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to provide alternating periods of high-oxygen conditions and anoxic conditions.

Abstract: A process wherein the use of a degradation-enhancing reactant or a precursor thereof, e.g., an oxidizing agent, can effectively increase the rate of reaction for the degradation of polymers in an aqueous environment and thereby facilitate the disposal of same. For example, in one aspect, the process comprises contacting a solubilized polymer and a degradation-enhancing reactant, within an aqueous environment, and subsequently reacting the polymer under conditions that are effective to provide at least one environmentally benign degradation product from the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are an oxidation catalyst suitable for use in treatment of nonbiodegradable wastewater, a method for preparing the same, a method for recycling the same and a method for treating wastewater using the same. The oxidation catalyst comprises an activated carbon support having surface reformed with a tin compound, in the form of particles, powders and pellets, and metal ions impregnated to surface of the support. The preparation method of the oxidation catalyst comprises reforming surface of an activated carbon support in the form of particles, powders and pellets, impregnating various metal ions to surface of the support, drying the metal-impregnated support, and sintering the metal-impregnated support. In addition, the recycling method of the oxidation catalyst comprises drying the oxidation catalyst used for treatment of nonbiodegradable wastewater, and warming-up at 50-100° C. in a double boiler or sintering at 150-500° C. in a furnace the dried oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for treating high-concentrated organic wastewater, such as night soil or livestock wastewater, which has high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous. In particular, it is related to a method for treating night soil or livestock wastewater having high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous, comprising an anaerobic ammonium oxidizing (Anammox) step and a biopond step. The process for treating wastewater according to the present invention provides good efficiency in removing organic material and nutrients.

Abstract: A process and facility for treating and disinfecting water supplies comprising first treating the water with chlorine, then with ammonia, then with ozone to substantially disinfect the water, then passing the water through a filter with microorganisms to reduce the amount of small organic compounds and carbon in the water and finally again treating with chlorine so as to produce a residual level of chlorine in the water.

Abstract: A method of treating industrial wastewaters is provided. Specifically, the wastewater includes one or more organic contaminant materials and is pre-treated prior to filtering by the following steps The pH of the wastewater is adjusted to a pH in the range of about 2 to 6, and a combination of iron salts and peroxide are added to the wastewater and allowed to react for a period of at least about three minutes. Next, the pH of the wastewater is adjusted upwards to a value of at least 7 and precipitating or flocculating agents are added to form an insoluble contaminant bearing compound. The compound is then filtered from the wastewater thereby removing the contaminant materials from the wastewater. This invention is particularly suited for use with single pass flow-through filters, and most particularly suitable for high flow rate single pass flow-through filters.

Abstract: A process and a composite for removing toxic cations and anions from blood or dialysate is disclosed. The process involves contacting blood or dialysate with a shaped ion exchange composite to remove ammonium and phosphate ions. The composite is a mixture of an anion exchange composition such as zirconia and a microporous cation exchange composition formed into a shaped article and optionally containing a binder such as hydrous zirconium oxide. The microporous cation exchangers are represented by the following empirical formula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration-detection device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including a filtration device having a first binding material immobilized thereto, wherein the first binding material is capable of binding to a portion of the analyte, and a detection assembly positioned relative to the filtration device to detect or quantify analyte bound to the first binding material. The present invention also relates to methods of using the filtration-detection device.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of fluorine waste water has an introduction tank, a main treatment tank, a calcium hydroxide tank, a polychlorinated aluminum tank, a macromolecular flocculant tank, a settling tank, and a concentration tank. Fluorine waste water is introduced through the introduction tank into a lower part of the main treatment tank through a lower inlet pipe. Also, return sludge from the concentration tank and silicon sludge from a silicon waste water treatment system are introduced into an upper part of the main treatment tank. Thus, silicon recovered from silicon waste water is recycled for treatment of fluorine waste water. Also, unreacted chemicals, which have been loaded in the calcium hydroxide tank, polychlorinated aluminum tank, macromolecular flocculant tank, are recycled. The main treatment tank has no stirrer, and thus conserves electrical energy, but can neutralize the waste water.

Abstract: A water purification system and method suitable for use in swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, water storage tanks, wells and water cooling towers adds (i) an oxidizing agent, preferably granulated or caked chlorine, (ii) metal ions, preferably silver from a galvanic cell having a silver anode electrically connected to a cathode made from a metal of still higher electrochemical potential, normally platinum, and, optionally (iii) an algaecide, preferably chelated copper and/or phosphate-removing compound, and/or (iv) a phosphate-reducing compound, all in synergistic combination. The galvanic cell is preferably some tens of square centimeters in size and some tens of grams in weight, thereby liberating sufficient silver or copper ions so as to aid in treating a multi-thousand liter body of water, such as a swimming pool, for, typically under normal contamination, some weeks to months until the anode is consumed.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment process that provides improved reduction of total solids through endogenous respiration while reducing biochemical oxygen demand and utilizing biological nutrient reduction. The wastewater treatment process uses an efficient aeration delivery system to drastically reduce the time needed to oxidize organic matter, and re-circulates, shreds and homogenizes the organic matter and microorganisms and oxygenates the entire mass many more times than traditional systems resulting in a greater biological solids digestion rate.

Abstract: A method of quickly decomposing and removing an organic chlorine compound, which comprises coating a liquid containing an organic chlorine compound on the surface of a photocatalyst so that the liquid does not flow, said photocatalyst comprising a hollandite-type crystal phase represented by the formula: AxMyN8-yO16 (wherein A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Ba and Na, M is a bivalent or trivalent metal element, N is an element which forms a rutile-type oxide, such as Ti, Sn or Mn, provided that A may be a Na element, only when M is Cr, and x and y satisfy 0.7<x≦2.0 and 0.7<y≦2.0, respectively), followed by irradiation with light in air so that the organic chlorine compound undergoes quick and complete oxidative destruction.

Abstract: A method of integrated resin preconditioning and hydrogen peroxide purification is provided. The method includes preconditioning a resin by washing the resin with deionized water to produce a washed resin, and contacting an effective amount of a preconditioning hydrogen peroxide solution with the washed resin to remove impurities from the washed resin, thereby producing a preconditioned resin.

Abstract: A process for separating oily films from sand particles carried in a solvent free water stream includes the use of a jet pump scrubber in a density classification tank to treat such oily coated particles at controlled operating temperatures above 65° C. whereby, at such controlled temperature, enhanced cavitation in the jet pump separates the oily film from the sand particles to form slop oil, the tank providing for recirculation of the particles through the jet pump before discharge.

Abstract: A process for photocatalytic removal of organic substances from waste waters, wherein by way of photocatalyst use is made of granulates based on pyrogenically prepared titanium dioxide having the following physicochemical characteristic data: Mean grain diameter: 10 to 150 &mgr;m BET surface: 25 to 100 m2/g pH value: 3 to 6 Compacted bulk density: 100 to 1,200 g/l.

Abstract: Provided are methods for substantially removing organic substances from an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution is contacted with a synthetic hydrated calcium silicate. Components that can be removed from aqueous solution include bacterial, plant, algal and fungal components. Exemplary components include endotoxins. The aqueous solution comprises, for example, water, a chemically buffered solution, a pharmaceutical solution, a solution comprising a nutritional supplement, a culture medium, or a growth medium. Other examples include pharmaceutical compendial water and non-compendial water. In one embodiment of the method, the pH of the aqueous solution is maintained at a selected pH to promote the separation, for example, about pH 5.5 to 9.5, or, e.g., about pH 5.5 to 7.5.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in situ purification of aquifers contaminated with ethers and/or alcohols using a bacterial culture, a method of delivering the culture to the subsurface, and an oxygen delivery system.

Abstract: An automatic system and process for effectively, reliably and economically reconditioning for direct reuse various waste water, and particularly that in the poultry and other food processing industries, without the use of added chemicals and filter-aid compounds. The system includes water filtration and purification units, the purification unit consisting of an ultra-violet sterilizer. The integrity of the reconditioned water is continuously monitored in-line by sensors, which information is directly correlated to correspond to associated levels of solids and microorganisms. This invention presents a fully automated process to provide reconditioned water essentially free of microorganisms and of acceptable clarity to meet current United States Department of Agriculture regulations for food processing reuse.

Abstract: The remediation treatment creates environmentally neutral species from hydrocarbon contaminants. For soils having a low porosity, fissures are created in the site by, for example, fluid, i.e., hydraulic or pneumatic, fracturing. A catalyst is injected into the site and is permitted to diffuse through the site. An oxidizing agent is then introduced into the site to release a free radical in a Fenton-type reaction. The compounds react to release a free radical, which acts upon the contaminants to form environmentally neutral species. Diffusion of both compounds is aided by turbulence induced in the groundwater. A pH-adjusting compound is added to optimize reaction conditions. Reaction vapors are collected above ground, filtered, and vented to the atmosphere, reducing the chance for gas pressure buildup and possibly dangerous, potentially explosive conditions.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency and usable life in a cross flow membrane filter used to remove contaminants from bilgewater. The bilgewater is passed upstream of the cross filter membrane through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The contaminants are thereby immobilized at the media. The purified output from the infused filtration media is then provided as input for the cross flow membrane filter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which alkanes such as butane are used to degrade pollutants such as tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CT) at contaminated sites. In a preferred embodiment, pollutant concentrations are reduced by injecting a butane substrate into a contaminated area to stimulate the growth of anaerobic butane-utilizing bacteria which degrade the pollutants. In addition to the anaerobic treatment, the area may optionally be treated aerobically by switching from anaerobic to aerobic conditions.

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds are removed from contaminated soil by introducing one or both of a water soluble peroxygen compound, such as a persulfate, and a permanganate into the soil, either in situ or ex situ, in amounts and under conditions wherein both the soil oxidant demand is satisfied and volatile organic compounds in the soil are oxidized. In a preferred embodiment, when both are used, the peroxygen satisfies the soil oxidant demand and the permanganate oxidizes the volatile organic compounds. Sodium persulfate is the preferred persulfate and potassium permanganate is preferred permanganate. The persulfate and the permanganate may be added to the soil sequentially, or may be mixed together and added as an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A photodegradative process is described for the purification of water contaminated by ether-based compounds, especially methylterbutyl ether (MTBE) or its analogous products, which comprises the following steps: (a) treatment of the contaminated water with an inorganic acid up to a pH ranging from 4.0 to 4.5 with the elimination of the carbon dioxide thus formed; (b) dispersion in the water of solid particles of a metal oxide of the semiconductor type or dissolution of a stream consisting of ozone in pure oxygen or air; (c) irradiation of the dispersion or solution obtained in step (b) with ultraviolet light to degrade the ether-based contaminants.

Abstract: In the waste water treatment apparatus, organic matter-containing fluorine waste water is treated in a reaction tank into which biological sludge and calcium-containing chemical sludge are introduced, thus making it possible to treat organic matters in the waste water by microorganisms contained in the biological sludge, and simultaneously to treat fluorine in the waste water by the calcium-containing chemical sludge. Therefore, since organic matters in the waste water and fluorine in the waste water, which differ in chemical properties from each other, can be treated with one reaction tank, it is no longer necessary to provide two reaction tanks, thus allowing the initial cost to be reduced. That is, this waste water treatment apparatus is capable of reducing the quantity of waste materials and reducing both initial cost and running cost.

Abstract: Wastewater streams containing various pollutants are economically and efficiently treated at ambient temperature and pressure with hydrogen peroxide, oxygen or ozone in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst comprising an element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Ru, Co, Fe, Cu, Mn, Li and a mixture thereof supported on a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, SnO2, PbO and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating groundwater, or other water streams contaminated with oxygenate(s), particularly MTBE and TBA, characterized by improved biodegradation of MTBE, the biodegradation of TBA, and reduced frequency of the need to change the carbon bed, which comprises inoculating a biodegrader capable of degrading said oxygenate on an activated carbon bed through a rigid tubular instrument having a plurality of holes around the circumference of the end used for inoculation of the carbon bed by a method that optimizes dispersion and colonization; and flowing said groundwater, or other water stream contaminated with said oxygenate through a structure having a top, bottom and sides and a predetermined volume containing said bed of activated carbon having said biodegrader inoculated thereon. The invention is also an apparatus for biodegradation of oxygenate(s).

Abstract: An aquaculture wastewater treatment system is provided including three wastewater treatment subsystems. The first subsystem is comprised of a fish raceway solids removal channel populated with relatively high densities of a detritivorous fish such as tilapia and/or carp, that have high potential as an efficient means of feeding on, and thereby, removing suspended solids and particulate matter that are present in the primary fish production effluent. The second wastewater treatment subsystem is comprised of an enhanced form of nitrifying reactor termed the Suspended Media Ammonia Removal Technology (SMART) biofilter reactor subsystem. This water treatment component consists of an open ditch bioreactor oxidation vessel in which water is circulated by means of one or more powered paddlewheels.

Abstract: A process and system for enhanced nitrogen removal in a wetlands wastewater treatment facility is disclosed. Air is bubbled into the wetland to form an overall aerobic zone to enhance nitrification of the ammonia in the wastewater. A portion of the effluent is recycled back to the nutrient rich, anaerobic zone of the inlet of the wetland to enhance denitrification of the wastewater.

Abstract: The precipitation and removal of suspended organic containing particles, such as starch, and other suspended solids from a given solution can be accomplished by the addition of multivalent metal ions and their complexes in order to form metal ion/organic particle complexes and the addition of a flocculating agent to flocculate the metal ion/organic particle complexes into insoluble particles capable of removal by conventional technology.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention for treating a gas containing a substance to be decomposed comprises an adsorption unit equipped with an adsorbent for adsorbing the substance to be decomposed, a steam introduction unit for bringing steam into contact with the adsorbent, a condensation unit for obtaining a condensed liquid containing the substance to be decomposed from the steam containing the substance, a reaction tank, a condensed liquid supply unit for supplying the condensed liquid to the reaction tank, a hypochlorous acid supply unit for supplying a solution containing hypochlorous acid to the reaction tank, and a light irradiation unit for irradiating the reaction tank with light.

Abstract: A method of processing waste water comprises atomizing waste water under selected atmospheric conditions to achieve substantially complete phase change of the water. The atomization is conducted by spraying waste water from a nozzle mounted on a tower adjacent a catchment area for collecting ice crystals produced by the phase change of the atomized waste water into ice crystals, under atmospheric conditions favorable to freezing of atomized water droplets into ice.

Abstract: A process for optimizing the rate of oxidation using halogen, e.g. chlorine donors to prevent the accumulation of undesirable chlorinated by-products. The feed rate of a chlorine donor is controlled for maintaining a desired ORP. The amount of free halogen is reduced and the ORP range expanded by addition of an effective amount of a coagulating agent. The rate of oxidation is sufficient to prevent the accumulation of the undesirable by-products. Treatment removes the by-products from the water and surrounding air by maintaining continuous breakpoint halogenation conditions.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting apparatus of a column system, comprising a column having an inlet for introducing a liquid to be treated and an outlet for a discharged gas in an upper part thereof, and an inlet for introducing a gas and an outlet for a treated liquid after gas-liquid contact in a lower part thereof, and at least two units comprising a packing material or a wetted wall structure, said units being separated by a gas back mixing preventer plate between the upper and lower parts, wherein the liquid introduced and the gas introduced are brought into countercurrent contact while keeping the gas phase as a continuous phase; and a process for producing an ozone liquid, a process for oxidizing an organic substance in a liquid, a process for removing a gas dissolved in a liquid, a process for treating a volatile substance in a liquid, a process for dissolving a gas into a liquid, each using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating waste water including the steps of: oxidizing the waste water, and then treating the oxidized waste water with a reverse osmosis membrane having high salt rejection rate. By being treated with the reverse osmosis membrane, the waste water is separated into a impermeated liquid which contains a oxidizable substance, and a permeated liquid which contains almost no oxidizable substance.

Abstract: Methods of extracting liquid hydrocarbon contaminants from underground zones are provided. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of introducing a hot purge gas into an underground zone containing a pool of liquid hydrocarbon contaminants whereby light liquid hydrocarbons in and around the pool are evaporated and dense liquid hydrocarbons in the pool are evaporated to some extent, charred, auto-ignited and combusted, and removing the hot purge gas, the evaporated light liquid hydrocarbons and combustion gases from the combustion of the dense liquid hydrocarbons in the zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating various kinds of drain water and waste liquid which treatment now becomes a problem, for example, drain water and waste liquid containing hardly removable phosphorus and nitrogen, waste liquid containing organochlorine compounds such as tetrachloroethylene, etc., excretive drain water from a piggery containing organonitrogen compounds at a high level, waste liquid containing heavy metals such as lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and the like, drain water from dairy product plants, fishery processing plants, slaughterhouses, etc. which contains water soluble protein at a high level, drain water from pulp plants, photo developing waste liquid, car wash drain water containing a mixture of car polishing wax and detergent and the like by the use of porous ceramics provided with amorphous pore surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of fluorine waste water has an introduction tank, a main treatment tank, a calcium hydroxide tank, a polychlorinated aluminum tank, a macromolecular flocculant tank, a settling tank, and a concentration tank. Fluorine waste water is introduced from the introduction tank into a lower part of the main treatment tank through a lower inlet pipe. Also, return sludge from the concentration tank and silicon sludge from a silicon waste water treatment system are introduced into an upper part of the main treatment tank. Thus, silicon recovered from silicon waste water is recycled for treatment of fluorine waste water. Also, unreacted chemicals, which have been loaded in the calcium hydroxide tank, polychlorinated aluminum tank, macromolecular flocculant tank, are recycled. The main treatment tank has no stirrer and thus conserves electrical energy, but can still neutralize the waste water.

Abstract: A process for optimizing the rate of oxidation using a combination of halogen, e.g. chlorine donors and peroxygen, e.g. potassium monopersulfate. The peroxygen compound elevates the oxidation-reduction potential of the body of water being treated. Simultaneously, a halogen donor is added to the body of water to maintain a PPM level of free halogen sufficient to insure sanitization. The amount of free halogen is reduced and the ORP effective range expanded to 700-850 mv by addition of an effective amount of a coagulating agent. The feed rates and concentrations of both oxidizers are optimized so as to achieve and maintain the targeted parameters. A high level of oxidation is maintained which removes by-products from the water and surrounding air.

Abstract: In a method for processing a biologically hardly degradable waste water including benzene ring materials, the waste water is oxidized by using ozone to produce oxalic acid. Then, the oxalic acid is reacted using a chemical reaction to produce oxalate. Finally, the oxalate is separated out from the waste water.

Abstract: A device (10) and method for separating oleaginous matter from a waste fluid. The device (10) includes a chamber (11) having a fluid inlet (19) and a fluid outlet (15) between which a fluid, such as waste water, may pass through the chamber (11). The chamber (11) contains a plurality of oleophilic polypropylene cylindrical rods (14) disposed in the fluid flow path between the inlet and outlet. The rods (14) being oleophilic attract and separate the oleaginous matter from the fluid passing through the chamber (11). The chamber (11) can also be mounted within a larger vessel (20) and over a holding container (30) that provides further treatments of the fluid passing through the device.

Abstract: A single step wet oxidation process for treating wastewaters containing organic species, with or without heteroatoms, and anions of strong acids, e.g. sulfate or phosphate ion, or cations of strong bases, e.g., sodium, potassium or calcium ions, and which may contain ammonium ion and/or nitrate ion in addition to added ammonium ion and/or nitrate ion was developed which on thermal treatment near the critical temperature of water removes substantially all the COD and nitrogen through conversion to water, carbon dioxide or carbonate species, nitrogen gas and small amounts of nitrous oxide. Key to the success of the process is the balancing of all reducing species with an equivalent amount of oxidizing species and the balancing of all strong acid anions with strong base cations and including at least 0.06 acetate ion for moles of nitrate in the wet oxidation process.

Abstract: A method for biological nutrient control to modify nutrient levels in open waters so that these waters can produce food, be used for recreation, and be healthy areas for human activities or for other uses. This system can be designed and operated to increase, decrease or maintain nutrient levels. Large numbers of filter feeding shellfish which produce pseudofeces (with one notable process exception) can be retained in slow to intermediate water flow where phytoplankton production can be counted on to support them. These Molluscan shellfish are held in aquaculture production and used to filter particulate and colloidal materials as well as microscopic plants from the water. The shellfish then process this material. The removal of particulate and colloidal material by the shellfish from the water column can be used to increase light penetration, thereby allowing photosynthesis to occur at an increased depth, providing oxygen to the sediment/water interface.