Abstract: A process for purifying water, wherein the water, which is polluted by a mixture of halogenated compounds, preferably halogenated hydrocarbons, is passed through at least two reactors (treatment stages) packed with a porous material populated by one or more microorganisms, one of the reactors being operated under anaerobic conditions and being followed by an aerobically operated reactor; in this way, almost complete elimination of the halogenated compounds, preferably halogenated hydrocarbons, is achieved.

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 a stoichimetric amount of oxidant 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: A method for oxidizing organic and/or heavy metal contaminants in wastewaters, sludges, or soils containing such contaminants by contacting the wastewaters, sludges, or soils with soybean peroxidase and a peroxide.

Abstract: A method of treating BCTMP/CTMP wastewater to improve retention and purification of cellulose fiber suspension and clarification of the BCTMP/CTMP wastewater which comprises the addition of a cationic, water soluble coagulant having a molecular weight less than 15,000,000 in an amount of about 1 to about 300 ppm; and a high molecular weight flocculant selected from the group consisting of: nonionic polymers having a molecular weight in the range between about 500,000 to about 30,000,000, low charge cationic polymers having a molecular weight in the range between about 5,000,000 to about 30,000,000, and low charge anionic polymers having a molecular weight in the range between about 5,000,000 to about 30,000,000, in an amount of about 0.1 to about 100 ppm.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for removing color from a wastewater stream. The process includes directing the wastewater stream through at least one UV reactor and simultaneously injecting a hydrogen peroxide charge into the wastewater stream exactly at the UV irradiation zone of the reactor. The apparatus of the subject invention includes a UV reactor having a smooth flow channel for wastewater and a zone for exposing the wastewater to UV irradiation. The reactor further includes tubing for directing hydrogen peroxide into the reactor exactly at the UV irradiation zone, such that the hydrogen peroxide is introduced simultaneously to the wastewater stream and the UV irradiation zone.

Abstract: Improved methods for removal of disinfection by-products, halomethanes, precursors thereof and other organic contaminants from water being processed for use as potable or industrial water involve adding to the water being treated in a zone separate from the conventional clarification, softening and filtration steps, and downstream of at least the clarification step, between about 1 to 1000 ppm of powdered activated carbon (PAC), between about 1 to 1000 ppm of bentonite and between about 0.1 to 100 ppm of flocculant polymer, based upon one million parts of the water. The relative proportions of PAC, bentonite and polymer within the stated ranges are selected to give a sludge having a sludge cohesion factor "k" between about 0.5 and 5, especially between 0.6 and 1.5.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for treating an oily substrate, including a mixture comprising water and oily material or a mixture comprising water, solids and oily material as components, and wherein such treatment comprises contacting the oily substrate with a solvent for the oily material, and wherein the solvent for the oily material ranges in solubility in water from sparingly soluble to substantially water insoluble, in the presence of an added comminuting and dispersing surfactant, to produce by such contacting at least one phase differentiating interface, and to thereby render one or more of the components of the oily substrate separable.

Abstract: A process for chemically modifying at least one contaminant component in an aqueous-based material comprising: contacting at least one contaminant component in an aqueous-based material with at least one metal component selected from the group consisting of vanadium components in which vanadium is present in the 5+ oxidation state in an amount effective to promote the chemical modification of the at least one contaminant component in the aqueous-based material, iron components in which iron is present in the 3+ oxidation state in an amount effective to promote the chemical modification of the at least one contaminant component in the aqueous-based material, manganese components in which manganese is present in the 3+ oxidation state in an amount effective to promote the chemical modification of the at least one contaminant component in said aqueous-based material and mixtures thereof, and at least one oxygen transfer agent in an amount effective to do at least one of the following: maintain at least partially

Abstract: A method for enhancing supercritical fluid extraction of sample matrices which contain water. The method involves mixing the samples with an extraction enhancing aid comprising flux-calcined diatomaceous earth which increases the permeability of the sample in a supercritical fluid and controls water during the extraction procedure.

Abstract: A filter for removing at least one hydrocarbon from water is disclosed where the active filter medium is fibrous peat which has been dried to a water content of 5 wt.% or less. A process for removing at least one hydrocarbon from contaminated water involves contacting the contaminated water with peat as described above. A filter assembly is also disclosed where at least two of the filters as described above are connected in series.

Abstract: A method for the decontamination of a soil, sediment, or sludge containing toxic halogenated organic compound and containing water comprising the steps of mixing said soil, sediment, or sludge with a reagent capable of reacting with said halogenated compound and heating said mixture of soil, sediment, or sludge, and reagent in a reaction zone to an elevated temperature thereby forming a reaction zone vapor stream containing at least a portion of the water contained in said soil, sediment, or sludge and unreacted halogenated organic compound; condensing a portion of said reaction zone vapor stream under conditions suitable for the formation of a condensate stream containing substantially all of the halogenated organic compound in said reaction zone vapor stream, and a vapor stream containing water and trace amounts of said halogenated organic compound; recycling said condensate to said reaction zone; treating said vapor stream to remove trace halogenated organic compound and venting the so-treated stream to th

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the content of halogenated organic compounds in the spent bleach liquor from the bleaching of lignocellulose-containing material with compounds containing halogen, wherein the spent bleach liquor, in a stage where no essential delignification or bleaching of the pulp takes place, is maintained at a pH of from 2.5 up to about 10, and wherein the residence time and the temperature are selected such that the amount of dissolved halogenated organic substances in the spent bleach liquor is reduced by at least 30%.

Abstract: An improved method of decontaminating a solvent which contains mustard. The mprovement consists essentially of using polydivinylbenzene to absorb the said mustard.

Abstract: In treating effluent from an integrated paper mill having bleach plant effluent (including kraft mill effluent) and paper mill effluent (including effluent from a mechanical pulp mill) it has been found that if the two effluents are separately biologically treated and the recycled activated sludge directed to treatment of the bleach plant kraft mill effluent contains a significant portion of activated sludge derived from the treatment of the paper mill effluent that a significantly higher percentage of the absorbable organic halogens (AOX) can be removed from the bleach plant effluent.

Abstract: Process for treating wastewater containing citric acid and triethanolamine nd heavy metals by subjecting the wastewater to treatment with hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light (UV) and in the presence of ferrous ion as catalyst, to substantially decompose the citric acid and the triethanolamine. Wastewater generated from ship bilge cleaning and containing up to 10% citric acid or up to 5% triethanolamine, or mixtures thereof, can thus be subjected to UV/H.sub.2 O.sub.2 treatment with ferrous ion in a concentration thereof of about 20 to about 100 ppm, without forming chelates of iron and other heavy metals with citric acid or with triethanolamine, to decompose up to 90% or more of the citric acid and triethanolamine.

Abstract: A process for destruction of hazardous materials in a medium of supercritical water without the addition of an oxidant material. The harzardous material is converted to simple compounds which are relatively benign or easily treatable to yield materials which can be discharged into the environment. Treatment agents may be added to the reactants in order to bind certain materials, such as chlorine, in the form of salts or to otherwise facilitate the destruction reactions.

Abstract: A process for removal of adsorbable organic chlorine (AOX) in which the acid-soluble AOX present in kraft chlorination (C.sub.D) effluents are destablized and converted to inorganic chloride by pH shift using the alkalinity and acidity sources available at the mill; C.sub.D effluent, typically having a pH of 1-2 and E.sub.1 effluent, typically having a pH of 9-12 can be mixed in various proportions to achieve a pH between 6.5-9.0 or the C.sub.D effluent is adjusted in pH to 6-11 with an alkaline composition so taht alkaline hydrolysis as well as precipitation of organic material occurs and the treated effluent contains less AOX than present in the original untreated effluents; the AOX removal is enhanced substantially by (i) the presence of a sulphide or (ii) by carrying out the alkaline treatment at elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An absorption process of using polydivinylbenzene to remove nerve agents h as GD from a conventional solvent such as chlorofluorocarbon which itself is used to decontaminate a surface such as armament.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by quilting, with threads, fibers, filaments or strands of flexible material at spaced locations over essentially the entire outer surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: A method for separation of PVA from an aqueous solution thereof such as the waste water containing PVA from the pretreatment of a textile product, in which a peroxosulfate such as ammonium peroxosulfate is added to an aqueous PVA solution, particularly in an acidic condition with addition of sulfuric acid, at a temperature above 70.degree. C. for the separation of PVA, and as a result the thus separated PVA contains only a small amount of water in the range of about 60-70% and can easily be treated.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to an apparatus for removing organic compounds from water which comprises: a housing having an opening therein, the housing being capable of retaining an organic solvent therein; and a nonporous membrane covering the opening, the membrane being capable of allowing organic compounds from the water to diffuse therethrough. The subject invention also provides method of removing organic compounds from water and a method for detecting the presence or determining the amount of organic compounds in the water.

Abstract: Treating formaldehyde or formaldehyde containing solutions which are used for tissue fixation, for providing biological sample preservatives and the like to permit a readily available disposal of formaldehyde by dumping or for external treatment without harming the environment. Formaldehyde or solutions thereof are contacted with a composition containing urea, phosphoric acid or ammonium chloride and water, they are allowed to be neutralized by the composition and the reaction product can readily be disposed.

Abstract: Decontamination of a beach or soil area that has hydrocarbon contamination including removing hydrocarbon contaminated sand or soil from an area; mixing the contaminated soil or sand with cement and water; and forming concrete from the mix.

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 method for substantially degrading and detoxifying soils contaminated with haloorganic compounds is shown. The method comprises contacting a soil, sediment, or sludge containing less that 5% by weight of a haloorganic contaminant, with a reagent of the formula MX, where M is a metal selected from the group consisting of K, Na, Ca, Zn, Mg, Ba, Pb, and X is hydroxide, carbonate, oxide, or acetate. The contact and subsequent reaction is carried out under conditions which insure the phase compatibility of the haloorganic contaminant and the reagent, and preferably under anhydrous conditions. The contact is carried out for a time sufficient to effect the dehalogenation of at least 90% of the contaminant.

Abstract: A chemical process for selectively removing organoselenium compounds and selenate from water supplies. The process utilizes a combination of transition metal selected from the group consisting of nickel and copper and an electropositive metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium and aluminum to effectively remove selenium whether present in the water as organic or inorganic compounds or in ionic or non-ionic form.

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 for purifying contaminated aqueous solutions without using ion exchange resins or organic solvents is provided. The process comprises contacting an aqueous solution with a getter compound and a non-polymeric carrier compound in a dispersed state to remove dissolved contaminants or recover dissolved valuable materials. Suitable carrier compounds having pendant long chain hydrocarbon radicals and hydrophilic moieties are disclosed. The process is highly efficient and effective for removing a wide variety of dissolved contaminants such as metal ions, non-metal ions and dissolved organic contaminants such as dyes.

Abstract: A dry flocculant powder comprises an inorganic substrate consisting essentially of metal oxide/hydroxide particles having an average particle size of less than about 30 microns, said substrate having a cationic or anionic polyelectrolyte coated onto its outer surface, preferably under other than high shear conditions. A method for coating or adhering polyelectrolytes to the outermost surface of inorganic particles comprises dispersing a polyelectrolyte in a substantially non-aqueous solvent, preferably having a low boiling point and a low to intermediate polarity relative to the polyelectrolyte; adding the inorganic particles to the solvent to form a slurry; mixing the slurry under low to moderate shear conditions; and removing excess solvent from the slurry. There is also disclosed a method for removing clay, clay-like materials, humic acids, yeast, biological cells and/or other cell debris from an aqueous stream through contact with the aforementioned dry flocculant powder.

Abstract: A polydivinylbenezene macroreticular strong acid resin can effectively detaminate solutions containing organophosphorus chemical warfare agents such as o-ethyl S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothiolate (VX).

Abstract: The content of halo-organic pollutants in water is lowered to residual AOX values below 1 mg/l, preferably below 0.1 mg/l by adjusting the Fe.sup.2+ comtent of the water to 20 to 1000 mg/l, adding a precipitated or pyrogenic silicic acid, converting 20 to 1000 mg of the Fe.sup.2+ into Fe.sup.3+ by adding in an oxidation agent, preferably hydrogen peroxide, and separating the iron (III) hydroxy complexes formed and the silicic acid, which contain the halo-organic pollutants in an adsorbed state, at pH 5-10. The method can be controlled in a simple manner as regards the addition of Fe.sup.2+ and oxidation agent via the Fe.sup.2+ /Fe.sup.3+ redox potential.

Abstract: Methylotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms are supported on a rigid substrate bed. Oxygen, such as from air, and a low-molecular-weight alkane, such as methane, flow through the bed. Organic compounds in contaminated water processing through the bed are biodegraded by the microorganisms. The bed may be formed of manufactured particlate material, such as of activated carbon. These bed-forming materials may be preloaded with organic carbon materials to provide a nutrient source for the microogranisms. The biological reactor may continuously treat effluent from, for example, an industrial plant, in either a batch or continuous process. A water solids removal subsystem may be positioned upstream of the biological reactor to remove organic carbon compounds and various solids from the contaminated water prior to treatment. Optional bed cleaning mechanisms may also be included in the biological reactor.

Abstract: A process for purifying contaminated aqueous solutions without using ion exchange resins or organic solvents is provided. The process comprises contacting an aqueous solution with a non-polymeric getter compound in a dispersed state to remove dissolved contaminants or recover dissolved valuable materials. Suitable getter compounds having pendant long chain hydrocarbon radicals and complexing moieties are disclosed. The process is highly efficient and effective for removing a wide variety of dissolved contaminants such as metal ions, non-metal ions and dissolved organic contaminants such as dyes.

Abstract: A method for purifying water containing pollutant mixtures is described, which uses a reactor containing a semiconductor as reaction catalyst and a lamp which emits radiation having a wavelength of less than 400 nm. The reactor, characterized in that its walls allow water and the pollutant substances to pass through, is immersed in the water to be purified so that the pollutants contained in it reach the reactor interior where they are adsorbed on the semiconductor activated by light radiation, and are then degraded.

Abstract: A method of detoxifying a component of contaminated soil containing a halogenated organic compound including contacting the contaminated soil with atomic hydrogen in an amount effective to react with halogen contained in the compound and substituting the hydrogen for the halogen.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are recovered from acid sludge by mixing the sludge with methyl ethyl ketone and base. A hydrocarbon-rich methyl ethyl ketone stream and a solids-containing stream are separated from the mixture, and a hydrocarbon stream is separated from the hydrocarbon-rich methyl ethyl ketone stream.

Abstract: Methods are provided for removing contaminants from an aqueous solution to yield a less contaminated aqueous effluent. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises coprecipitating non-volatile contaminants (i.e., heavy metals, light metals, cyanide, phenolics, oil and grease, TSS, BOD, COD, and/or TOC) with a carrier precipitate which is formed in situ within the aqueous solution. In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises partitioning volatile organic contaminants between a liquid phase and a gas phase. In yet a further embodiment, the above versions of the invention are simultaneously performed in the same reaction vessel.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid effluent or groundwater containing organic contaminants is provided. The liquid effluent or groundwater containing the organic contaminants is contacted with hydrogen peroxide and transition metal ions. The hydrogen peroxide and transition metal ions are present in effective amounts based on the concentration of the organic contaminants in the liquid effluent or groundwater. The liquid effluent or groundwater is then irradiated with UV light having a poly- chromatic output between about 200 to 400 nm to decompose the organic contaminants. The ratio of hydrogen peroxide to transition metal ions is selected so as to favor the absorption of UV light by the hydrogen peroxide in the irradiation step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dehalogenating and further biodegrading organic compounds, including halogenated organic compounds, present in an aqueous mixture, the mixture comprising the waste effluent produced in a continuous high flow rate by an industrial plant such as a bleach pulp or paper mill using chlorine and chlorine compounds. The aqueous mixture is passed through at least one combination of a first oxygen-enriched liquid zone and a second zone containing a mixed population of methylotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms supported on a substrate bed. A first gas including oxygen is flowed through the first zone and second gas consisting substantially of a low-molecular-weight alkane is flowed through the second zone as the aqueous mixture passes through the first and second zones.

Abstract: A method of treating dichloromethane laden streams to prevent discharge into the environment by contacting the laden stream with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide and an alkylene ether glycol.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for immobilizing environmentally noxious organic, particularly aromatic, substances by absorbing them on a layered clay mineral modified by exchange with a quaternary ammonium compound, thereby increasing the spacing between the layers and rendering the adsorption surfaces hydrophobic.After adsorption of the organic compounds the spacing between the layers of the layered clay mineral is reduced by a layer spacing reducing agent, and subsequently the clay mineral containing the organic compounds is mixed with a hardenable inorganic binder and the whole is hardened.A typical example of a modifying agent is a quanternary ammonium compound, and of a layer spacing reducing agent an alkaline substance, such as sodium hydroxide.Typical clay minerals are chosen among the smectite minerals, tectosilicates and phyllosilicates; preferably montmorillonite clay is used.The inorganic binder may be a calcium hydroxide compound or a calcium containing cement, preferably containing fly ash.

Abstract: Compositions and devices are provided for the specific removal of components of plasma in efficient and economical ways. The devices provide for a tortuous path of the plasma through a high surface material to which is bound a binding compound for removal of the fluid component. The devices find particular application with plasma, in diagnosis, therapy, and for production of specific physiologically active materials.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating an inert solid substantially inorganic fraction comprising sand or soil from a tarry or oily organic matter in a feedstock. The feedstock may be contaminated soil or tarry waste. The feedstock is combined with pulverized coal and water. The ratio (oil or tar to dry weight of coal) of about 1.0:10 to about 4.0:10 at a temperature in the range of 60.degree.-95.degree. C. The mixture is agitated, the coarse particles are removed, and up to about 0.10% by weight (based on weight of coal) of a frothing agent is added. The mixture is then subjected to flotation, and the froth is removed from the mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conditioning of liquid organic substances and biomass, particularly of municipal sewage sludge, with the help of chelating agents and enzymes, by breaking the organic substance down in an aerobic-conditioning reactor by addition of chelating agents and enzymes, this is discontinued prior to the complete dissolution of the organic matter after a time period of 0.5 to 20 hours. The mixture of substances is then subjected to an open-top non-aerated postreaction phase of 5 to 15 hours during which biogenous flocculation takes place. A solid-liquid separation follows.

Abstract: A process for effecting thermal decomposition of explosive nitric acid esters in wastewater effluents of the explosives industry wherein no additional by-products are produced and wherein the danger of explosions is avoided. In this process, the dissolved esters are exposed to a temperature of between 150.degree. and 300.degree. C. under pressure lying above the boiling pressure of the wastewater. During this step, the nitric acid esters are completely decomposed, and the wastewater treated in this way can then be passed on to further processing and purification. In a preferred embodiment, the hot wastewater exiting from a decomposer unit is exploited for preheating the effluent before it enters the decomposer unit.

Abstract: Water supply contamination is reduced within a formation or eliminated in a flooding procedure utilizing an alkaline aqueous solution. Biodegradable polymer provides a desired viscosity and mobility. Biodegradable surfactant and alkali provide any needed interfacial tension reduction. Additives, e.g., chelating agents, can be utilized for solubilization of insoluble contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for purifying an underground water supply containing halogenated aliphatic compounds by in-situ biodegradation of said compounds, comprising injecting water into an aquifer zone, the injected water containing an electron donor capable of being utilized by an indigenous population of microorganisms contained in the groundwater supply as a primary growth substrate, and an electron acceptor for oxidation of the primary substrate, by separate addition of electron donor and electron acceptor temporally or spatially to stimulate growth of the microorganisms and to distribute them throughout the aquifer zone to cause in-situ degradation of the halogenated aliphatic compounds by metabolic activity of the microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of treating and removing volatile organic contaminants from ground water by treating the water with effective amounts of a water-soluble polymeric sequesterant comprising polymers derived from acrylic acid or organic acid, followed by the addition of a biocide, e.g., chlorine, and then subsequently passing the treated water through a packed column or air stripper wherein the volatile organic contaminants are removed by passing air in a counter-direction to the flow of water at temperatures ranging from about 40.degree. to about 200.degree. F.

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: 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.