Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method to purify an aqueous solution, typically mine drainage water, especially of anions and cations present in the aqueous solution as dissolved solids, the anions and cations are removed by treatment with a positively charged extractant having at least eight carbon atoms, whereby an unstable emulsion is formed; the unstable emulsion is allowed to break into an extract phase loaded with the anions and cations, and a water phase depleted in anions and cations; a floc inherently forms in the loaded extractant phase and then the loaded extractant phase and floc are separated from the purified water and treated to remove the anions and cations as concentrated useful products; the treated aqueous phase now reduced in anion and/or cation content is also separated from the emulsion as a purified aqueous solution. The extractant phase is preferably recycled. A continuous water purification process is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method of producing an aqueous powder composition for treating water comprise mixing sodium metabisulfite powder with amines, wherein the amines comprises liquid cyclohexylamine, and adding water to the mixture of sodium metabisulfite powder and liquid cyclohexylamine to catalyze the production of the aqueous powder composition.

Abstract: A novel composition for a photocatalyst Fe doped ZnO nano-particle photocatalyst that enables the decontamination process by degrading toxic organic material such as brilliant cresyl blue, indigo carmine and gentian blue by using solar light is described. In the current disclosure method of making a specific size of the nano photocatalyst is described. Characterization of the photocatalyst, optimal working conditions and efficient use of solar light has been described to show that this photocatalyst is unique. The process described to use the photocatalyst to degrade toxic organic material using the solar light to activate the photocatalyst is cost efficient and cheap to clean our water resources.

Abstract: The present invention refers to lightweight and settable photocatalytic compositions and solid composites; methods of preparing the compositions and solid composites; and their use in water purification. The compositions are comprised of photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), lightweight glass bubbles, and a hydraulic cementing binder. The lightweight and settable photocatalytic compositions can be formed into lightweight photocatalytic solid composites and/or structures by mixing with water and moist curing. This invention also describes relatively simple, fast, and cost effective methodologies to photodope the TiO2—ZnO compositions and composites with silver (Ag), to enhance and extend the photocatalytic activity from the ultraviolet into the visible light spectrum. The lightweight and settable TiO2—ZnO and Ag—TiO2—ZnO compositions are used in making solids, structures, coatings, and continuous or semi-continuous water purification panels for purifying contaminated water.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation, deposition and adherence of calcium salt scale to metallic and other surfaces in the equipment, vessels and/or piping of a chemical pulp process facility comprising adding an effective scale inhibiting amount of a composition to the alkaline aqueous mixture in the digester of said chemical pulping process. Said composition consists of at least one phosphonate component (I) and at least one component (II) consisting of at least one carboxylated fructan compound.

Abstract: A product-by-process produces a product having a vibrational frequency to balance the chemistry of water when untreated water is exposed to the product to thereby enhance the biophysical properties of water, without adding any compound to the water. The result of the exposure is that the physical properties of specific gravity, conductivity, and resistivity of water are modified, and the biophysical properties of the treated water in organisms such as humans, including but not limited to hydration, oxygenation, and detoxification, are enhanced as verified by human clinical tests.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of separating a first soluble salt from water that contains the first soluble salt and a second soluble salt, by (a) adding a composition to a water product containing a first soluble salt and a second soluble salt, the composition comprising seed crystals composed substantially of a target insoluble salt to be formed from the first soluble salt; and (b) collecting the target insoluble salt. These methods may be used, for example, to separate strontium from water that includes at least one soluble strontium salt and a second soluble salt (such as one soluble calcium salt).

Abstract: A composition comprising a polyhydroxyoxoaluminum cation detectable at 76 ppm by 27Al NMR that is present in a relative abundance on a 27Al NMR spectrograph that is greater than any other polyhydroxyoxoaluminum cation detectable by 27Al NMR. Also, disclosed are methods of making the composition.

Abstract: Water soluble or water dispersible terpolymers are employed in high pressure steam generating systems to control deposit formation and contaminant transport in the aqueous medium in such systems. The terpolymer may comprise repeat units formed from acrylic acid, allylalkoxylated ethers, and allylhydroxylated alkyl ether.

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

Abstract: Toxic organic materials contaminate water resources and one need to find an easy and energy efficient way to decontaminate water resources. The current invention discloses a photocatalyst Fe doped ZnO nano-particle photocatalyst that enables the decontamination process by degrading toxic organic material such as brilliant cresyl blue, indigo carmine and gentian blue by using solar light. In the current disclosure many examples of characterization of the photocatalyst, optimal working conditions and efficient use of solar light has been described. The process described to use the photocatalyst to degrade toxic organic material using the solar light to activate the photocatalyst is cost efficient and cheap to clean our water resources.

Abstract: Dissolved oxygen may be generated by adding a peroxide to a fluid stream and then catalytically decomposing the peroxide to generate oxygen. As the peroxide is catalytically decomposed, the oxygen may solubilize in a surrounding fluid so as to provide dissolved oxygen. In some examples, the amount of peroxide added to the fluid stream is controlled such that substantially all of the hydrogen peroxide added to the fluid stream catalytically decomposes and yet the dissolved oxygen concentration of the fluid stream does not exceed a dissolved oxygen saturation limit for the fluid stream.

Abstract: Dissolved oxygen may be generated by adding a peroxide to a fluid stream and then catalytically decomposing the peroxide to generate oxygen. As the peroxide is catalytically decomposed, the oxygen may solubilize in a surrounding fluid so as to provide dissolved oxygen. In some examples, the amount of peroxide added to the fluid stream is controlled such that substantially all of the hydrogen peroxide added to the fluid stream catalytically decomposes and yet the dissolved oxygen concentration of the fluid stream does not exceed a dissolved oxygen saturation limit for the fluid stream.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for removing phosphates, nitrates and heavy metals from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for oxidizing contaminants present in environmental media. The compositions include a mixture of persulfate salts and borate salts to activate the persulfate's oxidation of contaminants.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis of compounds of the formula A2xMxSn3-xS6, where x has a value in the range from 0.5 to 1; A is Li+, Na+, K+, or Rb+; and M is Mg2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, or Fe2+, are provided. Also provided are methods of remediating fluid samples using the compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supported reactant for in situ remediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with a halogenated hydrocarbon consisting essentially of an adsorbent impregnated with elemental iron, wherein the adsorbent is capable of adsorbing the halogenated hydrocarbon. In one embodiment, the adsorbent is activated carbon.

Abstract: A composition includes a polysaccharide graft polymer composition and 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid. In one embodiment, the polysaccharide graft polymer composition includes a polysaccharide residue present in an amount from approximately 5% to approximately 90% by weight of the polysaccharide graft polymer composition and a residue of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or a combination thereof present in an amount from approximately 10% to approximately 75% by weight of the polysaccharide graft polymer composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-layered compacted solid water-purification product, comprising at least one first layer and at least one second layer, characterized in that the first layer comprises at least one flocculating system and at least one dispersion system, the second layer comprises at least one disinfectant which liberates free chlorine on contact with water and at least one excipient for the disinfectant, whereby said excipient releases the disinfectant into the water at a controlled rate such that the combination of excipient and disinfectant releases 0.1 to 100 mg/l of free chlorine per hour. The invention further relates to the method for production of such a product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diatomaceous earth products containing reduced soluble metal levels, processes for reducing soluble metal levels in diatomaceous earth products, and methods of using the same. In particular, diatomaceous earth products are disclosed that have been treated with at least one surface metal blocking agent, and then subjected to at least one thermal treatment process to reduce the level of soluble metals associated therewith. Such diatomaceous earth products containing reduced soluble metal levels may be useful for various applications including, but not limited to, as filter aid materials.

Abstract: Phosphatic clays, and the use of phosphatic clays as a soil wetting agent. Phosphatic clays as wetting agents aid in the retention of water in sandy soil, and/or for prevention or reduction of leaching of nutrients. Due to its unique particle size and shape, phosphatic clay exhibits high water absorbing and retaining qualities. Further, phosphatic clay is readily available as a by-product of mining of phosphatic ore. The phosphatic clay wetting agents increases the effectiveness of the water applied to the soil, thereby reducing the amount of run-off, and reducing the amount of water needed to accomplish sufficient irrigation. The phosphatic clay wetting agents can be delivered to the soil as a sprinkle-on product, spray-on product, soil amendment, fertilizer or seed coating, or fertilizer composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing an oil absorbent composition. The method comprises heating and then de-mineralising a precursor plant material under conditions suitable to produce an oil absorbent composition comprising charcoal. The invention extends to oil absorbent compositions per se, such as charcoal-based compositions, and to various uses of the compositions for efficiently and rapidly absorbing spilled oil, for example from water surfaces, or from bituminous sands.

Abstract: A composition includes an anionic polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition and 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid. In one embodiment, the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition includes a polysaccharide residue present in an amount from approximately 5% to approximately 90% by weight of the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition and a residue of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer present in an amount from approximately 10% to approximately 75% by weight of the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of preventing or reducing scale formation or corrosion by combining at least one scale-forming fluid comprising at least one scaling compound with at least one anti-scale material chosen from at least one scale-adsorbent agent. The methods may reduce or prevent the formation of scale on surfaces of liquid-related process equipment, such as boilers and heat exchangers.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method to purify an aqueous solution, typically mine drainage water, especially of anions and cations present in the aqueous solution as dissolved solids, the anions and cations are removed by treatment with a positively charged extractant having at least eight carbon atoms, whereby an unstable emulsion is formed; the unstable emulsion is allowed to break into an extract phase loaded with the anions and cations, and a water phase depleted in anions and cations; a floc inherently forms in the loaded extractant phase and then the loaded extractant phase and floc are separated from the purified water and treated to remove the anions and cations as concentrated useful products; the treated aqueous phase now reduced in anion and/or cation content is also separated from the emulsion as a purified aqueous solution. The extractant phase is preferably recycled. A continuous water purification process is provided.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to mesostructured zeolites. The invention also relates to a method of preparing mesostructured zeolites, as well as using them as cracking catalysts for organic compounds and degradation catalysts for polymers.

Abstract: This disclosure describes draw solution compositions for FO processes which increase the available membrane area for permeation and are also amenable to reconcentration with standard techniques, such as membrane filtration and evaporative technologies. The composition are comprised of a water soluble draw solute having surface active properties, i.e., a surfactant.

Abstract: A thermosensitive copolymer may include a first repeating unit having a temperature-sensitive oligomer and a second repeating unit having an ionic moiety and a counter ion to the ionic moiety. The temperature-sensitive oligomer may be an oligomer including a repeating unit derived from a unsaturated monomer with a moiety represented by Chemical Formula 1 or Chemical Formula 2, or an oligomer including a repeating unit derived from a heterocyclic compound having C, N, O, and a C?N bond in its ring. *-C(?O)N(R2)(R3)??[Chemical Formula 1] R2 and R3 may each independently be hydrogen or a linear or branched C1 to C6 alkyl group, a C3 to C7 cycloalkyl group, or a C6 to C10 aryl group, R2 and R3 may not both be hydrogen, and R2 and R3 may be combined to form a nitrogen containing heterocycle. R4 may be a C2 to C5 alkylene group.

Abstract: A nanocomposite is disclosed comprising reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and at least one of a metal and an oxide of the metal. Also disclosed is an adsorbent comprising the nanocomposite and an adsorbent comprising the nanocomposite bound to silica by using chitosan. A filtering device comprising the nanocomposite and/or the adsorbent is also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for producing the nanocomposites, adsorbents, and filtering devices described herein.

Abstract: A composition comprising an aluminum chlorohydrate salt, the aluminum chlorohydrate salt having at least 50 mole % Al30 polyhydroxyoxoaluminum cation of all polyhydroxyoxoaluminum cations detectable by quantitative27 Al NMR within the aluminum chlorohydrate salt, and a buffer. The composition can optionally include zirconium. Also disclosed are a method of making an aluminum salt using an increased molar concentration of a starting aluminum salt with a buffer, a method of reducing perspiration with the aluminum chlorohydrate salt, and a method of treating water with the aluminum chlorohydrate salt.

Abstract: Gel comprising reactive oxidant release agent The invention provides a gel composition comprising 5% to 75% w/w of an inorganic gelling agent other than silica based gelling agents, 0.5-60% w/w, preferably 0.5 to 30% w/w, of an inorganic oxidant release agent and at least 20% w/w of water, and possibly a stabilizer. It further provides a process for making same, comprising preparing a first solution of a dibasic phosphate salt in water comprising dissolved oxidant release agent, preparing a second and solution of a alkaline earth metal salt in water comprising dissolved oxidant release agent, and mixing both, first and second solutions, in a ratio of 1 to 1 to 10 to 1, followed by a concentration step. The gel composition of the invention is suitable for soil, sediment groundwater or water remediation purposes and disinfection or wound healing purposes.

Abstract: Novel aminoacid alkylphosphonic acid compounds are disclosed. These compounds can be used in multiple applications, in particular in a scale inhibitor functionality in aqueous systems, including in marine oil recovery.

Abstract: A method and chemical composition are provided which permit operation of evaporative cooling towers at increased cycles of concentration without formation of calcium scale. The method can include first determining the calcium hardness and total alkalinity of the makeup water, calculating the operating cycles of concentration using a formula developed for the specified chemical composition, then dosing the treated water to maintain a constant level of the chemical composition. The method permits scale-free operation of evaporative cooling towers at a minimum of two (2) cycles of concentration over existing technology.

Abstract: Toxic organic materials contaminate water resources and one need to find an easy and energy efficient way to decontaminate water resources. The current invention discloses a photocatalyst Fe doped ZnO nano-particle photocatalyst that enables the decontamination process by degrading toxic organic material such as brilliant cresyl blue, indigo carmine and gentian blue by using solar light. In the current disclosure many examples of characterization of the photocatalyst, optimal working conditions and efficient use of solar light has been described. The process described to use the photocatalyst to degrade toxic organic material using the solar light to activate the photocatalyst is cost efficient and cheap to clean our water resources.

Abstract: Solid formulations for use in water conditioning of circulating reservoirs, processes of preparing same and methods for water conditioning utilizing same are disclosed. The solid formulations combine a sanitizer with a bath salt and/or an odoriferous substance.

Abstract: Compositions for cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining contained bodies of water such as swimming pools, wading pools, fountains, ornamental ponds, etc. The compositions include pre-determined percentages of hydrates of copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and aluminum sulfate by weight. The composition uses hydrates of copper, zinc and aluminum sulfates instead of the anhydrous metal salts. The hydrate forms can be mined, transported, processed, mixed and packaged without climate controlled conditions necessary for anhydrous metal salts. Hydrates in the composition can gain additional water molecules or lose attached water molecules during manufacture, processing, transportation or use of the composition, without negatively affecting the physical format of the composition or reducing its effectiveness. The compositions reduce amounts of chlorine and an amount of labor associated with the cleaning, sanitization and maintenance of contained bodies of water.

Abstract: A decomposer for an organohalogen compound, containing iron particles comprising iron and iron oxide, wherein the iron particles have a metallic iron content of 15% or more by mass, wherein the metallic iron content is a content of metallic iron in the outermost surface layer of the iron particles to which the ion beam etching has been applied twice under the following etching conditions: degree of vacuum in a chamber: 2.0×10?2 Pa accelerating voltage of an ion gun: 10 kV emission current: 10 mA etching time: 14 seconds. The decomposer need not contain copper and has the ability to satisfactorily decompose an organohalogen compound. A method for producing the decomposer is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for decreasing the hardness of water, which includes water soluble silica. The composition for decreasing the hardness of water of the present invention can decrease the hardness of hard water to a level capable of drinking on a simple and small scale level in an area without a large scale water-purifying facility.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anti-scale water treatment system, composition and related methods. The system suppresses hard scale formation by releasing small amounts of transforming agent into water.

Abstract: There are provided a composite including a metal component supported on graphene, a preparing method of the same, and uses of the same. The composite may be used for removing a contaminant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preventing or alleviating the problems associated with corrosion and to novel formulations for use in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water treatment composition, comprising: 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 55 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a water treatment tablet, comprising 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 10 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. Methods of treating recreational water using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber containing ferrate, which comprises (1) one or more ferrate compounds, wherein the ferrate compound is selected from a group consisting of a metal ferrate(V) compound, metal ferrate(VI) compound, and a mixture thereof; and (2) one or more nonaqueous polymers. Also, methods are disclosed that make and/or use the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compacted solid product for water purification comprising:—at least a first layer comprising at least a coagulant/flocculant system comprising at least one polyvalent inorganic salt, at least one water-soluble cationic polymer and at least one high-molecular-weight anionic polymer,—at least a second layer comprising at least one disinfectant that releases active chlorine on contact with water, characterized in that said coagulant/flocculant system moreover comprises a sodium alginate. The invention also relates to the method for preparing such a product.

Abstract: Water purification media contain an activated carbon having at least one of specific a particle size, surface area, and porosity; and a microcrystalline and/or amorphous titanosilicate at least partially coating the activated carbon. Methods of making the media of microcrystalline and/or amorphous titanosilicate coated activated carbon involve contacting activated carbon with titanosilicate precursors. Methods of purifying water involve contacting water containing both heavy metals and volatile byproducts with the media.

Abstract: A PAM delivery product is a sold form of polyacrylamide polymer (PAM). Among other things, the PAM delivery product can be used to prevent ruts formed during center-pivot irrigation, prevent erosion of irrigation ditches, clarify wastewater, and assist seed germination and seedling establishment. The PAM delivery product includes pure PAM and water to create a solid “loaf”. Water-soluble calcium (Ca) can also be added to the PAM delivery product depending on the specific application for the PAM delivery product. When Ca is used in the PAM delivery product, it is present in a 9:1 ratio to the PAM.

Abstract: A composite material for water or wastewater treatment is described. The composite material has a buoyant substrate, an adsorbant for adsorbing organic compounds, a photocatalyst for degrading organic compounds, and an enhancer for facilitating mass transfer between the adsorbent and the photocatalyst, increasing the selectivity of the composite material, or for proving the photocatalytic efficiency is described. The adsorbent, photocatalyst, and enhancer are immobilized on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of treatment for inhibiting sulfur-based corrosion or scaling or for removing scaling from a surface including inhibiting corrosion caused by sulfur-containing materials, reducing corrosion caused by sulfur-containing materials, inhibiting scaling caused by sulfur-containing materials in gas, liquid or solid phase or any combination of multiple phases of materials, reducing scaling caused by sulfur-containing materials, and removing scaling caused by sulfur-containing materials. The method involves contacting sulfur-containing materials with a composition containing a turpentine liquid. The method also involves contacting corrodible surfaces or surfaces prone to scaling with a composition containing a turpentine liquid.

Abstract: A method of treating water in order to minimize scaling and biomass buildup in water conduits or containers in which the treated water is used includes pressurizing and optionally filtering ambient air, processing the pressurized ambient air in a chamber including at least one ultraviolet light source operated to generate an output flow mixture of pressurized air and reactive oxygen species (ROS) gas, mixing the pressurized ROS/gas output mixture to realize a flow of water/pressurized ROS gas/air mixture and outputting the flow of water/pressurized ROS gas/air mixture as the treated water process product. The process includes generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) gas in the pressurized ROS/gas output mixture including at least one of Super Oxide (O2?), Peroxide (—O2—), Hydro peroxide (HO2?), Hydroxyl Radicals (OH·), Ozone (O3?) and Molecular Oxygen (O2).

Abstract: A method and chemical composition are provided which permit operation of evaporative cooling towers at increased cycles of concentration without formation of calcium scale. The method can include first determining the calcium hardness and total alkalinity of the makeup water, calculating the operating cycles of concentration using a formula developed for the specified chemical composition, then dosing the treated water to maintain a constant level of the chemical composition. The method permits scale-free operation of evaporative cooling towers at a minimum of two (2) cycles of concentration over existing technology.