Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating sludge containing phosphorus, ammonia and magnesium and enhancing the dewaterability of the sludge. The sludge is directed into a biological fermenter operated under anaerobic conditions. By controlling the temperature of the sludge in the fermenter or the hydraulic retention time of the sludge in the fermenter, phosphorus, ammonia and magnesium is released from the solids in the sludge into a liquid forming a part of the sludge. Sludge from the fermenter is subjected to a solids-liquid separation process that produces a concentrated sludge and a liquid. The concentrated sludge or separated solids is directed to a thermal hydrolysis reactor that thermally hydrolyzes the concentrated sludge. After thermally hydrolyzing the concentrated sludge, the concentrated sludge is directed to an anaerobic digester that anaerobically digests the concentrated sludge.

Abstract: The invention describes a methodology for production of a secondary extra-particle fungal matrix for application as a mycological material, manufactured via a Type II actively aerated static packed-bed bioreactor. A pre-conditioned air stream is passed through a substrate of discrete elements inoculated with a filamentous fungus to form an isotropic inter-particle hyphal matrix between the discrete elements. Continued feeding of the air through the substrate of discrete elements and isotropic inter-particle hyphal matrixes develops an extra-particle hyphal matrix that extends from an isotropic inter-particle hyphal matrix in the direction of airflow into a void space within the vessel.

Abstract: A multi-stage treatment system for removal of target vapor compounds from a contaminated air stream consisting of an initial bioscrubber stage utilizing a plurality of filter media derived from foamed glass immediately followed by a biofilter stage utilizing a plurality of media derived from the calcareous exoskeleton of a bivalve mollusk (shell media).

Abstract: A multi-stage treatment system for removal of target vapor compounds from a contaminated air stream consisting of an initial bioscrubber stage utilizing a plurality of filter media derived from foamed glass immediately followed by a biofilter stage utilizing a plurality of media derived from the calcareous exoskeleton of a bivalve mollusk (shell media).

Abstract: A method for biopassivating an ordnance magazine containing explosive ordnance includes introducing microorganisms into the ordnance magazine and controlling the environmental conditions in the ordnance magazine to facilitate growth of the microorganisms. In this way, the ordnance magazine can be operated as a bioreactor to passivate the explosive ordnance inside.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a pellicle frame from a photomask includes a shower head and a gripper. The shower head is configured to provide an air curtain between the pellicle frame and a patterned area of the photomask. The gripper is configured to secure the pellicle frame from a direction against the flow blown from the air curtain. The flow is substantially directed toward a periphery of the photomask. A method of removing a pellicle frame from a photomask includes providing an air curtain between the pellicle frame and a patterned area of the photomask, and generating a temperature difference between the photomask and the pellicle frame. The flow of the air curtain is substantially directed toward a periphery of the photomask. The temperature of the photomask is higher than the temperature of the pellicle frame.

Abstract: Methods of bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated media using Pseudomonas sp. which can efficiently reduce hydrocarbon contamination in soil, sediment or water in a short period of time are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improving the results of anaerobic digestion of organic waste especially animal manure such as chicken manure by removing the grit in the waste by digesting the waste in a slurry at a temperature of about 50° C. or more for a period of time sufficient for the grit to settle out of the slurry.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating a mixture of wastes (4) comprising biodegradable wastes, the method being characterized in that it includes the following successive steps: Step A: the mixture of wastes (4) is subjected to a first composting cycle so as to obtain a mixture of pre-composted wastes (4), Step B: the mixture of pre-composted wastes (4) is subjected to a drying so as to obtain a mixture of dried wastes (4), Step C: the mixture of dried wastes (4) is separated into at least a portion of heavy wastes (14) and a portion of light wastes (13), Step D: the portion of light wastes (13) is subjected to a second composting cycle to so as to obtain a mixture (4) of refined wastes (20). Treatment of biodegradable wastes.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an anaerobic process with filtration procedure for wastewater treatment at room temperature, that comprises: continuously feeding at least one anaerobic reactor, with previously sieved wastewater and feeding biodegradable organic waste—BOW—also previously sieved, said reactor being coupled to at least one gasified filtration membrane, with recirculation of biogas from the reactor, carrying out the anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction contained in the mixture of wastewater and the BOW, in the reactor, obtaining a treated mixture and filtering the mixture treated in the reactor, in at least one filtration tank through the gasified membrane under conditions such that the relationship between the biogas recirculated per square meter of membrane, and time unit, and the wastewater filtered—SGDp—is the minimum value allowed by the solid concentration in a treatment plant.

Abstract: A solid state fermentation process for producing methane, and a bioreactor and solid support for use in the process are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing and storing carbon dioxide are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: mixing materials including magnesium or calcium with one or more acids and chelating agents to form a magnesium or calcium-rich solvent; using the organic acids derived from biogenic wastes as acids or chelating agents; generating carbonate ions by reacting a gas including carbon dioxide with a carbonic anhydrase biocatalyst; reacting the solvent with the carbonate ions to form magnesium or calcium carbonates; recycling a solution containing the biocatalyst after forming magnesium or calcium carbonates for re-use in the generating step; using the magnesium and calcium carbonates as carbon neutral filler materials and using the silica product as green filler materials or inexpensive absorbents.

Abstract: Metal-free materials, manufacturing thereof, method using thereof for (in-situ or ex-situ) catalytically treating contaminated soil or waters, including remediation of groundwater contaminated by haloalkenes, haloalkanes, nitro-compounds, and nitrophenol using sulfide as a reductant. Metal-free materials are manufactured with industrial scrap syrup or biomass. Method using the metal-free materials for in-situ treatment consists with the processes of adding materials into the contaminated medium, introducing sulfide into the contaminated medium, and reductive reacting contaminants with sulfide catalyzed by the metal-free materials. Specially, the formation of in-situ reaction zone is the key point of in situ treatment by retaining the catalyst in the contaminated medium.

Abstract: A soil-emulating device and a system for evaluation of soil-related properties are provided. The soil-emulating apparatus includes one or more soil micromodels comprising packed emulated soil particles. The packed soil particles comprise a particle size distribution, and a soil structure of a desired soil type. The soil micromodel is cast from a two-dimensional representation of a region to provide visualization of air infiltration into pores of the micromodel. The soil micromodel is located within an environmental control chamber to control humidity and, optionally, the soil micromodel is saturated with a bacteria strain. Images are captured of the soil micromodel over time.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process and device for desulfurization-denitration of a flue gas. A desulfurization-denitration solution is used in an absorption tower to absorb sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxides from the flue gas or various combustion tail (waste) gases. The desulfurization-denitration solution with absorbed sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxides releases the sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxides by heating and/or gas stripping and/or vacuum regeneration in a regeneration tower. The released sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxides are further concentrated into a sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxide product with a higher purity in a concentration tower. The regenerated desulfurization-denitration solution is recycled for use.

Abstract: A waste stream is treated by anaerobic digestion. A process is described involves a step of separating solids from digestate, and returning separated solids to a digester. Optionally, there may be a step of solids separation in which larger solids are removed from the digester. A process and apparatus are described for treating waste sludge from a wastewater treatment plant in an anaerobic digester. Feed sludge is thickened or solids are separated from digestate and returned to the digester. Additional co-digestion waste may be added to the digester. The process and apparatus may be used in a retrofit of an existing wastewater treatment plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing energy by recycling materials during a fuel combustion process, wherein the fuel combustion process comprises combusting fuel introduced into the fuel combustion process. Further, the invention relates to an apparatus for producing energy by recycling materials during a fuel combustion process.

Abstract: A sensor system detects organophosphorus pesticide residue by inducing the aggregation of gold nanoparticles. A method comprises aggregating gold nanoparticles by a reaction between an organophosphorus pesticide and imidazole or a green fluorescent protein (GFP), and detecting the organophosphorus pesticide based on a absorption spectral change resulting from the aggregation. The system for detecting pesticide residue is useful as a biosensor for analyzing pesticide residue in situ, because the optical change of the reagent by the presence of an organophosphorus pesticide is distinct, the detection speed is fast, and the range of detection limits is broad.

Abstract: The process provides a biofilm including and not limited to cellulose produced by bacteria that can be used as a bio-resin and as a surface application for myceliated and non-myceliated biomaterials. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of obtaining an agricultural substrate; and cohabitating a selected bacteria with a selected fungus in the agricultural substrate for a period of time to allow the bacteria to grow alongside the fungus and to excrete a biofilm from the bacteria into the substrate to provide bio-resin like strengthening compounds to the agricultural substrate.

Abstract: System for the bio-treatment of organic waste by means of insect larvae comprising a tank provided with removable cover and means for ventilation and temperature control able to induce migration of the larvae outside the waste mass when in a desired larval development stadium, means for distributing in many times the various waste layers and for removing the same at the end of the treatment and means for distributing the larvae inside the tank and for collecting and storing the larvae at the end of the treatment. Method for the bio-treatment of organic waste by means of larval stadium insects provided with the step of placing a first waste layer inside a tank (1), placing insect larvae or eggs on said layer and adding other waste layers at prefixed and shorter time intervals than the larvae development time, inducing the spontaneous migration of the larvae towards suitable collecting areas by means of temperature and humidity control and removing the treated waste from the tank.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a system and process for fluorometrically quantifying potentially mineralizable nitrogen for agricultural crop production. The soil analysis process measures potentially mineralizable nitrogen and calibrates the application of soil-based nitrogen for site or field specific management of nitrogen fertilizers for crops grown on a wide variety of soil textures including sandy loam, silt loam and clay soils. The spectrofluorometric system and process may be utilized for routine soil testing with a lower sample to sample variability, and the automation of the spectrofluorometric system and process allows for simultaneous determination of potentially mineralizable soil organic nitrogen, ammonium and nitrate.

Abstract: A plant-microorganism combined method for phhytoremediation of organic contaminated soil; i.e., an ornamental plant (Impatiens balsamina L.)—microorganisms (petroleum hydrocarbon degrading mixed microbes) combined method for enhanced phytoremediation of petroleum contaminated soil is disclosed. The inoculated petroleum degrading mixed microbes can not only degrade contaminants in soil directly but also secretes chemical substances which are helpful to relieve the toxic effects on the Impatiens balsamina L. In return, the Impatiens balsamina L. releases photosynthesis products into the soil, so as to enhance microbial activity and quantity, and assist the microorganisms in degrading target contaminates more effectively and efficiently. Repeating the processes mentioned above is able to continuously reduce petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants in the soil until the residual content of contaminants meets the environmental safety standard.

Abstract: The invention related to the use of Bacillus licheniformis strain OBT618 (ATCC PTA-122188) for inhibiting Clostridium pathogens in a material contaminated with the pathogens. The strain can be added to animal feed, animal waste or food processing facility waste that is contained with Clostridium to inhibit the pathogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Bacillus licheniformis strain OBT618 (ATCC PTA-122188) for inhibiting Clostridium pathogens in a material such as water or manure contaminated with the pathogen. The strain can be added to drinking water, animal feed or animal litter to reduce disease caused by the presence of Clostridium in an animal.

Abstract: Described herein is a mineral-releasing compost prepared by combining a prebiotic material, a probiotic material, and one or more mineral gluconate salts to form a composting mixture, controlling composting conditions to allow for the composting mixture to decompose, and allowing the composting mixture to fully stabilize and mature, wherein the compost includes one or more minerals as digested products of the respective mineral gluconate salts. The mineral-releasing compost is particularly suitable for remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals and for amendment of soil deficient of certain minerals.

Abstract: A photobioreactor (100) for use in treating polluted air and producing biomass may comprise, at least in part, a generally vertical tube or fluidic pathway (102), a generally vertical helical tube or fluidic pathway (104) having a light source (106) partially positioned within the helical fluidic pathway (104), a head cap assembly (108), and a base assembly (110). In one illustrative example, the light source (106) may be a light emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). By one approach, a gas diffusion apparatus (112) is located at the base assembly (110) adjacent the generally vertical fluidic pathway (102).

Abstract: Anaerobic reductive dechlorination processes remove chlorinated solvents from contaminated subsurface soil and ground water. The presence of organic hydrogen donors enables anaerobic microorganisms present in the subsurface soil and groundwater to accelerate the reductive dechlorination process. The present invention provides an alternative method to control the release rate of organic hydrogen donors during dechlorination. The invention utilizes encapsulated substrates to control the release rate of organic hydrogen donors, therefore accelerating the biotic process of anaerobic reductive dechlorination.

Abstract: System and method for sustainable economic development which includes hydrogen extracted from substances, for example, sea water, industrial waste water, agricultural waste water, sewage, and landfill waste water. The hydrogen extraction is accomplished by thermal dissociation, electrical dissociation, optical dissociation, and magnetic dissociation. The hydrogen extraction further includes operation in conjunction with energy addition from renewable resources, for example, solar, wind, moving water, geothermal, or biomass resources.

Abstract: The invention relates to: a method of treating liquid waste (liquid agricultural or industrial effluents or aquatic sites) which is loaded or polluted with tributyl phosphate (TBP), modified bacterial strains which can be used in the aforementioned treatment method, a method for monitoring changes in TBP pollution, and the device which is used to perform said treatment method. According to the invention, the liquid waste-treatment or -purification method essentially comprises: steps (1) consisting in bringing said liquid waste into contact with at least one non-sulphur purple photosynthetic bacterial strain which is resistant to TBP and which is selected from the group containing Rhodopseudomonas palustris (Rp. palustris), Rhodospirillum rubrum (Rs. rubrum), Rhodobacter capsulatus (Rb. capsulatus) or Rhodobacter sphaeroides (Rb.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering substances in a dry mode, wherein the compositions include a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of the composition that is permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. The compositions may be used to deliver microorganisms to remove contaminates, such as oil, chemical, waste, or sewage, from soil, water, or air. In other embodiments, the compositions can also be used for delivering liquid food, liquid food additives, liquid biotech agricultural ingredients, conventional liquid agricultural ingredients, liquid human wellness and dietary supplements, and liquid fragrances and beauty products.

Abstract: A method for sterilization of pathogenic waste includes steps of introducing animal tissues, carcasses or parts, pathogenic waste, or by-products of slaughter or processing into an unpressurized vessel, adding NaOH and KOH in a ratio of about 2.2 to 2.3:1, adding water sufficient to create a 1.5 to 1.6 Molar solution, such that the tissue to water ratio is about 1:1.5, heating the vessel indirectly to near but below the boiling point of the solution, holding the temperature for about 16-20 hours, while continuously agitating the contents of the vessel, displacing the solution volume in the reaction vessel about every 2-3 minutes. Optimally, the tissue is introduced into the vessel first, then dry NaOH and KOH, and finally water. The end product is a homogenous, aqueous solution that is sterile, pathogen-free and suitable for land application or mixing directly into manure retention vessels, prior to land application of the mixture.

Abstract: A plant-microorganism combined method for phhytoremediation of organic contaminated soil; i.e., an ornamental plant (Impatiens balsamina L.)—microorganisms (petroleum hydrocarbon degrading mixed microbes) combined method for enhanced phytoremediation of petroleum contaminated soil is disclosed. The inoculated petroleum degrading mixed microbes can not only degrade contaminants in soil directly but also secretes chemical substances which are helpful to relieve the toxic effects on the Impatiens balsamina L. In return, the Impatiens balsamina L. releases photosynthesis products into the soil, so as to enhance microbial activity and quantity, and assist the microorganisms in degrading target contaminates more effectively and efficiently. Repeating the processes mentioned above is able to continuously reduce petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants in the soil until the residual content of contaminants meets the environmental safety standard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of selectively obtaining phosphorus from solids containing heavy metals and phosphate. In this method, the solid is treated under acidic aerobic conditions using microorganisms comprising leaching microorganisms and polyphosphate-accumulating microorganisms, so that the heavy metals and the phosphates are released from the solid and the released phosphates may be taken up by the polyphosphate-accumulating microorganisms. The phosphorus-enriched biomass that is obtained in this manner is separated and may be utilized, e.g., as organic fertilizer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling degradation of biodegradable polyester. To be specific, biodegradation caused by a depolymerase is suppressed by capping a carboxyl terminal in biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) having the carboxyl group at one terminal or its copolymer, and, thus, it is possible to easily suppress or control degradation depending on a capping ratio of the carboxyl group.

Abstract: Methods for bioremediation of environmental media contaminated with at least one perchlorate compound. A Pseudomonas consortium of P. putida strain B, P. putida strain E, and P. fluorescens strain G was provided to contaminated water, soil, etc. under conditions to result in bioremediated water, soil, etc. In embodiments, the method is used ex-situ, e.g., in a reactor vessel, or is used in-situ.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating a hydrocarbon-contaminated soil/gravel with a blend of microbes by adding a first microbe selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain IOCX, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain IOC DHT and mixtures thereof to a hydrocarbon-contaminated soil/gravel to release the hydrocarbon; and adding a second microbe selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas putida strain IOC5al, Pseudomonas putida strain IOCRl, Bacillus subtlis and a mixture thereof to degrade the released hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A zero-discharge landfill process is disclosed herein. The process described in the present invention recycles the exhaust gases from a combustion engine which reheats the landfill and provides moisture. Additionally, the CO2 from the exhaust gases releases additional methane. Methane production in landfills can thus be enhanced by the method of the present invention. Furthermore, a portion of the exhaust gas can be used to cultivate algae in a cultivation tank. The cultivation of the algal species is enhanced in the presence of water, CO2, CO, and the elevated temperatures. Optionally, a first portion of the cultivated algae can be passed through the landfill to increase methane production in the landfill and a second portion of the cultivated algae can be transferred to a biodiesel production tank, for the conversion of the one or more algal oils and lipids to a biodiesel or a biofuel by a transesterification reaction.

Abstract: A method for degumming an oil composition comprises the steps of (a) providing an oil composition containing a quantity of phospholipids, (b) contacting said oil composition simultaneously with one or more phospholipase A enzymes and one or more phospholipase C enzymes, under conditions sufficient for the enzymes to react with the phospholipids to create phospholipid reaction products, and (c) separating the phospholipids reaction products from the oil composition, the remaining oil composition after the separation being a degummed oil composition, whereby during step (b) the reaction of said one or more phospholipase A enzymes proceeds at a faster rate than it would in the absence of said one or more phospholipase C enzymes.

Abstract: Provided are self-cloning Aspergillus oryzae that expresses amidase without induction culture exhibiting high amidase degradation activity, and a method for reducing acrylamide in which this self-cloning Aspergillus oryzae is used. Self-cloning Aspergillus oryzae, which has a gene which codes a polypeptide with a specific amino acid sequence indicated in SEQ ID NO:1, or has a base sequence hybridizable to a complementary sequence of the gene encoding SEQ ID No:1 under stringent conditions, has a protein with amidase activity which the gene is expressed without induction culture, the process of reducing acrylamide by contact treatment with the above described self-cloning Aspergillus oryzae and acrylamide-containing matter, and a method of producing reduced acrylamide food or beverage.

Abstract: Provided is a method for removing radionuclides using microalgae and A composition for removing radionuclides. The method includes bring the radionuclides into contact with microalgae, and thus a method for easily removing radionuclides in eco-friendly manner is provided, and also a method for removing radionuclides with high efficiency is provided. A composition for removing radionuclides includes microalgae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the degradation of pollutants in water and/or soil. More specific, the present invention relates to a method for the on-site decontamination or re-mediation of water and/or soil which are contaminated with organic compounds. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for forming a barrier against the spreading of a contamination with pollutants within the water and/or soil, especially within groundwater (aquifer). Further, the invention relates to means for use in these methods, and to the production of such means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment by pulmonary delivery of a bioscavenger to animals as an effective antidote to prevent toxicity produced by exposure of an animal to nerve agents and other toxic substances.

Abstract: A method of deactivating an explosive composition being used in a blasting operation, which method comprises exposing the explosive composition to a micro-organism that is indigenous to the environment in which the explosive composition is being used and that is capable of producing an enzyme that degrades the explosive composition, wherein the explosive composition has associated with it a chemical inducing agent that promotes production of the enzyme by the micro-organism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides aromatic-cationic peptide compositions and methods of using the same. The methods comprise use of the peptides in electron transport, inhibition of cardiolipin peroxidation, apoptosis inhibition and electrical conductance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing carbamoyl phosphate, the method comprising reacting ammonia, ATP, bicarbonate and CO2, or a hydrated form thereof, in a composition in the presence of a carbamate kinase, wherein the ammonia and CO2, or hydrated form thereof, are converted to carbamate in a chemical reaction and the carbamate and ATP are converted to carbamoyl phosphate in an enzyme-catalysed reaction by the carbamate kinase, and wherein the pH of the composition is about 8 to about 12. The invention also relates to methods of producing urea.

Abstract: Cell expansion systems are provided. The cell expansion systems generally include a hollow fiber cell growth chamber, and first and second fluid flow paths associated with the interior of the hollow fibers and exterior of the hollow fibers, respectively. The hollow fibers have a hydrophilic interior surface and a hydrophobic exterior surface. Detachable flow circuits are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and products for spill response management also providing bioremediation of specific substrates such as protein, starch, carbohydrates, hydrocarbons, fats and greases through superior enzymatic activity in both aerobic and anaerobic environments with one product. In one illustrative embodiment, a product may include coir in a proportion of from about 85% to about 99% and a suitable microbe for initiating bioremediation in an appropriate form in a proportion of from about 20% to about 1%, by weight. Methods of using a product may include absorbing spilled fluid with the product then disposing of the product with the absorbed fluid where the microbe will perform bioremediation. This may allow the absorption (cleanup) of commonly used hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals in residential, commercial and industrial applications and the peace of mind of using a safe, sustainable, environmentally friendly, landfill safe product.

Abstract: A method for the removal of semi-volatile organic compounds in soils, sludges, groundwater, process water, and wastewater is presented. Oxidation and biological attenuation processes utilize persulfates and other oxidants with trivalent metals, such as ferrous iron or Mn3+, as activators. The resulting chemical oxidation process yields degradation compounds which facilitate further attenuation via biological processes.

Abstract: A method for the removal of semi-volatile organic compounds in soils, sludges, groundwater, process water, and wastewater is presented. Oxidation and biological attenuation processes utilize peroxide, persulfates, percarbonates, and/or other oxidants with trivalent metals, such as ferric iron (Fe3+) or manganic ion (Mn3+) as activators. The resulting chemical oxidation process yields degradation compounds which facilitate further attenuation via biological processes.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods for the decolorization of dye molecules in an aqueous medium using enzymatically-generated peracid.