Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and applications for treating wastewater, and more particularly to biological processes for removing pollutants from wastewater.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of oil and/or gas field waste and by product materials, the method comprising composting the waste materials. The present invention is typically suited to the treatment of waste and by-product materials from oil and gas wells that are contaminated by organic compounds, such as hydrocarbon residues, either from oil based drilling muds, or from hydrocarbons produced from the well. The composting is typically accomplished by an endogenous microbial population on the composted mixture, and optionally a feeder material to provide N and C sources for the microbes. The composting operation is typically carried out in a composting chamber, and typically an auger or some other tilling device is used to mix the material within the composting chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for wastewater treatment utilizing an anaerobic treatment of primary sludge (PS) in a septic tank (5), and a separate treatment of excess sludge (US). The excess sludge (US) is separated from the primary sludge (PS) before the anaerobic treatment, solubilized in a hydrolysis treatment and liquefied, and subjected to a separate anaerobic treatment independently of the primary sludge (PS).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing membrane permeability are provided. One aspect provides protein resulting from a fusion between a membrane-active peptide and second peptide. Nucleic acids and vectors encoding the pore forming fusion proteins are also provided.

Abstract: The induction of reducing conditions and stimulating anaerobic process through the addition of species of seaweed (Dulse, Nori, Ascophyllum nodosum, and Kelp) to accomplish accelerated dechlorinization of soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents and heavy metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for remediating fuel oxygenate-contaminated soil, sediment or groundwater comprising combining at least one natural microorganism source with at least one methoxylated phenolic compound under anaerobic conditions. The invention also relates to a method for increasing the rate of remediation of fuel oxygenate-contaminated soil.

Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of treating human and/or animal waste products comprising contacting the waste products with an effective amount of Fusarium culmorum and Muscodor albus, together with a buffering agent and starch. The treatment process covered by the present invention can be employed in connection with pit toilets, portal a toilets, disposable waste bags, or any other environment in which the treatment of human and/or animal wastes is desired. Both the Fusarium culmorum and the Muscodor albus can be stored on infested seed grains, including, but not limited to, barley, rye, rice, wheat, mustard and grass. A method or preparing Fusarium culmorum for use in the treatment of human and/or animal wastes. An isolated culture of Fusarium culmorum. A composition comprising the same four elements used in the treatment process. A method for controlling the pH of a mixture of human liquid and sold wastes.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is useful for recycling protein waste and producing fuel from protein waste. Waste is ground by a grinding means and digested by a enzyme digest medium composed of enzymes, preservatives, and inedible egg. The ground proteins are digested with the enzyme in recirculated digest tanks. Fat can be collected from the tank by addition of acid and separation of fat from water with a centrifuge. Alternatively the ground protein and enzyme can be fermented and gas collected from the digest tank in a pressure tank with a compressor. The protein solubles are emulsified, separated from water, and extruded before drying. Either fat or gas can be used to fuel a dryer. The dried proteins are then milled in a hammer mill and screened for uniform size.

Abstract: A methodology, and related systems and structures for accomplishing the methodology, of biological remediation of hazardous or undesirable organic matter, wherein a plurality of carrier members are disposed in a localized retaining member, the carrier members releasing or exposing microorganisms to the undesirable organic matter on a staggered basis over an extended period of time, the microorganisms being capable of biologically remediating the undesirable organic matter by utilizing the organic matter as a food source, thereby converting it into environmentally safe bi-products. Carrier members containing nutrients necessary for the survival of the microorganisms and having release times corresponding to the release times of the microorganisms are also provided to insure that the microorganisms remain viable upon release.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of the model halophile Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 that have been exposed to cycles of irradiation with high doses of 18-20 MeV electrons. These novel isolated halobacterium exhibit increased resistance to radiation and may be used for bioremediation of toxic and highly radioactive waste sites and/or for studying and modulating the mechanism involved in such resistance.

Abstract: A soil cleaning method (phytoremediation) of absorbing a contaminating substance contained in a contaminated soil by a plant to clean the soil. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of cleaning a contaminated soil which performs cleaning of a soil containing heavy metals in a shorter term than before and, at the same time, utilizes phytoremediation having little influence on the environment. The object is attained by absorbing heavy metals by a plant of Polygonaceae family, Fagopyrum genus, and, at the same time, adding a biodegradable chelating agent to a contaminated soil in order to assist the absorption. And, a biodegradable chelating agent having the high heavy metal dissolving out ability not only enhances the cleaning efficacy but also reduces secondary influence on the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to bacteria, bacterial extracts, supernatants obtained from the culturing of said bacteria, polypeptides and compositions for degrading benzimidazole carbamate fungicides, carbanilate fungicides, sulfonamide herbicides, thioamide herbicides and/or synthetic pyrethroid insecticides. In particular, the invention relates to the identification of Nocardioides sp. which degrades benzimidazole carbamate fungicides, carbanilate fungicides, sulfonamide herbicides, thioamide herbicides and/or synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for remediation of a cyanogen compound contained in a soil efficiently and reliably. The method comprises adding a microorganism which belongs to the genus Arthrobacter sp., which is capable of degrading the cyanogen compound and which can act as a degradation-accelerating factor to the soil. Alternatively, the method comprises adding both of the microorganism and a biodegradable chelating agent (e.g., citric acid or a salt thereof) which can act as a factor capable of promoting the elution of a difficult-to-extract cyanogen compound to the soil. The present invention also relates to a microorganism for use in the remediation method (a microorganism which has been deposited in National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, International Patent Organism Depositary under Accession No. FERM ABP-11019).

Abstract: A system for removing gaseous pollutants from air enriched with the pollutants includes a cultivation environment configured to cultivate vegetation under exposure to pollutant enriched air, and a transformation unit configured to transform an encapsulation material to a transitory viscous or liquid state. Further, the system includes a mixing unit configured to combine the vegetation with the viscous or liquid encapsulation material, and a receptacle configured to receive a mixture of vegetation and viscous or liquid encapsulation material, wherein the mixture hardens within the receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for converting organic waste materials from a municipal waste stream to useful products, such as fuels. Through the use of a biomixer and a hydropulper, as well as through sorting and screening, the organic waste materials are progressively reduced in size and cleaned of contamination. The resulting uniform biomass is suitable for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and a residual solid that is suitable for producing a high quality compost. A quantity of liquid organic waste material can be added to the biomixer, to the hydropulper and/or to the anaerobic digester. The quantity of liquid organic waste material can be obtained by separating the liquids from any containers and can be stored in a holding tank prior to being added to the biomixer, the hydropulper and/or the anaerobic digester.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel coatings and paints comprising a biomolecule composition, wherein the biomolecule composition comprises a phosphoric triester hydrolase. Also disclosed herein are methods of detoxification of a surface contaminated with an organophosphorus compound by contacting the surface with such a coating or paint. Also disclosed herein are novel coating and paint components derived from microorganisms.

Abstract: The pH condition in a methane fermentation tank is adjusted in a predetermined range equal to or less than the intended pH condition causing no scale formation, while being maintained in a predetermined range approximate to an optimized pH condition suitable for methane fermentation, and thereby the formation of inorganic scales and the like is suppressed.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a method whereby with respect to a microorganism present in an environment contaminated with tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), capability of the microorganism to degrade contaminants can be judged promptly. In order to achieve the above-described object, a biological activity judging method according to the present invention is a method of judging capability of a contaminated environment to eliminate an organochlorine compound, in which using a DNA probe that allows a bacterium to be detected specifically, which has a degradation activity with respect to the organochlorine compound and/or a dechlorinated product thereof, the bacterium in the environment is detected. The present invention also provides a new type of polynucleotide that can be used as a DNA probe in the biological activity judging method according to the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutant enzymes with enhanced properties and processes for oxidation of organic compound substrates using such enzymes.

Abstract: This apparatus and methods introduce catalysts and fluids into a media to effect remediation of contaminants, improve soil fertility and permeability, control undesirable pests, or create useful chemicals or food. The apparatus generates and releases enzymes, metabolites, and biologically active organisms. Aerobic metabolism of compounds in a media is facilitated through the transfer of fluids, such as air. The apparatus and methods provide an environment for select organisms, including refugia and nutrient substrate. The biodegradable composition of the apparatus is partially transformed by catalytic treatment. Catalysts or remediation agents are produced in-situ, for specific applications that provide a range of retention, activation, activity, and release profiles. The apparatus is placed in contact with media. Catalytic infusion of media by biological consortia, such as fungi, releases exudates that transform or biodegrade materials.

Abstract: The chemical oxygen demand of unprocessed, spent metal working fluids, can be reduced to levels of 2000 mg l?1 by using a consortium of micro-organisms capable of growth in untreated semi-synthetic metal working fluids, wherein the consortium has at least four members which are selected from at least one each of Agrobacterium spp., Comamonas spp., Methylobacterium spp., and Microbacterium spp.

Abstract: A method for in-situ reduction of contaminants in soil that uses chemical oxidation and biodegradation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for in situ bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites using an enriched steady state microbial consortium capable of modifying crude oil components under anaerobic denitrifying conditions is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant carbonic anhydrase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally-occurring wild type carbonic anhydrase and uses thereof for the sequestration of carbon dioxide as well as for the release of carbon dioxide from a composition comprising bicarbonate. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the recombinant carbonic anhydrase enzymes and host cells capable of expressing the recombinant carbonic anhydrase enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cytochrome P-450 gene cluster involved in the cleavage of ether fuel additives. More especially, the present invention pertains to the nucleic add sequence of genes responsible for the biodegradation of ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) in Rhodococcus ruber, and to several applications ensuing from the knowledge of this sequence, such as probes and biosensors for detecting a pollution by an ether fuel, and for assessing the potential of a contaminated soil to cleave said ether fuel. The invention also pertains to methods for rendering a cell able to cleave ether fuel additives, and to recombinant bacteria useful for ether fuel depollution of a contaminated effluent.

Abstract: A method of degrading carbon nanomaterials includes mixing the carbon nanomaterials with a composition comprising a peroxide substrate and at least one catalyst selected from the group of an enzyme and an enzyme analog. The peroxide substrate undergoes a reaction in the presence of the catalyst to produce an agent interactive with the nanotubes to degrade the carbon nanomaterials. The peroxide substrate can, for example, be hydrogen peroxide or an organic peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for removal and disposal of ammonia from spent dialysate in a dialysis system. Ammonium ions present in spent dialysate are converted into gaseous ammonia by raising the pH of the spent dialysate solution in a first reactor. Gaseous ammonia diffuses through a semi-permeable hydrophobic membrane at the outlet of the first reactor and into a second reactor via a gas channel. The second reactor converts gaseous ammonia into an ammonium compound for easy disposal.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of sulfur from an acid gas stream is disclosed. The process includes a Claus sulfur recovery step in combination with a direct reduction step and a biological sulfur recovery step to provide a sweet gas stream having a very low concentration of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. The process includes reacting an acid gas steam with oxygen under such oxidation conditions to yield a combustion gas comprising hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. The combustion gas is reacted under Claus reaction conditions to yield a reaction gas comprising sulfur. Sulfur is recovered from the reaction gas to yield a Claus tail gas comprising hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. The Claus tail gas is reacted under direct reduction reaction conditions to yield a direct reduction gas comprising sulfur. Sulfur is recovered from the direct reduction reaction gas to yield a tail gas comprising a concentration of hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for bioremediation of toxic metals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste material. The apparatus includes a closed container having a relatively circular outer wall. The closed container has a first passage having an inlet in which the waste material flows in a first direction, a second passage in which the waste material flows in a second direction, and a divider having an end. The divider separates the first passage from the second passage, such that the waste material flows around the end of the divider when flowing from the first passage to the second passage.

Abstract: Process for surface activation and/or devulcanization of sulfur-vulcanized rubber particles. In order to break the sulfur bridges and to reduce the sulfur, the rubber particles are treated in a biotechnological manner in a medium with mesophilic anaerobic and/or optionally anaerobic and/or microaerophilic bacteria and/or with one or more enzyme systems of such bacteria. The thus-treated activated rubber particles show improved vulcanization properties in comparison with non-treated rubber particles, and permit the production of better quality articles.

Abstract: Described herein is a strain of Gordonia sihwensis. The Gordonia sihwensis strain described herein may be used to sequester and/or biodegrade hydrocarbons. In particular, the Gordonia sihwensis strain described herein may be used in the remediation of drill cuttings coated with drilling fluid.

Abstract: An isolated and purified bacterium is provided which was isolated from a high-level radioactive waste site of mixed waste. The isolate has the ability to degrade a wide variety of organic contaminants while demonstrating high tolerance to ionizing radiation. The organism is uniquely suited to bioremediation of a variety or organic contaminants while in the presence of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: An isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Ba-BPD1 having an Accession No. of DSM 21836 is provided. This novel strain has unique 16S ribosomal RNA sequenced as SEQ ID NO:1 and produces amylase, protease, cellulase and lipase, fibrinolytic enzyme to show their biodegradation capacities. Further, B. amyloliquefaciens Ba-BPD1 produces the antibiotic substances, such as iturin, fengycin and surfactin, and has antimicrobial capacity for inhibiting the fungal or bacterial growth. In conclusion, the novel strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Ba-BPD1 and its products can be applied in agriculture, wastewater treatment, food industry and chemical industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating irradiated material which includes reducing irradiated material to particulate form, suspending the particulate irradiated material, or derivatives thereof, in a fluid to form a suspension, and removing radioisotopes from the suspension by biological treatment.

Abstract: The invention involves the creation of a corrosion resistant gas treatment system comprising a unitary housing subdivided into at least two internal sections, the only connection between the first and the following section(s) is a gas only passage channel; the design allows the simultaneous remediation of contaminants from multiply contaminated gas streams in which some of the contaminants require the presence of microorganisms tolerant of widely differing pH and moisture needs for their reduction. The operation is simple and very efficient because the absence of fluid communication between the two sections allows keeping the moisture levels, pHs and microorganism profiles of the two sections specifically optimized for the target pollutants in the gas stream.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to bacterial biomineralization of contaminants and, more particularly, to methods, systems and compositions for the biomineralization of soil and water contaminants, such as metals and radionuclides. In one aspect of the present invention, a method for the in situ biomineralization of a soil contaminant comprises: providing a plurality of bacteria to a soil comprising at least one contaminant, wherein at least one bacterium expresses a phosphatase; providing a phosphate-rich material to the soil; reacting at least one bacterium expressing a phosphatase with the phosphate-rich material in the presence of the contaminant; and immobilizing the contaminant in the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for digesting waste includes a digester tank, a drainage trough located near a top of the digester tank, an auger located inside the drainage trough, and a skimmer that pushes waste into the drainage trough.

Abstract: Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.

Abstract: The induction of reducing conditions and stimulating anaerobic process through the addition of dried micro-blue green algae (Spirulina, Arthorospira Platensis, Arthrospria Maxima, Aphanizomen flos-aquae, and chlorella) and seaweed (Dulse, Nori, and Kelp) to accomplish accelerated dechlorinization of soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents and heavy metals.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for directly selecting a nucleic acid sequence that confers resistance to an inhibitory compound are provided. Methods and compositions for decontaminating contaminated substances are provided. Microorganisms having resistance to an inhibitory compound are also provided.

Abstract: A self-decontaminating metal organic framework including an acid linked to a metal producing a metal organic framework configured for the sorption of chemical warfare agents and/or toxic industrial chemicals, the metal organic framework including reactive sites for the degradation of the agents and chemicals.

Abstract: The invention disclosure is a method of bioremediation of wastewater, particularly groundwater, by utilizing coupled anaerobic and aerobic biological treatment, more specifically, methanogenic (strictly anaerobic) and methanotrophic (strictly aerobic) microbial populations, in combination with a supply of in-situ generated water-dissolved oxygen and hydrogen. Water electrolysis is used to produce water-dissolved oxygen and hydrogen. The immediate advantage of using H2 from the electrolysis is to provide electron donors to methanogens to reductively dechlorinate the chloroaliphatics, and to reduce the water carbonates and generate methane which is used as energy and carbon source for the methanotrophic bacteria. Oxygen is used as electron acceptor by the aerobic bacteria, including the methanotrophs. The addition of an organic carbon source can be minimized or even eliminated, so as to diminish the competition between methanotrophic bacteria and heterotrophic bacteria for oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a novel microorganism which can decompose a methylthiotriazine compound (particularly, simetryn, dimethametryn, prometryn), a chlorotriazine compound (particularly, simazine, atrazine, propazine) and a methoxytriazine compound (particularly, simeton, atraton, prometon) which have been frequently used as agrichemicals or the like; and a method for decomposing a methylthiotriazine compound, a chlorotriazine compound and/or a methoxytriazine compound by using the microorganism. Specifically disclosed are: a novel bacterium Nocardioides sp. strain MTD22 which is capable of decomposing a methylthiotriazine compound, a chlorotriazine compound and a methoxytriazine compound; and a method for decomposing a methylthiotriazine compound, a chlorotriazine compound and/or a methoxytriazine compound, particularly simetryn, dimethametryn, prometryn, simazine, atrazine, propazine, simeton, atraton and/or prometon, by using the microorganism.

Abstract: A method is provided which uses existing populations of soil bacteria to produce quantities of melanin and pyomelanin and related pigments which will chemically reduce and chelate metals and sorb to various soil minerals to help immobilize such metals within a subsurface environment. Tyrosene and phenylalanine may be used to generate enhanced levels of melanin.

Abstract: A bio-energy system includes a waste collecting station at which raw waste material such as municipal waste, household waste and the like is collected. The waste is delivered through a rotating organic material digester in a controlled manner for converting the organic waste material content of the raw waste to a bio-fuel. Treated material discharged from the digester is passed through a screen to remove any inorganic materials, leaving the bio-fuel. The bio-fuel is dried at a drying station and then delivered to a boiler for combustion to generate energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixed bacterial culture, designated as the culture Atz Mix 1, which degrades atrazine at various temperatures (10° C. to 30° C.) in a wide range of atrazine concentrations (several ppb to ten thousand ppm), without formation of toxic metabolites. Atz Mix 1 is a stable mixed culture and includes catabolic genes trzN, atzB, atzC coding the enzymes for the degradation of atrazine to cyanuric acid, and the gene trzD coding the enzymes for subsequent opening of s-triazine ring. The invention further includes a microbiological method of degrading atrazine and other s-triazine compounds for remediation of atrazine-contaminated soils, even those rich in nitrogen, as well as for accelerating the process of atrazine mineralization in waste waters containing high concentrations of s-triazine compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to strains of Talaromyces emersonii which are thermostable and encode thermostable enzymes. The enzymes retain activity at temperatures above 550 C. These strains and enzymes find use in a variety of processes from waste reduction to the production of novel food ingredients and the production of bio-fuels.