Destruction Of Hazardous Or Toxic Waste Patents (Class 435/262.5)
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Patent number: 7326556Abstract: A microorganism which belongs to the genus Rhizobium and has the ability of degrading an aromatic polyester, and a method of degrading an aromatic polyester by using the microorganism. According to this method, the aromatic polyester can be degraded safely and relatively swiftly at a low cost.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Teijin LimitedInventors: Kohei Oda, Yoshiharu Kimura, Kazumi Hiraga, Yasuhito Maeda, Kiyotsuna Toyohara, Hiroyoshi Minematsu
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Patent number: 7326345Abstract: A method for concentrating and eliminating radionuclides from water from in nuclear pools based on the capacity of microorganisms when they are growing to retain radionuclides by forming biofilms on the colonized surfaces. The method of the invention utilizes the colonization of microorganisms in the water for the bioremediation. Preferably the bioremediation is performed before the water is passed through demineralizing filters to prolong the life of such filters. As a result, there is less radioactive waste to be managed, thereby increasing the profitability of the method.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignees: Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Iberdrola Generacion SAInventors: Diego Alejandro Moreno Gómez, Felipe Montero Ortego
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Patent number: 7320753Abstract: An ambient anaerobic digester system for anaerobic digestion of animal waste with biogas production and recovery is provided. The anaerobic digester system includes a substantially flexible bladder for anaerobically digesting the animal waste with biogas production and transmitting the biogas to at least one biogas storage container, biogas use device or a combination thereof. In a preferred form, the substantially flexible bladder has a waste inlet, a digester effluent outlet, one or more sludge access ports and a biogas outlet in a top surface thereof. The anaerobic digester system may inexpensively, simply, reliably, and effectively be used to treat animal waste without energy expenditure and little capital expense, thus minimizing pollution typically caused by animal waste.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Environmental Protection AgencyInventor: Kurt Frederich Roos
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Patent number: 7316921Abstract: A multi-stage process and system for treating organic waste materials includes steps of hydrolyzing the materials in an anaerobic vessel, transferring the liquid product of hydrolysis to an anaerobic digester, and further decomposing the waste materials under aerobic conditions to yield a compost product usable as a soil amendment. Biogas produced by digestion of the hydrolysis liquid product may be burned to generate electricity or heat, and the liquid digester product may be recirculated for use as an inoculant to aid hydrolysis of subsequently processed batches of waste materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Alta Environmental Services, Inc.Inventors: Chris E. Choate, Paul A. Sherman, Ruihong Zhang
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Patent number: 7314748Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect for a method for controlling odor associated with spills of organic material which can cause odors on carpets. The method comprises applying to the carpet a preparation of dormant bacteria, which when activated are effective to control odors. The dormant bacterial preparation is allowed to become associated with the carpet, such that when the carpet is exposed to organic material which can cause odors, the bacteria are capable of becoming active and digesting the organic material. The formulation may contain other agents such as odor neutralizing or masking agents, enzymes, foaming or anti-foaming agents.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Life Science TGO, S.R.L.Inventors: Jeffrey Kent Fredenburgh, Rae Anne Cordick
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Patent number: 7311834Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate biodegradable organic waste includes a thermal hydrolysis reactor receiving the particulate biodegradable organic waste for performing thermal hydrolysis at a temperature of about 130° C. at a pressure at or above the saturated water vapor pressure of the organic waste to produce a slurry including solubilized organic material and residual solids. A pH adjustment means for adjusting the pH of the particulate biodegradable organic waste as necessary to provide an acidic pH of greater than about 3.15 before thermo hydrolysis of the particulate biodegradable organic waste is provided. Separating means receive the solubilized organic material and residual solids for separating solubilized organic material from the residual solids. An anaerobic reactor is configured to receive the solubilized organic material.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.Inventor: John W Lee, Jr.
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Patent number: 7303652Abstract: A process for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, is described. The process entails treating a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin composition, where the resin is formed in a reaction having a molar ratio of epihalohydrin to secondary amine group of less than about 0.5 and where the composition has a solids content of at least 15 wt % and includes CPD-forming species, with at least one enzymatic agent under conditions to inhibit, reduce or remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that the composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 24 hours at 50° C. and a pH of about 1.0 releases less than about 100 ppm dry basis of CPD.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Hercules IncorporatedInventors: Richard James Riehle, Ronald Busink, Massimo Berri, Wilm Stevels
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Patent number: 7285141Abstract: A cement kiln from which its brick lining has been removed, or a rotary dryer for cement production is used as a fermentation treatment apparatus 202 for converting waste matter into compost. The waste matter to be subjected to the fermentation treatment includes city waste contained in garbage bags, and its fermentation treatment is carried out by introducing the waste matter directly into the aforesaid cement kiln or the aforesaid rotary dryer for cement production without tearing the aforesaid garbage bags.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Taiheiyo Cement CorporationInventors: Masayoshi Arai, Tatsuro Watanabe, Akira Saito, Sachio Nakazaki, Toshihisa Maruta, Hiroyuki Takano
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Patent number: 7285215Abstract: A wastewater treatment process wherein a portion of a mixture of influent waste water and biomass are transferred from a first anaerobic region to a second anaerobic region having a relatively long retention time in order to produce additional very short chain fatty acids therein which are thereafter returned to the first anaerobic region so that biomass therein takes up the very short chain fatty acids. The contents of the first anaerobic region thereafter flow downstream into an aerobic region wherein the biomass takes up phosphorus. A portion of the biomass is returned to the first anaerobic region and a second portion of the biomass is wasted with phosphorus therein, thereby removing phosphorus from the wastewater being treated.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Black & Veatch Corp.Inventor: James L. Barnard
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Patent number: 7285402Abstract: A stable continuous method for producing ethanol from the anaerobic bacterial fermentation of a gaseous substrate containing at least one reducing gas involves culturing a fermentation bioreactor anaerobic, acetogenic bacteria in a liquid nutrient medium; supplying the gaseous substrate to the bioreactor; and manipulating the bacteria in the bioreactor by reducing the redox potential, or increasing the NAD(P)H TO NAD(P) ratio, in the fermentation broth after the bacteria achieves a steady state and stable cell concentration in the bioreactor. The free acetic acid concentration in the bioreactor is maintained at less than 5 g/L free acid. This method allows ethanol to be produced in the fermentation broth in the bioreactor at a productivity greater than 10 g/L per day. Both ethanol and acetate are produced in a ratio of ethanol to acetate ranging from 1:1 to 20:1.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Emmaus Foundation, Inc.Inventors: James L. Gaddy, Dinesh K. Arora, Ching-Whan Ko, John Randall Phillips, Rahul Basu, Carl V. Wikstrom, Edgar C. Clausen
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Publication number: 20070231877Abstract: Waste material is screened to produce unders and overs, the overs are treated to produce a partially hydrolyzed biomass, and the partially hydrolyzed biomass and the unders are anaerobically digested. Treating the overs includes fermenting and mixing the overs with an aerotolerant anaerobic bacteria in a controlled environment, such as a rotating drum, while air is passed through the controlled environment. The moisture content, pH, and biological content of the overs can be adjusted before the overs are treated. Volatile fatty acids from the air passed through the controlled environment can be collected for anaerobic digestion or can be recirculated back into the controlled environment. The cleansed air can also be recycled back into the controlled environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventor: Chris E. Choate
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Patent number: 7267772Abstract: The invention provides a biological process for reduction of chemical and biological oxygen demand of pulp and paper industrial effluent using a mixed bacterial consortium comprising of bacterial strains isolated from natural sources which is capable of reducing chemical and biological oxygen demand of pulp and paper industrial effluent to standard discharge limits.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchInventors: Rita Kumar, Deepa K. Tiku, Poonam Sharma, Anil Kumar, Rekha Chaturvedi
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Publication number: 20070207534Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include a biofilm in a container. The biofilm may be formed from one or more bacteria coupled to one or more substrates. The bacteria may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. The system may include one or more bacteria generators to provide bacteria to the biofilm and/or one or more air sources to provide an air bubble stream to the container and/or the bacteria generator. In some embodiments, bacteria may be preserved in a starvation phase. Bacteria may be incubated until they reach a starvation phase. The bacteria may then be preserved as beads or immobilized on a substrate. The preserved bacteria may be used in a system for the reduction of contaminants in water.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2006Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: Robert Gavin Jones, Gordon Alf Plishker, Joshua Richard Quinn, Ralph Edward Holm
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Patent number: 7261902Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Inventor: Thomas T. Yamashita
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Patent number: 7255791Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in situ purification of aquifers contaminated with ethers and/or alcohols using a bacterial culture, a method of delivering the culture to the subsurface, and an oxygen delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Joseph Patrick Salanitro, Paul Carr Johnson, Stephen Merle Stearns, Paul Michael Maner, James Henry Miller, Gerard Eugene Spinnler
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Patent number: 7252765Abstract: A wastewater treatment process wherein a portion of a mixture of influent waste water and biomass are transferred from a first anaerobic region to a second anaerobic region having a relatively long retention time in order to produce additional very short chain fatty acids therein which are thereafter returned to the first anaerobic region so that biomass therein takes up the very short chain fatty acids. The contents of the first anaerobic region thereafter flow downstream into an aerobic region wherein the biomass takes up phosphorus. A portion of the biomass is returned to the first anaerobic region and a second portion of the biomass is wasted with phosphorus therein, thereby removing phosphorus from the wastewater being treated.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Black & Veatch Holding Co.Inventor: James L. Barnard
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Patent number: 7252986Abstract: A bioremediation of subsurface soil formations contaminated with hazardous wastes is achieved by hydraulic fracturing of the subsurface soil formation with simultaneous introduction of sodium percarbonate coated with polyvinylidene chloride as a solid oxygen source (SOS) for establishing colonies of the biodegrading bacteria within the fractures of the soil formation.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: U. S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventors: Wendy Jo Davis-Hoover, Stephen J. Vesper
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Patent number: 7240618Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms and with nutrient for the microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
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Patent number: 7229819Abstract: The present invention relates to a near-universal non-corrosive, non-toxic, environmentally safe and user friendly decontaminant capable of detoxifying organophosphorus (OP)-based G-type, V-type neurotoxic chemical warfare, sulfur-mustard, and related OP based hazardous industrial materials in a dry powder form. The decontaminant contains OPH enzyme, OPAA enzyme, DFPase enzyme, dehalogenase enzyme, quaternary ammonium salt, a pH control reagent, a fire-fighting agent, and a foaming agent. The decontaminant is mixed with available water for use.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Tu-Chen Cheng, Joseph J. DeFrank, Steven P. Harvey, Vipin K. Rastogi
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Patent number: 7214509Abstract: The invention relates to novel Methylobacterium species that are capable of degrading nitroaromatic and nitramine compounds. Compositions, kits and methods of using the Methylobacterium species for the degradation of nitroaromatic and nitramine pollutants are provided. More specifically, compositions and methods for the degradation or bioremediation of nitroaromatic and nitramine explosives and explosive residues are provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: University of Iowa Research FoundationInventors: Jerald L. Schnoor, Beniot Van Aken
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Patent number: 7201847Abstract: A method of treating wastewater sources such as sewer systems or those from pulp and paper mills which contain biomass waste involves adding white rot fungi in the presence of glucose. While glucose may be directly added to the wastewater source, it has been found to be more economical to reduce or substantially remove color from the wastewater by additionally adding brown rot fungi in the presence of cellulose and hemi-cellulose. The addition of bacteria has also been found helpful to improve the reduction in color, biological oxygen demand, as well as chemical oxygen demand in wastewater sludge reduction.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Inventors: Michael Bowling, Phil Adams
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Patent number: 7192765Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Plant Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuo Sumino, Kazuichi Isaka
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Patent number: 7175740Abstract: Processes for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, including processes that prepare a storage stable resin and/or processes that treat resins. A composition containing a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin which includes CPD-forming species can be treated with at least one agent under conditions to at least one of inhibit, reduce and remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 2 weeks at 50° C., and a pH of about 2.5 to 3.5 contains less than about 250 ppm dry basis of CPD. The invention is also directed to a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, when stored at pH 1 for 24 hours at 50° C. and measured at 24 hours, produces less than about 1000 ppm dry basis of CPD.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Hercules IncorporatedInventors: Richard James Riehle, Anthony J. Allen, Michaela Hofbauer, Alfred Jacques Haandrikman, Ronald Busink, Mark T. Crisp, John James Hoglen, Huai Nan Cheng, Francis J. Carlin, Jr., John Arthur Lapre, Harold Jabloner
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Patent number: 7166457Abstract: A process for the treatment of aqueous effluents containing at least one of the following ethers is described: ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) and/or methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and/or tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME) in order to reduce the concentration of these ethers. A bacterium Gordonia terrae CIP I-2194 is innoculated under aerobic conditions. In particular, a bacterium Burkholderia cepacia CIP I-2052 or a bacterium Alcaligenes sp. CIP I-2561 or a bacterium Mycobacterium sp. CIP I-2562 is added in the presence of a growth substrate and, optionally, of a cobalt salt, and the ether contained in the effluents is degraded by the bacteria thus innoculated until its mineralization. The process is useable in the ether-contaminated water treatment industry.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Institut Fracois du PetroleInventors: Guillermina Hernandez, Alan Francois, Pascal Piveteau, Francoise Fayolle, Frederic Monot
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Patent number: 7160715Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company LLCInventor: Carl B. Fliermans
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Patent number: 7144507Abstract: The present invention provides a digester for handling waste or contaminated materials. A process and an apparatus for processing are disclosed. A Dry Cycle Anaerobic Digester (DCAD) uses tanks to perform aerobic and anaerobic digestion to eliminate the waste, while producing little or no sludge.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Inventor: Paul Baskis
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Patent number: 7144725Abstract: A method of removing pollutants from porous, solid materials uses a biomass loaded onto a support. The biomass is put into contact with a pollutant contaminated porous, solid material so that the bacterial biomass degrades the pollutant. The moisture level of the support and biomass are maintained at a level that optimizes pollutant removal and is a function of the relative solubility of the pollutant.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: University of North DakotaInventors: Evguenii I. Kozliak, Mikhail K. Beklemishev
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Patent number: 7118906Abstract: The present invention particularly relates to a process of removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons phenanthrene and chrysene from wastewater and other contaminated sites by using a white-rot fungus Flavodon flavus (K 1) Ryv., which has been deposited at Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection (NRRL), 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Ill. 61604, USA bearing accession number NRRL 30302 on Mar. 10, 2000.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial ResearchInventors: Chandralata Raghukumar, Mysore Srinivasa-Murthy Shailaja, Shilpa Kamat
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Patent number: 7115734Abstract: A nucleic acid composed of 17–30 nucleotides, which hybridizes with the DNA of dechlorination bacteria preferentially at the chlorinated ethylene-decomposing gene, or a nucleic acid composed of 10–50 nucleotides, which hybridizes with the DNA of dechlorination bacteria preferentially in a region containing the base sequence(s) characteristic to high performance dechlorination bacteria present upstream from the chlorinated ethylene-decomposing gene tceA, to be used for detecting selectively dechlorination bacteria, in particular high performance dechlorination bacteria, by performing a PCR using the nucleic acid mentioned above as the primer and the nucleic acid(s) in the sample bacteria as the template and detecting the thereby synthesized DNA fragments, in order to use the thus identified dechlorination bacteria for an efficient treatment of earth or underground waters polluted by chlorinated ethylene and/or chlorinated ethane.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.Inventors: Kanji Nakamura, Toshihiro Ueno
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Patent number: 7115411Abstract: A Gram-negative bacterial strain, Pseudomonas nitroreducens TX1 (BCRC910228) isolated from the surfactant-contaminated drainage sediment is described. This strain is shown to have the capacity in utilizing alkylphenol polyethoxylates as a sole source of carbon and energy to grow. Furthermore, it can be grown on a high concentration of alkylphenol polyethoxylates in an aqueous environment. This strain can be applied in the remediation of organic polymers-contaminated water and soil.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: National Central UniversityInventor: Shir-Ly Huang
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Patent number: 7108455Abstract: A method for removing volatile and semi-volatile contaminants from groundwater in which the contaminants are stripped from the groundwater by sparging with an inert carrier gas and the stripped contaminants are transported into a bioactive zone into which at least one gaseous oxidant and at least one nutrient are independently injected, thereby stimulating at least one microbial culture associated with the bioactive zone to remove the stripped contaminants from the bioactive zone. By decoupling the sparging of the groundwater from the introduction of oxidants and nutrient feed gases into the bioventing bioactive zone of the subsurface, the oxygen and nutrient inputs to the bioactive zone can be adjusted (or carbureted) and controlled independently from the hydrocarbon input to the bioactive zone to achieve good kinetic performance in the bioactive zone while avoiding the problems of plugging of groundwater sparging due to biofilm and precipitate formation.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventor: Thomas D. Hayes
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Composition containing calcium carbonate particles dispersed in sulfur for removing nitrate nitrogen
Patent number: 7109022Abstract: This invention relates to a denitrifying composition which is a material to be used for decomposing nitrates nitrogen in effluent by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria that consume sulfur and carbonate as nutrients and is characterized by containing particles of calcium carbonate dispersed in sulfur. Preferably, the composition contains 10 parts by weight of sulfur coexisting with 10-15 parts by weight of calcium carbonate and 1-3 parts by weight of a microporous substance. This denitrifying composition can be prepared by heating powder of calcium carbonate and sulfur thereby melting the sulfur, dispersing the powder of calcium carbonate in liquid sulfur and solidifying the dispersion by rapid cooling. The composition simultaneously contains nutrients and alkali source and hence enables denitrification to proceed stably without addition of other components.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignees: Nitchitsu Co., Ltd, Nippon Steel Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Yatagai, Tomomichi Gunji, Hiroshi Masujima, Takuma Yabe, Toru Oishi -
Patent number: 7105337Abstract: Biological treatment for an environmental hormone in water can be efficiently performed by use of a microorganism-immobilized carrier is provided. To biologically remove an environmental hormonal substance in water by a microorganism-immobilized carrier having microorganism immobilized onto a carrier. The microorganism-immobilized carrier is formed of an immobilizing material prepared by mixing and polymerizing a hydrophilic prepolymer and a hydrophobic prepolymer or prepared by polymerizing a prepolymer having a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group in a molecule.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Hitachi Plant Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuichi Isaka, Tatsuo Sumino
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Patent number: 7101481Abstract: A system and method for continuous decomposition of organic material to produce biogas and compost in which successive reactor zones in a primary reactor are used in turn to receive organic material which is decomposed in situ anaerobically followed by aerobic decomposition and excavation of raw compost from the same reactor zone where it is received into the organic treatment facility. Organic rich liquor recovered during anaerobic decomposition is further decomposed in a secondary reactor from which spent liquor is returned to the primary reactor while biogas harnessed from both the primary and secondary reactors is treated, and optionally used to fuel the operation of the organic treatment facility or for sale as fuel or electricity.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: BioPower Energy, Inc.Inventors: Brian Joseph Forrestal, Nigel Gareth Hugh Guilford, Ronald James Poland
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Patent number: 7090838Abstract: A method of reducing or eliminating off-flavor in water or fish by controlling cyanobacteria or algae in the water wherein cyanobacteria or algae produce agents that cause the off-flavor. The cyanobacteria or algae are susceptible to a new Bacterium NRRL B-30043 which heretofore has not been identified or recognized as a useful agent in controlling cyanobacteria or algae. By simply treating a body of water having an off-flavor with Bacterium NRRL B-30043, the off-flavor is reduced or eliminated. Commercial fisheries or nurseries which produce channel catfish for human consumption will benefit from using this environmentally friendly Bacterium NRRL B-30043 to reduce or eliminate off-flavor in the catfish.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Louisiana Tech University Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Harrell L. Walker, Lawrence R. Higginbotham
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Patent number: 7077044Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive device. An explosive device contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms capable of metabolizing the explosive material that are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying. Examples include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A self-remediating explosive mixture includes an explosive material intermixed with microorganisms. Joined with an explosive device is a bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between microorganisms and explosive material in the explosive device using a barrier that is actuated to release the microorganisms by mechanical, electrical, or chemical mechanisms. If the explosive device fails to detonate, remediation by microorganisms includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of resulting chemical compositions.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
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Patent number: 7070985Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery of a novel endophytic fungus, Muscodor albus, which produces volatile antibiotics that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of human and animal waste products. Through experimentation, this invention confirms that Muscodor albus can be used in disposable bags in connection with portable toilets to solve the problem of degradation of waste products in situations where humans are removed from sanitary facilities. This invention includes the discovery of non-volatile inhibitors that are also produced by Muscodor albus and that are similarly effective in treating human and animal wastes. This invention covers a unique and novel method for preparing Muscodor albus for commercial use in the treatment of human and animal wastes, which involves infesting barley seeds with Muscodor albus and then storing them under conditions that will allow the fungus to remain viable for up to nine months.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Montana State UniversityInventors: Gary Allan Strobel, David Ezra
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Patent number: 7070983Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant strains of Pseudomonas putida and their use in the detoxification of industrial and/or toxic waste products.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: National Food Research InstituteInventors: Kozo Ochi, Keiichi Hosokawa
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Patent number: 7056061Abstract: A method of treatment of a contaminated material contaminated with an organic compound. The method includes treating the contaminate with a bioremediation step followed by a chemical oxidation step. The bioremediation step includes contacting the contaminate with a microbial consortium under conditions suitable for the consortium to mediate solubilization or biodegradation of the organic compound or chemical oxidation products thereof. The subsequent chemical oxidation step includes treating the bioremediated contaminate with: a transition metal in soluble form; a chelator of the transition metal, to form a transition metal:chelator complex; an oxidizing agent that provides a reactive free radical in the presence of the transition metal complex; and a buffering compound to maintain the pH in a neutral range. The reactive free radical initiates a chemical reaction with the organic compound to produce reaction products of the organic compound.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyInventors: Jerome J. Kukor, Kyoungphile Nam
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Patent number: 7045339Abstract: Methods for enhancing bioremediation of ground water contaminated with nonaqueous halogenated solvents are disclosed. An illustrative method includes adding a composition to the ground water wherein the composition is an electron donor for microbe-mediated reductive dehalogenation of the halogenated solvents and enhances mass transfer of the halogenated solvents from residual source areas into the aqueous phase of the ground water. Illustrative compositions effective in these methods include surfactants such as C2–C4 carboxylic acids and hydroxy acids, salts thereof, esters of C2–C4 carboxylic acids and hydroxy acids, and mixtures thereof. Other illustrative compositions according to the present invention include oleyl lactylic acid and, optionally, oleic acid and lactic acid or salts thereof. Especially illustrative compositions for use in these methods include lactic acid, salts of lactic acid, such as sodium lactate, lactate esters, and mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignees: SRP Technologies, Inc., JRW Biomediation, L.L.C.Inventors: Kent S. Sorenson, Jr., Wayne H. Wilke
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Patent number: 7029884Abstract: A carrier for microorganism incubation of a diffusion type in which microelements and inorganic nutrient salts which are useful in proliferation of microorganism are included in a porous material is provided. This carrier may be employed in a bioreactor for treatment of waste water where high activity and high density of the microorganism is desired.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Japan Science and Technology CorporationInventor: Takaaki Maekawa
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Patent number: 7026146Abstract: A method for maintaining the viability and subsequent activity of microorganisms utilized in a variety of environments to promote biodecontamination of surfaces. One application involves the decontamination of concrete surfaces. Encapsulation of microbial influenced degradation (MID) microorganisms has shown that MID activity is effectively maintained under passive conditions, that is, without manual addition of moisture or nutrients, for an extended period of time.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Robert D. Rogers, Melinda A. Hamilton, Lee O. Nelson, Jennifer Benson, Martin J. Green, Timothy N. Milner
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Patent number: 7022234Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. Although the apparatus is continuous, the controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic nutrient composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Aqua-Nova LLCInventors: Jon Shaffer, Jack Fernandes, John Lucido
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Patent number: 7015028Abstract: A multi-stage process and system for treating organic waste materials includes steps of hydrolyzing the materials in an anaerobic vessel, transferring the liquid product of hydrolysis to an anaerobic digester, and further decomposing the waste materials under aerobic conditions to yield a compost product usable as a soil amendment. Biogas produced by digestion of the hydrolysis liquid product may be burned to generate electricity or heat, and the liquid digester product may be recirculated for use as an inoculant to aid hydrolysis of subsequently processed batches of waste materials.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Alta Environmental Services, Inc.Inventors: Chris E. Choate, Paul A. Sherman, Ruihong Zhang
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Patent number: 7011756Abstract: A method for treating (in situ) large bodies of water contaminated with heavy metals and having varying density stratas to immobilize the contaminant metals is disclosed. The method, or process for (in situ) immobilization of metals is focused on treating large bodies of water having metals therein that are also adjacent a border of soil or earthen materials in an attempt to immobilize the metals from penetrating through the soil. The method is also able to treat the soil water boundary within the pit lake to provide additional immobilization. The pit lakes can include open pit lakes, subterranean mine lakes, flowing streams and the like. The method is also able to treat an abandoned mine prior to the filling of the mine with water. Initially, the density mean of the body of water is determined, which is densest typical at regions at or approaching 4 degrees C.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
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Patent number: 7001758Abstract: A biodegradation process for the organophosphonate product of Sarin (O-isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate) hydrolysis, i.e., isopropylmethylphosphonate (IMPA). This process provides a feasible biodegradation demilitarization alternative to Sarin incineration. Public opposition of nerve agent incineration is widespread, and alternative methods are sought to help the U.S. Army meet the 2007 demilitarization deadline imposed by the Chemical Weapons Convention. This process uses a two-step approach to IMPA biodegradation. In the first step, a concentrated IMPA solution is used as the sole nutritional carbon and phosphorus source for microbial cultures. The second step involves diluting the culture and adding an inexpensive carbon source to encourage bacterial phosphate assimilation. The biodegradation typically involves a consortium of microorganisms comprising Methylobacterium radiotolerans GB21, Agrobacterium tumefaciens GB2GA, Klebsiella oxytoca GB2CS, GB272, Aureobacterium sp.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Ilona J. Fry, Joseph J. DeFrank, James P. Earley
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Patent number: 6995007Abstract: A composition comprising bacteria and an inert carrier is disclosed. The carrier can be porous, ceramic particles. The composition can also include a growth medium. Bacteria in such a composition can comprise a novel strain designated APM-1. APM-1 is a Gram-positive, aerobic, motile rod, and appears to be most closely related to Bacillus spp. Also disclosed are methods of using the disclosed compositions for controlling plant fungal diseases, for controlling mammalian fungal diseases, or for bioremediation.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: University of MassachusettsInventors: Haim B. Gunner, Ming-Jung Coler, William A. Torello
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Patent number: 6989266Abstract: A cement paste containing microbial cells which has a sustained effect and an excellent function of purifying water. This cement paste contains a mixture of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus sphaericus cells at a mixing ratio by mass of 0.1 to 50:0.1 to 50:0.1 to 50.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Koyoh Corporation, Ltd.Inventors: Masayuki Koga, Yoko Koga
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Patent number: 6977171Abstract: A particle with two regions, the first region contains a detoxifying enzyme and a second region that partitions toxic compounds. The particle may be a nanoparticle.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: University of FloridaInventors: Donn M. Dennis, Charles R. Martin, Timothy E. Morey, Richard E. Partch, Dinesh O Shah, Manoj Varshney
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Patent number: 6974691Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect for a method for controlling odor associated with spills of organic material which can cause odors on carpets. The method comprises applying to the carpet a preparation of dormant bacteria, which when activated are effective to control odors. The dormant bacterial preparation is allowed to become associated with the carpet, such that when the carpet is exposed to organic material which can cause odors, the bacteria are capable of becoming active and digesting the organic material. The formulation may contain other agents such as odor neutralizing or masking agents, enzymes, foaming or anti-foaming agents.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Life Science TGO, S.R.L.Inventors: Jeffrey Kent Fredenburgh, Rae Anne Cordick