Destruction Of Hazardous Or Toxic Waste Patents (Class 435/262.5)
  • Patent number: 7326556
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Kohei Oda, Yoshiharu Kimura, Kazumi Hiraga, Yasuhito Maeda, Kiyotsuna Toyohara, Hiroyoshi Minematsu
  • Patent number: 7326345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignees: Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Iberdrola Generacion SA
    Inventors: Diego Alejandro Moreno Gómez, Felipe Montero Ortego
  • Patent number: 7320753
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Kurt Frederich Roos
  • Patent number: 7316921
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Alta Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris E. Choate, Paul A. Sherman, Ruihong Zhang
  • Patent number: 7314748
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Life Science TGO, S.R.L.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kent Fredenburgh, Rae Anne Cordick
  • Patent number: 7311834
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: John W Lee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7303652
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard James Riehle, Ronald Busink, Massimo Berri, Wilm Stevels
  • Patent number: 7285141
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Taiheiyo Cement Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Arai, Tatsuro Watanabe, Akira Saito, Sachio Nakazaki, Toshihisa Maruta, Hiroyuki Takano
  • Patent number: 7285215
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Veatch Corp.
    Inventor: James L. Barnard
  • Patent number: 7285402
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Emmaus Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Gaddy, Dinesh K. Arora, Ching-Whan Ko, John Randall Phillips, Rahul Basu, Carl V. Wikstrom, Edgar C. Clausen
  • Publication number: 20070231877
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Chris E. Choate
  • Patent number: 7267772
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Rita Kumar, Deepa K. Tiku, Poonam Sharma, Anil Kumar, Rekha Chaturvedi
  • Publication number: 20070207534
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Gavin Jones, Gordon Alf Plishker, Joshua Richard Quinn, Ralph Edward Holm
  • Patent number: 7261902
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas T. Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7255791
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Joseph Patrick Salanitro, Paul Carr Johnson, Stephen Merle Stearns, Paul Michael Maner, James Henry Miller, Gerard Eugene Spinnler
  • Patent number: 7252765
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Veatch Holding Co.
    Inventor: James L. Barnard
  • Patent number: 7252986
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Wendy Jo Davis-Hoover, Stephen J. Vesper
  • Patent number: 7240618
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
  • Patent number: 7229819
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Tu-Chen Cheng, Joseph J. DeFrank, Steven P. Harvey, Vipin K. Rastogi
  • Patent number: 7214509
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jerald L. Schnoor, Beniot Van Aken
  • Patent number: 7201847
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Bowling, Phil Adams
  • Patent number: 7192765
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Sumino, Kazuichi Isaka
  • Patent number: 7175740
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7166457
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Institut Fracois du Petrole
    Inventors: Guillermina Hernandez, Alan Francois, Pascal Piveteau, Francoise Fayolle, Frederic Monot
  • Patent number: 7160715
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company LLC
    Inventor: Carl B. Fliermans
  • Patent number: 7144507
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Baskis
  • Patent number: 7144725
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: University of North Dakota
    Inventors: Evguenii I. Kozliak, Mikhail K. Beklemishev
  • Patent number: 7118906
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Chandralata Raghukumar, Mysore Srinivasa-Murthy Shailaja, Shilpa Kamat
  • Patent number: 7115734
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanji Nakamura, Toshihiro Ueno
  • Patent number: 7115411
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventor: Shir-Ly Huang
  • Patent number: 7108455
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Thomas D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 7109022
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignees: Nitchitsu Co., Ltd, Nippon Steel Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yatagai, Tomomichi Gunji, Hiroshi Masujima, Takuma Yabe, Toru Oishi
  • Patent number: 7105337
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuichi Isaka, Tatsuo Sumino
  • Patent number: 7101481
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: BioPower Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Forrestal, Nigel Gareth Hugh Guilford, Ronald James Poland
  • Patent number: 7090838
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Louisiana Tech University Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Harrell L. Walker, Lawrence R. Higginbotham
  • Patent number: 7077044
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
  • Patent number: 7070985
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Montana State University
    Inventors: Gary Allan Strobel, David Ezra
  • Patent number: 7070983
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant strains of Pseudomonas putida and their use in the detoxification of industrial and/or toxic waste products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: National Food Research Institute
    Inventors: Kozo Ochi, Keiichi Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 7056061
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Jerome J. Kukor, Kyoungphile Nam
  • Patent number: 7045339
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignees: SRP Technologies, Inc., JRW Biomediation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kent S. Sorenson, Jr., Wayne H. Wilke
  • Patent number: 7029884
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Takaaki Maekawa
  • Patent number: 7026146
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Robert D. Rogers, Melinda A. Hamilton, Lee O. Nelson, Jennifer Benson, Martin J. Green, Timothy N. Milner
  • Patent number: 7022234
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Aqua-Nova LLC
    Inventors: Jon Shaffer, Jack Fernandes, John Lucido
  • Patent number: 7015028
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Alta Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris E. Choate, Paul A. Sherman, Ruihong Zhang
  • Patent number: 7011756
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
  • Patent number: 7001758
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ilona J. Fry, Joseph J. DeFrank, James P. Earley
  • Patent number: 6995007
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Haim B. Gunner, Ming-Jung Coler, William A. Torello
  • Patent number: 6989266
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Koyoh Corporation, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Koga, Yoko Koga
  • Patent number: 6977171
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventors: Donn M. Dennis, Charles R. Martin, Timothy E. Morey, Richard E. Partch, Dinesh O Shah, Manoj Varshney
  • Patent number: 6974691
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Life Science TGO, S.R.L.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kent Fredenburgh, Rae Anne Cordick