Abstract: Method of continuous treatment and purification of biologically decomposable waste and liquid in a rotatably elongated perforated cylinder longitudinally divided into a dewatering and wet composting unit, a central dewatering unit and a dry composting unit. The perforated cylinder is surrounded by an envelope for collecting liquid wastes which are treated by oxygenated filter units in communication with the envelope structure. The device also includes a hollow perforated shaft within the cylinder for supplying oxygen to the interior of the cylinder and for rotating the cylinder.

Abstract: A liquid waste degradation apparatus (10) and method using microorganism (15) in solution (13) to degrade waste compositions typically found in restaurant settings, is described. The microorganisms are initially cultivated and concentrated to between about 10.sup.9 and 10.sup.12 cells per gram, preferably dried and then placed in bags (11) for shipment to end users. To activate the microorganisms, the bags containing the microorganisms are provided in a support container and filled with water. The resulting solution is then periodically dispersed into a waste trap (21) holding the liquid waste composition by means of a peristaltic pump (25) controlled by a timer (27) so that the microorganisms can feed on the waste material to degrade the waste material. A waste degradation system (100) particularly adapted for use in an industrial setting is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the safe and efficient degradation of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in PCB contaminated soil into non-hazardous by products. The method comprises adding a culture containing at least six strains of microorganisms capable of degrading PCBs to PCB contaminated soil, mixing the soil and microorganism culture together and maintaining the culture under stringent conditions which promote the growth of the microorganisms and which stimulate the ability of the microorganisms to degrade the PCBs. The method is cost efficient and well suited for decontaminating soil on a large scale commercial basis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of degrading organic sulfur compounds, in which organic sulfur compounds are decomposed by a microorganism belonging to the genus Paenibacillus and having the ability to decompose organic sulfur compounds. Heterocyclic sulfur compounds can be decomposed by specifically cleaving their C--S bonds under high-temperature conditions.

Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Staphylococcus or the genus Streptomyces which is capable of degrading a polylactic acid resin. A method of degrading a polylactic acid resin including a step of culturing a microorganism capable of degrading a polylactic acid resin in a medium containing a polylactic acid resin. In particular, the microorganisms Staphylococcus hominis FERM BP-6108 and Staphylococcus epidermidis FERM BP-6109.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anaerobic oxidation of metal sulfides in ores and concentrates. Base-metal and precious-metal ores and concentrates often contain metal sulfides, such iron sulfides (e.g., pyrite, pyrhotite, arsenopyrite, etc.), copper sulfides (e.g., chalcopyrite, chalcocite, etc.), zinc sulfides (e.g., sphalerite, etc.) and/or lead sulfides (e.g., galena, etc.) and/or other metal sulfides), that must be oxidized in order to recover metal values (e.g., gold, silver, or platinum group elements) from the ores. In the present invention, these metal sulfides are oxidized in one reactor under anaerobic or anoxic conditions using oxidized metal ions, such as ferrous ions (Fe.sup.+3), as the oxidizing agent. Anaerobic oxidation of elemental sulfur that is produced by metal sulfide oxidation is biocatalyzed by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, such as Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans, or or Sulfolobus sp.

Abstract: A device for maintaining effective bacterial levels within a collecting container of an organic matter collection system of the type having a collecting container having a bottom and a liquid to air interface-surface is provided. The bacterial incubator has an enclosure defining an interior, the enclosure adapted to be positioned beneath said liquid to air interface-surface. The enclosure has a plurality of apertures therethrough, the apertures sized to allow the flow of wastewater into the interior of the enclosure. Placed in the interior is a packing having a high surface area. The apertures in the enclosure are sized to retain the packing in the interior. The packing is adapted to allow wastewater to flow therethrough.

Abstract: Method and device for digestion of sludge, sludge being transferred stepwise to closed containers (10A, 10B) and gas generated during the digestion process being transferred from said containers (10A, 10B). The sludge is transferred to a first closed space (11A) in a first container (10A) for a first digestion period, and is then after a predetermined period transferred to a second closed space (11B ) in a second container (10B) for a second digestion period. During said first digestion period as well as during said second digestion period the sludge is repeatedly put into movement by tipping said containers (10A, 10B), the flow direction of said sludge being changed to redirect surface material of the sludge to bottom material by the movement of the sludge. Each of said containers (10A, 10B) is provided with an inlet (12) for sludge and a first outlet (13) for gas generated during the digestion period.

Abstract: Characterization of organic contaminants in subsurface formation is performed by methods for detecting the presence of nonaqueous phase liquid in a subsurface formation, and for determining the composition and for determining the volume of nonaqueous phase liquids. Generally the methods comprise introducing one or more partitioning tracers and one or more non-partitioning tracers at one or more injection points located in the subsurface formation and measuring separation between the one or more partitioning tracers and the one or more non-partitioning tracers from one or more sampling points located in the subsurface formation to determine presence, composition and/or volume of nonaqueous phase liquid in the subsurface formation. In addition, the methods can be used to assess the performance of an attempted remediation.

Abstract: An isolated mixed bacterial culture, preferably BC-1, ATCC No. 202057, which degrades ethers, especially branched alkylethers including MTBE, under aerobic conditions has been prepared.

Abstract: A process and a device for purifying flue gas containing nitrogen oxides, in which the flue gas is scrubbed with a circulating scrubbing liquid which contains a transition metal chelate such as Fe (II) EDTA and the complex formed from nitrogen oxide and transition metal chelate and/or spent transition metal chelate is regenerated biologically in the presence of an electron donor, nitrogen oxide being reduced to molecular nitrogen. The biological reactor can be combined with the gas scrubber. The electron donor is, for example, hydrogen or methanol, but may also be sulphite which originates from sulphur dioxide in the flue gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the degradation of chlorite into chloride and oxygen with the aid of chlorite dismutase or chlorites dismutase-containing microorganisms. Virtually quantitative degradation of chlorite is obtained in the absence of reductors and under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: A method of biochemically transforming macromolecular compounds found in solid carbonaceous materials, such as coal is provided. The preparation of new microorganisms, metabolically weaned through challenge growth processes to biochemically transform solid carbonaceous materials at extreme temperatures, pressures, pH, salt and toxic metal concentrations is also disclosed.

Abstract: A survival method for a foreign microorganism, which comprises the steps of disturbing the equilibrium state of an ecosystem in which plural kinds of microorganisms coexist, to temporarily bring the ecosystem into a non-equilibrium state, and then introducing a foreign microorganism into the ecosystem. There are three states of equilibrium involved of which comprise a first state wherein the ecosystem is in equilibrium, a second state wherein the ecosystem is converted to a state which is not in equilibrium, and a third state wherein the ecosystem is converted to a new state of equilibrium to provide for an ecological niche for survival of an introduced foreign microorganism in the ecosystem. The foreign microorganism is also used in a method for remedying an environment contaminated with a pollutant.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements for enzyme-catalyzed reactions involving DNA or RNA, including restriction digests, which are based on conducting such reactions in the presence of lipids.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of municipal and industrial waste-water. The composition comprises a yeast fermentation supernatant, preservatives and a non-ionic surfactant. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition comprises a fermentation supernatant from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture, sodium benzoate, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea and a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: A first media provides an oxygen inducer such as catalase, bound and stabilized in pellet form so as to dissipate slowly into aqueous surroundings. A second media provides an oxygen supplier such as a peroxide, stabilized by combination with a proteinaceous compound such as urea and bound in a matrix that limits oxygen release. The two media are combined in aqueous environment to generate nascent oxygen at a modulated rate such that the oxygen is efficiently absorbed into the surrounding aqueous environment, promoting growth of aerobic species and reducing biological pollution. Specific adaptations demonstrate benefits of use in shrimp or fish ponds, raw milk, fruit juice, fresh food, silage and animal feed, fertilizer, plumbing systems, and grease traps. When used in ponds, further adaptations reduce algae and phytoplankton populations.

Abstract: Solid form compositions for the treatment of natural bodies of water comprisingA) a quantity of beneficial aerobic microorganisms that will control at least one of an organic pollutant, an algae, and a weed in at least a portion of said body of water; andB) a growth accelerator for component A); wherein the solid form composition weighs at least about 85 grams.

Abstract: This invention pertains to substantially purified cultures of a gram-negative, aerobic, filamentous bacterium with cells ranging in length from 20-200 .mu.m, that accumulates intracellular poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate in intracellular granules, and that degrades chlorinated aliphatic compounds such as trichloroethylene and dichloroethylene, as well as phenol and other substituted benzenes. The invention includes the representative strain A-1, which has been deposited at the American Type Culture Collection under the accession number 55581. Also included are methods for using the new bacterium for bioremediation of contaminated environmental sites.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for preparing organic acids and their salts from biomass. Biomass flows from a region of fresh biomass and high acid and acid salt concentration to a region of digested biomass and low acid and acid salt concentration in a fermentation apparatus under anaerobic conditions. Organic acids and acid salts produced by the process of the present invention are volatile fatty acids such as acetic, butyric and propionic acids and their salts such as calcium acetate, calcium propionate, and calcium butyrate. The apparatus of the present invention contains at least two fermentation reactors in series to increase the biomass residence time in the reactors. The fermentation reactors of the present invention are imbedded in the ground with earthen berms as support for sides having three layers. The core of the reactors are covered with a flexible covering to maintain an anaerobic environment.

Abstract: A simple and effective biochemical process solves the problems associated with sulfur in bitumen by removing sulfur from active participation in SO.sub.x -producing combustion reactions. In one aspect, an emulsion of bitumen and water is contacted with a microbiological desulfurization agent for a time and under conditions effective to reduce the oxidizable sulfur content of the bitumen. The preferred agents do not affect the heating value of the fuel, but selectively oxidize organic sulfur to water-soluble sulfates which can either be physically removed or chemically bound so that they do not cause SO.sub.x production. Multistage reaction is employed to enhance sulfur removal.

Abstract: A commercial and institutional kitchen retrofit system for 1. the automatic daily cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and flues, 2. a low pressure, low volume, recirculating cleaning system designed for the removal of oily residue from hard surfaces and the accelerated bioremediation of the resulting collective hydrocarbon waste, 3. the collection and elimination of roof-top grease accumulations, 4. the systematic on site incubation and enhanced propagation of cultured, hydrocarbon specific, bacterial microorganisms in an automatically mixed aqueous solution containing PH neutral oxidizers and hydrocarbon base emulsifiers altogether, producing a regenerative, recyclable cleaning solution specifically developed for use in 5.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of chemically treating plant biomass with an enzyme system that retains function at low pH and high temperature. Enzyme preparations enriched in xylanase enzymes which retain activity in low pH and high temperature are described. Such preparations may be utilized in a crude unpurified form, and are especially useful in the production of pulp and paper.

Abstract: Enzymatic dehalogenation of undesirable nitrogen-free organohalogen compounds is carried out by adding a dehalogenase to an aqueous composition comprising a nitrogen-free organohalogen compound and a nitrogen-containing cationic polymer. The enzymatic dehalogenation of the nitrogen-free organohalogen compound is achieved without any substantial effect upon the nitrogen-free organohalogen compound. The dehalogenation method may be carried out via continuous, batch, or semi-continuous processes.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for conducting air filtration by biofilter operation is provided. The arrangement generally includes at least one bioreactor bed, through which air to be purified is passed. Preferably the arrangement is configured so that air flow through each tank is from the top downwardly. In general, the biofiltration operation is conducted under pressures of less than ambient, to advantage.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for activation of a digesting agent for an organic material, the apparatus including a tank, a device for activating the digesting agent in the tank, and a device for enabling the activated digesting agent to contact the organic material. The activating device is preferably a heating element. The enabling device is preferably an exit pipe. The invention has particular application in the preventative maintenance of a grease trap drainage system.

Abstract: A carrier for holding a microorganism in soil releases, from a constituting material thereof, an inducer for production of an enzyme of the microorganism for soil remediation. The carrier for holding a microorganism may comprise a combination of a microorganism holding carrier composed of a hydrophilic polymer for holding the microorganism with an inducer-holder composed of another polymer for holding inducer manifesting a biological action to the microorganism adjacent to each other. A method for remediation of soil comprises application of the microorganism-holding carrier into the soil. A soil-remedying agent comprises the microorganism-holding carrier and a microorganism held thereon which exhibits enzyme activity for decomposition of a polluting substance in the soil under action an inducer released by the carrier.

Abstract: A process for biochemical conversion of heavy crude oils is provided. The process includes contacting heavy crude oils with adapted biocatalysts. The resulting upgraded oil shows, a relative increase in saturated hydrocarbons, emulsions and oxygenates and a decrease in compounds containing in organic sulfur, organic nitrogen and trace metals. Adapted microorganisms which have been modified under challenged growth processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the separation of a target molecule from a mixture is described. The method employs oil bodies and their associated proteins as affinity matrices for the selective, non-covalent binding of desired target molecules. The oil body proteins may be genetically fused to a ligand having specificity for the desired target molecule. Native oil body proteins can also be used in conjunction with an oil body protein specific ligand such as an antibody or an oil body binding protein. The method allows the separation and recovery of the desired target molecules due to the difference in densities between oil bodies and aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the selective hydrolysis of saturated esters, e.g., ethyl propionate, over unsaturated esters, e.g., ethyl acrylate, using enzymes, e.g., lipases. The processes are useful, for example, for removing undesired esters from monomer feeds used in latex polymerization and from the latexes after polymerization. The processes can be used, for example, to treat latexes used in hair fixative compositions to remove unpleasant odors.

Abstract: An organic compound is biodegraded using JM1 (FERM BP-5352) by contacting the JM1 with an organic compound and culturing the JM1 in a medium including source of conjugated carbon which is citric acid, maleic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of decomposing hard type rubber products, which comprises treating hard type rubber products with a microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia in the presence of soft type rubber products. According to the present invention, hard type rubber products, particularly tires, can be efficiently decomposed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of accelerated remediation or bioremediation of contaminated material using an apparatus comprising means for generating a treated contaminated material entraining air stream at a velocity sufficient for entraining the contaminated material therein. The contaminated material is entrained in the air stream and is then microenfractionated using the apparatus to form a microenfractionated contaminated material. Finally, the microenfractionated contaminated material is treated with at least one chemical amendment and/or one biological amendment by discharging the chemical amendment and/or one biological amendment from the apparatus thereby facilitating the accelerated remediation or bioremediation. The chemical amendment can comprise either a chemical oxidizing agent or a chelating agent.

Abstract: Chelants represented by Formula 1b: ##STR1## are determined to be biodegradable when Distance A is from about 3.8.times.10.sup.-10 to about 4.6.times.10.sup.-10 m, Distance B is from about 5.1.times.10.sup.-10 to about 5.9.times.10.sup.-10 m, and Distance C is from about 4.3 to about 6.7.times.10.sup.-10 m). Compounds meeting these criteria are referred to as compounds of Formula 2.

Abstract: A composition and method for accelerating the decomposition of hydrocarbons. The composition comprises a non-ionic surfactant; sodium benzoate; imidazolidinyl urea; diazolidinyl urea; and a fermentation supernatant derived from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture. The method comprising applying an aqueous composition comprising a non-ionic surfactant, a preservative and a fermentation supernatant derived from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture to hydrocarbons to be decomposed.

Abstract: Enzyme granules having an average particle size of from about 1 to about 2.2 mm are disclosed. The enzyme granules comprise an extruded particulate first enzyme component containing at least one enzyme and organic and/or inorganic carrier material and a second particulate enzyme component containing at least one particulate enzyme different from the one enzyme in the said first enzyme component, wherein the second particulate enzyme component is agglomerated onto the particulate first enzyme component, and wherein the average particle size of the particulate first enzyme component is in the range of from about 1.1 to about 3 times the average particle size of the second particulate enzyme component. Furthermore, a process for the preparation of the enzyme granules is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an E3 esterase from an organophosphate resistant strain of L. cuprina. The invention further provides DNA sequences encoding such E3 esterases and cells transformed with the DNA sequences. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the enzyme and transformed cells as bioremediation agents.

Abstract: Enzymatic dehalogenation of undesirable nitrogen-free organohalogen compounds is carried out by adding a dehalogenase to an aqueous composition comprising a nitrogen-free organohalogen compound and a nitrogen-containing cationic polymer. The enzymatic dehalogenation of the nitrogen-free organohalogen compound is achieved without any substantial effect upon the nitrogen-free organohalogen compound. The dehalogenation method may be carried out via continuous, batch, or semi-continuous processes.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for containing a microorganism culture in an active exponential growth and delivering a supply of microorganisms to an environment containing wastes for bio-augmenting the biodegradation of the wastes. The apparatus comprises a bioreactor and an operably connected controller. The bioreactor has a bioreactor chamber for containing a supply of microorganisms, a second chamber for containing a supply of water and inorganic nutrients, and a third chamber for containing a supply of organic nutrients. The bioreactor is operably connected to the controller in which a first pump is operably connected in fluid communication between the bioreactor chamber and the second chamber and third chamber, and a second pump is operably connected in fluid communication between the bioreactor chamber and the environment containing wastes to be biodegraded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zeolite composition comprising a culture of denitrificating bacteria and a process for the preparation of said zeolite composition. The zeolite composition further comprises potassium carbonate and sodium hydrogen sulphate. The zeolite composition is very useful for controlling the biological conditions in waters, in particular for controlling the growth of algae.

Abstract: A subtilisin which exhibits proteolytic activity at temperatures ranging from 75.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. The subtilisin has been given the name aerolysin because it was initially isolated from the hyperthermophilic archaeum, Pyrobaculum aerophilum. The amino acid sequence of aerolysin is disclosed as well as the nucleotide sequence which encodes the enzyme. Aerolysin and related modified enzymes are useful as high temperature detergent additives and, among other things, may be used in combination with a wide variety of other detergent agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using an apparatus is provided for the accelerated remediation of treated contaminated material. The material is treated with chemical amendments for facilitating accelerated remediation thereof. The apparatus comprises means for generating a treated contaminated material entraining air stream at a predetermined velocity for entraining the treated contaminate material therein for micro-enfractionating the treated contaminated material. In this way, accelerated remediation is facilitated. In another form of the invention, a method of accelerated remediation of treated contaminated material is provided.

Abstract: Contamination by organic materials is treated by applying an aqueous composition comprising organisms which are useful in degradation of the contaminant, a nutrient for the organisms and a polymer which is soluble in or dispersible in the water and which increases the viscosity of the composition. The composition is useful in the treatment of contaminated liquids and solids and in the protection of solid surfaces against contamination.

Abstract: A composition and method are provided for clarifying and deodorizing a standing body of water such as fresh and salt water pools and water of spas, cooling towers, lakes and ponds such as aquaculture ponds. The composition contains by weight about 20.26% of a fermentation supernatant from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture, about 0.1% sodium benzoate, about 0.01% imidazolidinyl urea, about 0.15% diazolidinyl urea and about 9% non-ionic surfactant. Preferably, anionic and cationic surfactants and urea are absent from the composition. The composition may also contain about 0.05%, by weight, calcium chloride. The method is carried out by adding a solution of the composition to a body of water to provide in the water by weight about 0.02% to about 0.1% of a fermentation supernatant from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture, about 0.00005% to about 0.0001% sodium benzoate, about 0.000002% to about 0.00001% imidazolidinyl urea, about 0.00003% to about 0.00015% diazolidinyl urea, about 0.002% to about 0.

Abstract: Mixed bacterial compositions minimally contain a mixed population of bacteria including at least one species of Nitrosomonas capable of converting ammonia to nitrite, at least one species of Nitrobacter capable of converting nitrite to nitrate, at least one species of Pseudomonas capable of converting nitrate to nitrite and capable of metabolizing urea, and at least one species of Enterobacter capable of metabolizing bacterial waste products and fermenting lactose. The ability of these aforementioned bacteria to metabolize the odor; and partially decompose the waste material producing the odor is enhanced by the addition of an acclimated mixed bacterial culture to the mixed bacterial composition containing the aforementioned species of Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacter. The acclimated mixed bacterial culture includes at least one and up to four different species or strains of Pseudomonas, at least one species of Acinetobacter, and at least one species of Enterobacter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for degrading an undesirable ether-based environmental contaminant by contacting the ether with a propane-oxidizing microorganism or with an isopropanol-oxidizing microorganism to convert the ether to innocuous compounds which are environmentally acceptable, including treating the ether-based contaminants in situ or removing them from the contaminated site for treatment in a bioreactor. Examples of ether-based compounds which can be degraded are tertiary butyl ethers of the type utilized as gasoline oxygenates, for example, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl tert-butyl ether, and methyl tert-amyl ether and also ether solvents, for example, tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: This aerobic waste pretreatment process comprises inoculating a milk industry effluent with a mixture of bacteria and yeasts both classes of microorganisms capable of living and growing in symbiosis in the effluent, the population of the bacteria being, in most cases, several times greater than the population of the yeasts, maintaining the temperature and pH of the inoculated effluent between 0.degree. C. and 50.degree. C. and between 1.7 and 9, aerating the effluent while varying, if necessary, the pH at maximum rate of 1.5 pH units per minute and also, if required, modulating the aeration of the inoculated effluent at a maximum rate of 130 micromoles of oxygen per minute. A biomass is obtained which has a good nutritional value suitable for animal feed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions or enhancing metal uptake of plants, such as members of the family Brassicaceae, comprise treating the roots, plants, seeds, and/or soil in which the plants are grown, with metal-uptake altering microorganisms, preferably of the bacterial genus Pseudomonas and Bacillus.

Abstract: The invention relates to Proteobacteria that show unusually high level resistance to a wide range of metal oxides and oxyanions and to methods using selected Proteobacteria subgroups for efficient reduction of certain metal oxides and oxyanions to the free metal. High level resistance was shown to be affected by growth conditions, and was observed in facultative photoheterotrophs such as Rhodobacter sphaeroides grown either chemoheterotrophically or photoheterotrophically. The disclosed methods are adaptable to the production of hydrogen from cultures of Peoteobacteria grown in the presence of tellurite class oxyanions with carbon dioxide and nitrogen as carbon and nitrogen sources. The methods have commercial application for efficient bioremediation of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: A method for removing organic contaminants including yeast cells from a particulate filter aid such as kieselguhr includes steps of producing an aqueous suspension of the contaminated filter aid, and adding to the suspension a mixture of enzymes (protease, amylase and glucanase) capable of dissolving yeast cell walls. Optionally, an oxidizer may also be added, and the suspension may be agitated ultrasonically. After sufficient time, the enzyme and dissolved organic contaminant are removed from the suspension by rinsing with dilute caustic soda, and the decontaminated filter aid is acid neutralized. Finally, the filter aid may be separated into coarse and fine fractions, and re-used.