Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for removing contaminants from a gas, wherein the gas flows through a gas treatment chamber having a biological treatment zone and a chemical treatment zone. The amount of a chemical treatment agent that is introduced into the chemical treatment zone is adjusted in response to a sensed condition or conditions.

Abstract: A method for the purification and biodeodorizing of a gas effluent charged with pollutant matter is provided. The method includes the steps of passing the gas effluent through a bed of inert granular material used as a support for a biomass. The biomass includes bacteria, majority of which are autotrophic bacteria. Preferably the bacteria are in a form designed to degrade the pollutant material. The method includes the step of sprinkling the bed with a sprinkling liquid and recovering purified biodeodorized gas effluent. Preferably, nutrient elements for the biomass are supplied entirely by the sprinkling liquid, the gas effluent or a mixture thereof.

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: A filter and method are provided for removing contaminants from gas. The filter includes a frame member, gas-permeable supports positioned in openings defined by the frame member, and a biofiltration material in the supports including a filter substrate and a microbial population. Contaminants are removed from gas that flows through the filter as a result of contact between the contaminants and moisture contained in the biofiltration material and are degraded by the microbial population resident therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting waste gases from industrial processes such as oil refining, carbon black, coke, ammonia, and methanol production, into useful products. The method includes introducing the waste gases into a bioreactor where they are fermented to various organic acids or alcohols by anaerobic bacteria within the bioreactor. These valuable end products are then recovered, separated and purified. In an exemplary recovery process, the bioreactor raffinate is passed through an extraction chamber into which one or more non-inhibitory solvents are simultaneously introduced to extract the product. Then, the product is separated from the solvent by distillation. Gas conversion rates can be maximized by use of centrifuges, hollow fiber membranes, or other means of ultrafiltration to return entrained anaerobic bacteria from the bioreactor raffinate to the bioreactor itself, thus insuring the highest possible cell concentration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating contaminated water which includes a bioreactor containing contaminant eating bacteria. The contaminated water is introduced into the lower portion of the bioreactor at a predetermined rate. The upper portion of the bioreactor includes media packing which provides surface area for the bacteria. As the contaminated water travels upwardly in the reactor, the bacteria consume the contaminants. Additional bioreactors may be connected in series to the first bioreactor as necessary.

Abstract: A biofilter for reducing concentrations of gaseous nitrogen oxides in a polluted gas comprises a porous organic filter bed medium disposed in a housing, the filter bed medium including a mixed culture of naturally occurring denitrifying bacteria for converting the nitrogen oxides to nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide, and water. A method of reducing concentrations of nitrogen oxides in polluted gas comprises conducting the polluted gas through the biofilter so that the denitrifying bacteria can degrade the nitrogen oxides. A preferred filter medium is wood compost, however composts of other organic materials are functional. Regulation of pH, moisture content, exogenous carbon sources, and temperature are described.

Abstract: A bacterial culture which comprises a Campylobacter-like species is provided. The bacterial culture is capable of oxidizing a sulfide compound in a fluid such as, for example, a produced brine. Also provided is a process for substantially reducing sulfide content in a fluid wherein the process comprises contacting the fluid with a bacterial culture which comprises a Campylobacter-like species.

Abstract: A system for capturing HAPs/VOCs from an existing or planned air stream and destroying the contaminants in the air stream by microbial degradation is disclosed. In general, the system is composed of a housing that contains a rotating drum. The drum contains a capture or filtration media through which contaminated air or vapors must pass. HAPs/VOCs in the air or vapors are filtered out and absorbed by the capture media. The rotating drum sits in a water bath that is inoculated with microorganisms that are selected to degrade the hazardous materials or pollutants removed by the capture media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological deodorizing apparatus of large treating capacity and capable instantly of bringing into operation. The apparatus comprises a casing (1), a rotary shaft (2) and a carriers cartridge (3).

Abstract: A non-biocidal method for inhibiting microbially influenced corrosion of susceptible metal surfaces having an anaerobic biofilm containing active sulfate-reducing bacteria comprising contacting the biofilm with a liquid dispersion of anthraquinone compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the removal of sparingly-soluble gaseous substances, especially sulfur-containing substances from waste gases with the aid of microorganisms. The waste gas containing the sparingly-soluble gas is directed (24) in the form of small gas bubbles into a suspension (16) of degrading microorganisms. A gas which has been pre-cleaned in this way is preferably led to another bioreactor (10), where microorganisms degrade the contaminant. The invention also relates to a new microorganism which is capable of degrading carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A bioreactor is disclosed which degrades volatile organic contaminants (VOCs) from air using biologically activated foam. The reactor includes a foam generator, a reaction pipe in fluid communication with the foam generator and a defoamer in fluid communication with the reaction pipe. The reactor can also include a chemostat.

Abstract: A compost curing and odor control system in which biofilters are disposed in overlying relation to the compost curing area the floors of both the biofilters and curing area consist of a series of elongated planks of generally trapezoidal cross sectional configuration placed in abutting relation with the longer parallel sides of the trapezoid lying in the plane of the floor and forming between them a narrow slit through which air is passed by means of an underlying air plenum in pneumatic communication.

Abstract: Biological filter for removing volatile, hydrophobic compounds, such as toxic styrene, from gas emissions. These are broken down with a fungus, which is immobilized on a carrier of inert material, such as perlite. Preferably active carbon is also added. The filter is manufactured by cultivating the fungus on the carrier with the aid of the compound which is to be removed. In order to be able to make a filter quickly with a homogeneous distribution of the fungus therein, it is preferable to use a spore forming fungus.

Abstract: A bacterial culture which comprises a Campylobacter-like species is provided. The bacterial culture is capable of oxidizing a sulfide compound in a fluid such as, for example, a produced brine. Also provided is a process for substantially reducing sulfide content in a fluid wherein the process comprises contacting the fluid with a bacterial culture which comprises a Campylobacter-like species.

Abstract: A method of cleaning contaminated industrial equipment. An aqueous solution containing an enzyme and a surfactant having the formula: ##STR1## where n is 6-20, is agitated in contact with the equipment to remove oil contamination and provide a water/oil dispersion. The water/oil dispersion is then permitted to stand in a quiescent state to form an oil phase separate from the water phase, and the oil phase is then separated from the water phase.

Abstract: According to the present invention, ceramics which are prepared by calcining a composition comprising raw ceramic materials and a microorganism and/or culture fluid thereof, wherein the microorganisms is capable of producing an antioxidation material. The ceramic of the present invention possesses a variety of activities of, for instance, improving the soil, decomposing sewage or sludge, and deodorizing an unpleasant odor.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for treating a gaseous medium polluted with volatile organic solvents to produce a purified gaseous medium and a separate methane-rich and combustible gas. The method involves wet-scrubbing the gaseous medium with a liquid stream in a countercurrent wet scrubber to produce a purified gaseous medium and a separate liquid stream loaded with the volatile organic solvents; channelling the liquid stream loaded with the volatile organic solvents to an anaerobic bioreactor consisting of a sealed vessel containing a biomass having methanogenic bacteria adapted to transform the volatile organic solvents into a methane-rich and combustible gas and a separate liquid stream output substantially free of the volatile organic solvents; recovering the methanerich and combustible gas by collecting the gas from the anaerobic bioreactor.

Abstract: In a method of desulfurization used at a geothermal power plant, stem removed from a production well, after being used for power generation, is condensed and separated into condensed water and hydrogen sulfide-containing gas, and the hydrogen sulfide-containing gas is treated at biochemical treatment tank. The initial cell density of the reactor liquid of the biochemical treatment tanks is adjusted by cell culture liquid obtained from a cell breeding culture tank provided independently of the biochemical treatment tanks and water or a part of hot water returning to a reduction well, hydrogen sulfide-containing gas is supplied thereinto and desulfurized thereat. With lowering of activation at the biochemical treatment tanks and with lowering of desulfurization ability there, the acidified reaction liquid is removed and is added to the hot water returning to the reduction well. Accordingly, addition of inorganic nutritive salt for cell breeding becomes unnecessary.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method for treating and conditioning poultry manure to form an organic product that is capable of biologically removing hydrocarbon based molecules from soils and other surfaces. Poultry manure is composted by mixing and agitating the poultry manure contained in a mixing station. During this process, specific and selected microorganisms are added to the poultry manure. These microorganisms are specific in that they have a special affinity for consuming and reducing hydrocarbons. The added microorganisms are caused to multiply and proliferate by continuously agitating and aerating the poultry manure. Finally, a treated and conditioned poultry manure product is formed and thereafter, the formed poultry product is screened and bagged and in select cases can be pelletized.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying contaminated air has an air inlet exposed to a road surface, an air outlet spaced from the road surface, a soil bed for being populated with microorganisms, the soil bed being disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet and allowing air to pass therethrough, a pipe interconnecting the soil bed and the air outlet, and embedded underground, and a fan for introducing air from the air inlet, passing the air through the soil bed, delivering the air from the soil bed through the pipe to the air outlet, and discharging the air from the air outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for biological cleaning of a gas flow containing at least one contaminant by: i) placing the gas flow containing contamination in contact with liquid, wherein the contamination is absorbed by the liquid and is degraded by micro-organisms in contact with the liquid; and ii) controlling a control salt concentration in the liquid such that the fractional inhibition of the growth rate of the micro-organisms is greater than the fractional decrease in the degradation rate of the contamination, and to the use of a control salt in biological cleaning of such a gas flow.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the bacterial reduction of industrial gases using perfluorocarbons (PFCs) is disclosed. Because perfluorocarbons (PFCs) allow for a much greater solubility of gases than water does, PFCs have the potential to deliver gases in higher concentrations to microorganisms when used as an additive to microbial growth media thereby increasing the rate of the industrial gas conversion to economically viable chemicals and gases.

Abstract: An 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: The present invention relates to the aerobic reaction of compounds such as aromatic, nitro-aromatic, halo-aromatic, aliphatic and halo-aliphatic compounds with a microorganism, the microorganism being a member of the group consisting of microorganisms having ATCC Accession No. 55641, 55642, 55643, 55644, 55645, 55646, 55647, 55648 and 55649. More particularly, the present invention relates to the aerobic degradation of organic compounds in fluid or solid phase such that the compounds are bioremediated to products containing CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: Contaminated air, e.g., air contaminated by exhaust gases from automobiles and factories, is purified by passing the contaminated air through a soil layer populated with microorganisms. The contaminated air is humidified before the contaminated air is passed through the soil layer or while the contaminated air is being passed through the soil layer. The soil layer may be warmed, or ozone may be supplied to the contaminated air to oxidize nitrogen monoxide in the contaminated air into nitrogen dioxide before the contaminated air is passed through the soil layer.

Abstract: Soil bacteria can be isolated which produce an enzyme capable of catalyzing the degradation of mannan-containing hemicellulose under conditions combining high pH and high temperature. Such bacteria can be cultured or used as sources of genetic information with which to engineer other microorganisms to produce the enzyme. Commercially useful quantities of native or recombinant hemicellulase can thus be produced by cultures consisting essentially of microorganisms capable of producing the enzyme.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of material containing biodegradable volatile organic compounds in solid or liquid state, comprises a first chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, the gas inlet being below the gas outlet. Material to be treated is supported in the first chamber between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The material to be treated is warmed and an upward flow of air is established in the first chamber whereby biodegradable volatile organic compounds in the material are volatilized and become entrained in the upward flow of air. A second chamber has a gas inlet and a gas outlet, the gas inlet of the second chamber being below the gas outlet thereof. A duct delivers gas from the gas outlet of the first chamber to the gas inlet of the second chamber. A biologically active matrix including at least one organism that biologically converts the organic compounds to a non-toxic form is supported in the second chamber between the gas inlet and the gas outlet thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for remediating vaporous pollutants which comprises passing a vaporous stream containing one or more of pollutants through a bioreactor, the bioreactor comprising a plurality of biologically active bodies, the biologically active body comprising a macroporous substrate and one or more of microorganisms capable of remediating one or more of said pollutants, wherein the substrate is fabricated from a decomposition-resistant material. The present invention further provides an apparatus for this process.

Abstract: A biofilter composition of leonardite, clay, lime, and an inorganic salt mixture and a process for controlling air quality by contacting an air stream with the biofilter composition are provided wherein the composition supports microbial growth. The inorganic salt mixture comprises a nitrogen source and a phosphorus source. The air stream generally contains at least one volatile organic compound.

Abstract: A method of inhibit sulfide production in a media containing sulfate-reducing bacteria is disclosed. The method comprises adding particles of a finely divided sulfide production-inhibiting anthraquinone to the medium. The particles have a particle size of 0.1 to 2.5 microns, preferably 2 to 0.1 microns.

Abstract: A bioreactor for separating contaminants from fluid and degrading the separated contaminants is disclosed.

Abstract: A membrane module is provided which serves to remove gaseous substances from a gas stream and which consists of a plurality of plane membrane pockets consisting of a gas-permeable, liquidproof material. The pockets are arranged in parallel to each other and in parallel to the flow direction of the gas stream. The membrane pockets contain a liquid reaction mixture or a suspension of microorganisms which react with certain constituents of the gas stream which passes the pockets. An essential part of the pockets is a circumferential frame which is connected with both sides of the membrane material. The frame is provided with supply bore holes and drainage bore holes which are connected with the interior of the pocket. When the frames are stacked on each other, these bore holes are positioned on top of each other thus forming supply and drainage channels through which the reaction mixture or suspension in the rockets can be renewed and discharged.

Abstract: The device for feeding gaseous substances into liquid media comprises a number of hollow membrane bodies which are permeable to gas and contain the liquid media. These membranes are arranged with a distance between them in such a way that they can be reached by the gaseous substances. Such a device lends itself particularly to air purification. Gaseous substances such as nitrogen oxides can be converted with the aid of this device. According to the invention the device can also be used for pure or mixed cultures of various microorganisms whereby, above all, information about the toxicity of individual substances can be obtained.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removing contaminants. At least one injection well is drilled through the vadose zone to a depth below the water table defining the upper boundary of the aquifer. A plurality of venting wells or venting laterals are established to a depth above the water table sufficient to discourage fouling by contaminated water or condensate, and oxygenated substances are injected under pressure through the injection wells. Additional biochemical cleansing may occur at ground level prior to venting of contaminated air. Microbes natural to the contaminated site may be extracted, analyzed, fermented, and reintroduced to enhance biodegradation, and nutrients, food, or both, may be supplied to the microbial population to sustain high levels of degradation activity. Relatively pure liquid contaminant may be separated from other fluids, such as water.

Abstract: A method of separating oleophilic-hydrophobic material from wash water is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mixing with the wash water, about 30-2100 ppm of a surfactant having the formula: ##STR1## where n is 6-20; and about 1-200 ppm of an enzyme chosen from among proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, pectinases and mixtures thereof. The mixture of wash water surfactant and/or enzyme is then permitted to stand for a time sufficient for the oleophilic-hydrophobic material to separate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the cleaning of gases, in particular air, with the aid of organic filtration material, in which the filtration material is placed upon a grating floor located inside a chamber (5) which is moveable and--after the filtration material has been charged in it--is lifted up and placed on top of an air supply room (1), such that a seal is obtained between the chamber (5) and the air supply room (1). After the filtration material has lost its activity, the chamber (5) can be lifted off the air supply room (1) and be replaced with a chamber (5) having new filtration material. The chamber (5) can be tilted for removing the filtration material from it, and can be provided with humidification tubes (14) and with tubing (15) for pre-heating the air.

Abstract: A cylindrical vessel having a horizontal, longitudinal axis of rotation is filled with biofilter material and receives gases through a perforated dispersion pipe located along the axis. Humidified gases pass through the biologically active filter material where the gases are converted into elemental gases, carbon dioxide, biomass, or water. The vessel is lined with geotextile material which acts as a collection plenum for the gases which flow radially outward to the lining. Collection pipes located at regular intervals between the lining and the vessel conduct the gases to a manifold, also located on the axis. The vessel is rotated periodically, e.g. weekly, for several rotations in order to mix the filter material, break up any compacted material, and collapse any fissures.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting sulfide production by sulfate-reducing bacteria by contacting certain anthraquinones with the medium containing the sulfate-reducing bacteria is disclosed, as well as an automated screening test for such inhibition.

Abstract: Methods of use of carbonic acid esters corresponding to general formula I: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is an alkyl radical derived from an aliphatic saturated primary alcohol containing 1 to 22 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is an alkyl radical derived from an aliphatic, saturated primary alcohol containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms and/or has the same meaning as R.sup.1 and n is a number of 2 to 20 while m is 0 or has the same meaning as n, as foam control agents for the sugar beet or potato-processing food industry and/or in fermentation processes are provided. In the industrial processing of sugar-containing plant juices, as carried out on an industrial scale in the case of sugar beet, particular difficulties are caused by excessive foaming in the defecation units, during transport of the beet, in the diffusors and in the carbonizing tanks and before the evaporators, thus, use of the esters in these processes is advantageous.

Abstract: A process is provided for solubilizing coprecipitated metals. Metals in wastestreams are concentrated by treatment with an iron oxide coprecipitating agent. The coprecipitated metals are solubilized by contacting the coprecipitate with a bacterial culture of a Clostridium species ATCC 53464. The remobilized metals can then be recovered and recycled.

Abstract: A decontamination system and method for the decontamination of a contaminated gas. The contaminated gas is characterized by a gas phase and at least one contaminant. The contaminated gas is removed from its source and is introduced into a loop through which a bio-agent is circulated. The bio-agent includes a microorganism (e.g. bacterium) effective for the biodegradation of the contaminant. The bio-agent may also include a liquid carrier. The loop may include absorption column, separator and bioreactor positioned in the loop. An oxidation means can be utilized to oxidize metals in the contaminated gas. Alternatively, the bio-agent can be replaced by a liquid which circulates through the bioreactor and which is effective for absorption of the contaminant. In other embodiments, the loop can be replaced by a conduit in a form or arrangement other than a loop.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removing contaminants. A plurality of injection wells are drilled through the vadose zone to a depth below the water table defining the upper boundary of the aquifer. A plurality of venting wells or venting laterals are established to a depth above the water table sufficient to discourage fouling by contaminated water or condensate, and oxygenated gas is injected under pressure through the injection wells. Additional biochemical cleansing may occur at ground level prior to venting of contaminated air. Microbes natural to the contaminated site may be extracted, analyzed, fermented, and reintroduced to enhance biodegradation, and nutrients, food, or both, may be supplied to the microbial population to sustain high levels of degradation activity. Relatively pure liquid contaminant may be separated from other fluids, such as water.

Abstract: A biological process is described involving the conversion of SO.sub.2 to H.sub.2 S using sulfate reducing bacteria in co-culture with facultatively anaerobic heterotrophs under anaerobic conditions in a maintenance medium which includes a substrate fermentable by the facultatively anaerobic heterotrophs to produce an end product which acts as the carbon and energy source for the sulfate reducing bacteria. Glucose and sewage sludge are the two fermentable substrates described. The process is described as being used in conjunction with a process for removing SO.sub.2 from a flue gas and then converting the SO.sub.2 to H.sub.2 S. The H.sub.2 S may be reacted with some remaining SO.sub.2 in a Claus reactor to produce elemental sulfur or the H.sub.2 S may be used as a reducing gas to regenerate the sorbent being used to remove the SO.sub.2 from the flue gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying organic contaminants, such as trichloroethylene, in aqueous liquids, such as groundwater, utilizing steam stripping integrated with biodegradation. The contaminated aqueous liquid is fed into a steam stripper causing the volatilization of essentially all of the organic contaminants and a portion of the aqueous liquid. The majority of the aqueous liquid is discharged from the steam stripper. The volatilized vapors are then condensed to the liquid phase and introduced into a bioreactor. The bioreactor contains methanotrophic microorganisms which convert the organic contaminants into mainly carbon dioxide. The effluent from the bioreactor is then recycled back to the steam stripper for further processing.

Abstract: A system and method for the decontamination of contaminated ground is described. Contaminated soil gas containing the contaminant is removed from the contaminated ground. Contaminants are separated from the contaminated gas and treated to lessen an environmental hazard of the contaminant. Contaminants are preferably treated by non-thermal oxidation. Residual soil gas, including any oxygen, unoxidized contaminants, and oxidation products (water vapor and carbon dioxide) are returned to the ground, where unoxidized contaminants are subject to oxidation by soil microorganisms. The returned residual soil gas is recirculated through the decontamination system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removing contaminants from soil and an associated subsurface groundwater aquifer. An injection well(s) is drilled through the vadose zone to a depth below the water table defining the upper boundary of the aquifer. An extraction well is established to a depth above the water table. Oxygenated gas is injected under pressure through the injection well while a vacuum is applied to the extraction well. Contaminants are removed from the groundwater aquifer and from the vadose zone by a combination of physical, chemical, and biochemical processes. Additional biochemical cleansing may occur at ground level prior to venting of extracted, contaminated air. Relatively pure liquid contaminant may be extracted simultaneously with cleansing of the soil above the aquifer. Microbes natural to the contaminated site are extracted, analyzed, fermented, and reintroduced to enhance biodegradation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the concentration of an organic and/or inorganic pollutant in a fluid stream which comprises passing the stream through a bioreacter containing a fixed biologically active biomass comprising an effective number of open or substantially open spaces and a plurality of biologically active bodies comprising a hydrophobic polyurethane substrate having an effective amount of one or more microorganism capable of metabolizing at least one of the said pollutant on, in or on and in said substrate in the absence or in the substantial absence of an absorbent.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficient use of fluid and for improving the odor control in in-vessel composting. The method includes the re-use of exhaust fluid from a first composting reactor in a second composting reactor in a single multiple chain system. Improved odor control is achieved by the provision of an odor control device interposed in the fluid stream from the first composting reactor to the second composting reactor and passing exhaust fluid from the first reactor through the odor control device to remove pollutants therefrom before re-use in the second composting reactor. The exhaust fluid from the second composting reactor may also be passed through the odor control device before it is exhausted to the atmosphere.