Abstract: Apparatus and method for the simultaneous purification of air and water, using a plurality of compartments arranged in a series extending from a first to a last compartment. Each compartment is partially filled with a biologically active material. Air and water to be purified are introduced into the first compartment into a lower portion thereof. Each said compartment other than the last compartment has outlets for air and water adjacent an upper portion thereof communicating with conduits for conveying air and water to a lower portion of the next compartment in the series. Each compartment other than the last has a closed top such that air can leave only through the conduits and pass to a lower portion of the next compartment. The last compartment has outlets adjacent an upper portion thereof for purified air and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for purifying waste gases by scrubbing with an adsorbent suspension. The adsorbent suspension in a concentration from 40 g/l to 200 g/l is here distributed uniformly or almost uniformly in at least one gas-scrubbing device, passed through at least one ordered mass transfer zone and contacted with the gas and then passed into at least one separately arranged reactor, the biologically degradable or convertible impurities are reacted, with the additional use of aerobic bacteria and oxygen, with forced motion and the purified liquid or suspension is recycled, wholly or as part stream, to the gas-scrubbing device, distributed therein and contacted again with the gas which is to be purified.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process by which a gas containing nitric oxide is contacted with an anaerobic microbial culture of denitrifying bacteria to effect the chemical reduction of the nitric oxide to elemental nitrogen. The process is particularly suited to the removal of nitric oxide from flue gas streams and gas streams from nitric acid plants. Thiobacillus dentrificians as well as other bacteria are disclosed for use in the process.

Abstract: Novel packaging in a process for producing same is disclosed whereby oxygen from the interior of an enclosed container is scavenged by introducing into the container the enzyme, alcohol oxidase and its substrate, alcohol.

Abstract: The application relates to a process for the biological disposal and purification of waste air which is contaminated with hazardous substances with the aid of biofilters. The breakdown efficiency of the biofilter is increased by adding to the waste air basic compounds which are in the form of a gas or dissolved.

Abstract: Process and apparatus is disclosed for removing pollutants from a waste gas stream comprising culturing in a rotary biocontactor a biomass capable of assimilating the pollutants and producing harmless metabolites. The waste gas stream is brought into contact with the biomass within the biocontactor. The biocontactor includes a plurality of discs mounted for rotation within the biocontactor. The waste gas stream in passing over the exposed biomass on the disc results in the pollutants being absorbed by the biomass. In turn the biomass assimilates the pollutants and produces harmless metabolites. The gas stream with a substantial percentage of pollutants removed therefrom and containing any gaseous metabolites is exhausted from the biocontactor.

Abstract: A process for the decontamination of oxygenated gases comprises growing a mycelium of pocket rot mushrooms on a substrate and bringing the exhaust gas into contact with the mycelium. The substrate comprises a waste material, such as agricultural, forestry, or fishery wastes, or wastes from the wood pulping industry. The mycelium and the substrate are shaped into body forms of a desired configuration which promote contact of the oxygenated gas with the mycelium in particular environments.

Abstract: A biological conversion process is provided for degradation of sulfur-containing pollutants such as H.sub.2 S, CS.sub.2, COS, and also organic surfur compounds such as thio-alcohols, thio-ethers, and thiophenes in waste gas. A packed reactor is provided which has packing material covered with immobilized microorganisms of the family of Thiobacillaceae and which are continuously kept moist, so that metabolic products of the microorganisms are dissolved in the moisture and discharged continuously. A continuous concentration gradient for sulfate ions thereby results in the reactor or in the region of the microorganisms, these sulfate ions being neutralized in a second reactor by supplying lye (soda or potash lye) forming readily-soluble salts.

Abstract: An indoor air purifier has a container with a layer of soil supported above a lower air plenum. Room air is drawn downwardly through the layer of soil and discharged from the plenum back into the room. Contaminant gases in the air are adsorbed in the soil and metabolized by microorganisms, producing carbon dioxide and water, and substantially reducing noxious and toxic materials in the air. The soil may be divided into two layers, and the air purifier operated in either of two modes. During normal operation, air is drawn through both layers of soil for removal of particles and destruction of contaminants by microorganisms. Alternatively, air may be drawn through only one layer of soil at a substantially higher flow rate for removing particulate materials. Plants may be grown in the upper portion of the soil to aid in air purification and to provide an attractive room decor.

Abstract: A bioaquatic air pollution control system for controlling both water and atmospheric pollution. The pollution control system includes an exhaust for directing polluted gases out of a furnace and a fluid circulating system which circulates fluid, such as wastewater, from a source, past the furnace where the fluid flow entrains the pollutants from the furnace. The combined fluid and pollutants are then directed through a rock/plant/microbial filtering system. A suction pump pumps the treated wastewater from the filter system past the exhaust to again entrain more pollutants from the furnace where they are combined with the fluid (wastewater) and directed to the filter system.

Abstract: Novel packaging in a process for producing same is disclosed whereby oxygen from the interior of an enclosed container is scavenged by introducing into the container the enzyme, alcohol oxidase and its substrate, alcohol.

Abstract: Terminally blocked polyethoxylated fatty alcohols of the formula:R--O--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n --R.sup.1 (I)wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having from 6 to 28 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 is a linear alkyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and n is an integer having a value of from 2 to 12 are used as anti-foaming additives in the manufacture and/or processing of food stuffs as well as in fermentation processes.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved method for the purification of H.sub.2 S containing gases, which comprises the steps of (1) oxidizing a solution of ferrous sulfate into a solution of ferric sulfate with the aid of an iron-oxidizing bacterium; (2) absorbing the H.sub.2 S in the gas by the solution of ferric sulfate by bringing the gas into contact with the solution; (3) separating and recovering the elemental sulfur produced in the solution during the second step; and (4) returning the solution of ferrous sulfate, which is obtained in the third step in an elemental sulfur free state, to the first step to be oxidized again into a solution of ferric sulfate, said method being characterized in that the oxidation in the first step is carried out in a fixed-bed type oxidation vessel which is filled with a bacterium support onto which an iron-oxidizing bacterium has been deposited.

Abstract: Removal of dissolved hydrogen sulfide and a reduction in BOD is achieved by the addition of nitrate ions to waste systems in an amount sufficient to stimulate growth of bacteria which utilize dissolved hydrogen sulfide in their metabolism. Specifically, about 2.4 lbs. oxygen per lb. of sulfide is required.

Abstract: Stable oil-in-water emulsions are prepared containing a relatively high concentration of from 8 to 60% by weight of a heteropolysaccharide bipolymer, e.g., xanthan gum preferably, the emulsions contain greater than 15 up to 60% biopolymer, 40 to 99 parts of an aqueous phase containing 10 to 60% by weight biopolymer and 40% to 90% by weight water, 1 to 60 parts oil and 1 to 40% with respect to the aqueous phase and oil of a surface active agent. The emulsions are prepared by combining powdered biopolymer with water, oil and surfactant or by concentrating an oil-in-water emulsion containing the biopolymer such as by ultrafiltration. A fermentation wort containing the biopolymer may be used in preparing the emulsion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying industrial waste fluids by an aerobic biological treatment is provided herein, which is capable of concurrently purifying waste gases emanating from such waste liquids. The improvement relates to the elimination or reduction of odors and volatile organic substances by enclosing all tanks and basins from the influent of the waste water treatment plant up to the aeration treatment zone for the liquid waste water and venting these gases to an aerobic digester and/or an aeration basin to biologically decompose or degrade the VOS in the waste gas by action of the microorganisms in the aeration basin or aerobic digester.

Abstract: An apparatus for the biodegradtion of toxic organic solvents contained in liquid scintillation cocktail (LSC) wastes is disclosed, as well as a method for its operation. Additionally, a novel microorganism, Pseudomonas sp NNRL B-18435, is disclosed for the biodegradation of the organic solvents contained in such wastes. The apparatus is capable of operating with solvent concentrations greater than 5,000 ppm and emulsifier concentrations greater than 2,000 ppm. Rates of solvent biodegradation range from 0.095 mg/L.min to about 7.0 mg/L.min.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of malodorous and/or toxic components from wast gases by biological treatment of the same. Such removal is accomplished by passing the gas stream through a humidifying temperature conditioning section and then through a filter bed. The filter bed consists of a mixture of an organic biological active material, like compost, an inert fraction and additives for neutralization and organic buffening. Also disclosed is the inoculation of the filter bed with specific micro-organisms adapted to remove constituents of the gas stream which are difficulty biodegradable, e.g. methylenechloride.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the removal of hydrogen sulphide from contaminated gas which comprises treating the gas with a cation exchange resin doped with ions of a metal selected from magnesium, calcium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium and lead, and regenerating the resin by treatment thereof with an oxidizing microorganism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the concentration of heavy metal ions in an aqueous waste solution, comprising the steps of:(a) contacting the aqueous waste solution with a mixed culture of Citrobacter freundii and a dissimulatory sulfate reducer, in the presence of nutrient sufficient to satisfy the nutritional requirements of the mixed culture, for a time sufficient to produce sulfide ions from a sulfide-ion precursor in the aqueous waste solution or nutrient and to precipitate the heavy metal ions in the form of corresponding sulfides and(b) removing the thus-precipitated sulfides from the waste solution.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for cleaning crude gas, particularly waste gas from a mineral fibre production plant and contaminated with phenol and/or formaldehyde and/or the products of condensation thereof, wherein the crude gas is sprayed with a circulated washing liquid enriched with micro-organisms, some of the impurities contained in the crude gas being in this way agglutinated, the washing liquid being collected in a storage tank and the impurities contained therein being at least partly degraded by the micro-organisms which are themselves subjected to an activation process, and wherein, after it leaves the spraying tower, the crude gas sprayed with the washing liquid is passed through the electric high-voltage field of a wet film precipitator in which the aerosols are separated and fed to the storage tank or collecting tank. The cleaned gas has substantially lower emission levels than previously and is odorless and colorless.

Abstract: A facultatively anaerobic microorganism of a strain of Klebsiella oxytoca is disclosed for degrading toxic waste materials into more environmentally acceptable materials. Processes for utilizing the microorganism in a sequencing batch reactor, and for treating industrial and municipal wastes, such as chemical waste landfill leachate and chemical process wastewater, are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for desulfurizing gases by microbiological techniques which involve the use of chemoautotrophic bacteria of the Thiobacillus genus to convert sulfides to sulfates either as a sulfide removal process or as a process for producing biomass. More specifically, the invention involves the use of Thiobacillus denitrificans under aerobic conditions to oxidize sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide to sulfate compounds. The process may be carried out by various techniques such as in a continuous bioreactor system using an immobilization matrix. The method is particularly suited to the disposal of hydrogen sulfide which has been otherwise removed from natural gas and producing a biomass byproduct.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the removal of hydrogen sulphide from contaminated gas which comprises contacting contaminated gas with an aqueous ferric-ion solution in a first reactor, removing precipitated sulphur from the resulting aqueous iron-containing solution, oxidizing the aqueous iron-containing solution in a second reactor in the presence of an iron-oxidizing microorganism and separating resulting aqueous ferric-ion solution from the microorganism, characterized in that the pH of the aqueous iron-containing solution in the second reactor is maintained in the range 1.2 to 1.9, the total iron concentration in the aqueous solution is at least 15 kg/m.sup.3, and the aqueous ferric-ion solution is separated from the microorganism by ultrafiltration.

Abstract: A process for cleaning in particular styrene-polluted spent air by filtering out styrene and an apparatus for performing this process are described. The filter used is a biofilter of tree bark, particularly spruce bark. The filter is in the form of a bed of particles with a particle diameter of 0.5 to 3 cm. The process is particularly inexpensive compared with the relevant prior art cleaning process working with the physical absorption of the styrene on active carbon filters.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the purification of waste air containing biologically decomposing impurities. The waste water is conducted through an absorption tower in which the impurities are absorbed by washing liquid containing an activated sludge. Subsequently, the impurities are biologically decomposed in an activated sludge basin by the microorganisms of the activated sludge. To ensure that the residual amount of washing liquid to be removed is small and only a small amount of biological excess sludge is produced even if large amounts of impurities must be decomposed, while the activated sludge basin remains relatively small, the waste air is subjected to a preliminary purification in at least two successive stages by means of a highly polluted washing liquid. Subsequently, the waste air is subjected to an after purification by means of an only lightly polluted washing liquid. The two different washing liquids are then conducted in a cascade-like manner through separate activated sludge basins.

Abstract: Method for removal of malodorous and/or toxic components from waste gases by biological treatment of the same. Such removal is accomplished by passing the gas stream through a humidifying temperature conditioning section and then through a filter bed. The filter bed consists of a mixture of an organic biological active material, like compost, an inert fraction and additives for neutralization and organic buffening. Also disclosed is the inoculation of the filter bed with specific micro-organisms adapted to remove constituents of the gas stream which are difficultly biodegradable, e.g. methylenechloride.

Abstract: Method for scrubbing gases containing oxygen, that are polluted by biodegradable substances, by bringing them into contact with an aqueous suspension of microorganisms such that:(a) the period of contact between gas and suspension is 0.5-5 seconds;(b) the suspension is brought into contact with the gas again after a retention time of 3-10 minutes has been attained;(c) the suspension is continuously supplied with active biomass in amounts between 0.5% and 5% of the aqueous suspension whereby(d) the excess suspension is drawn off.

Abstract: There is provided a process for breaking or at least destabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions, which comprises adding to the emulsion a broth or portion of a broth resulting from the culture therein of specifically selected bacterial microorganisms of the genus Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium or Mycobacterium. In particular, the microorganisms, Nocardia amarae, Rhodococcus aurantiacus and Rhodococcus rubropertinctus have been found to yield broths, following cultivation, having exceptionally good properties as de-emulsifying agents.

Abstract: There is described a process for the culture of microorganisms in a medium comprising a hydrophobic material containing microorganisms by the use of nutrient substances in aqueous solution micro-emulsified in a liquid immiscible with water. As the source of nitrogen, compounds soluble in water are used, such as urea or ammonium nitrate, sulphate or phosphate, and, as the source of phosphorus, compounds soluble in water are used. The medium should also contain a directly-assimilable source of carbon. Application of this process to the culture of microorganisms, allowing operations to be carried out which comprise the degrading of hydrocarbons covering an area of water or ground; an application of particular interest for operations for combatting oil pollution of the sea by biological degradation.

Abstract: Stack gases from fossil fuel burning operations before being released to the atmosphere are passed through a scrubber, wherein sulfur dioxide is removed from the gases by scrubbing with metallic carbonates. The metallic carbonates react with the sulfur dioxide to form a liquid effluent comprising metallic sulfates. The effluent is placed in a basin and inoculated with a microorganism which reduces sulfate ions to hydrogen sulfide, preferably bacteria from the genus Desulfovibrio, thereby also regenerating metallic carbonates. The effluent is contemporaneously or serially inoculated with saline compatible bacteria from the genus Beggiatoa whereby the hydrogen sulfide is oxidized to form sulfur. After treatment by the bacteria, the effluent is recycled to the scrubber for use therein and the sulfur is recovered.