Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for use in controlling souring and corrosion causing prokaryotes, such as SRP, by treating oil and gas field environments or treatment fluids with a newly identified bacterial strain ATCC Accession No. PTA-124262 as a self-propagating whole cell that produces an anti-SRP bacteriocin in situ. In another aspect, the methods use one or more toxic peptides or proteins isolated therefrom in methods to control unwanted prokaryotic growth in these environments.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for use in controlling souring and corrosion causing prokaryotes, such as SRP, by treating oil and gas field environments or treatment fluids with a newly identified bacterial strain ATCC Accession No. PTA-124262 as a self-propagating whole cell that produces an anti-SRP bacteriocin in situ. In another aspect, the methods use one or more toxic peptides or proteins isolated therefrom in methods to control unwanted prokaryotic growth in these environments.

Abstract: Provided is a method for disposing of contaminated deposit soil and recycled reclamation soil using the same and, more specifically, a method for disposing of contaminated dredged soil, the method comprising the steps of: seeding a mixed strain NIX51 (KACC81038BP) in the contaminated dredged soil to primarily dispose of contaminated materials in a bioreactor; and washing the degraded soil, which has been primarily disposed of, with a washing solution containing at least one selected from the group consisting of citric acid, oxalate, carbonic acid (H2CO3), and nitric acid, to secondarily dispose of heavy metals.

Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil well production and increase the value of heavy crude oil. Specifically, the subject invention provides cultivated yeast products, which can be applied to oil and/or oil and gas production equipment to improve production and increase the economic value of heavy crude oil by, for example, upgrading heavy oils and/or converting heavy hydrocarbon substances, such as asphalts, asphaltenes, tars, bitumens and/or petcokes into lighter hydrocarbon substances.

Abstract: A composition for removing spillage on asphalt paving of hydrocarbon substances which includes modifiers, chemical oxidizers and bacteria which metabolizes both the spillage and a softened top layer of asphalt paving to aid in rehardening the surface of the mat while not metabolizing the underlying asphalt paving unaffected by the spillage.

Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil well production and increase the value of heavy crude oil. Specifically, the subject invention provides cultivated yeast products, which can be applied to oil and/or oil and gas production equipment to improve production and increase the economic value of heavy crude oil by, for example, upgrading heavy oils and/or converting heavy hydrocarbon substances, such as asphalts, asphaltenes, tars, bitumens and/or petcokes into lighter hydrocarbon substances.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel additive for fuels comprising iso-propanol in an amount of from 60-70 Vol.-%, diesel and gasoline each in an amount of from 10-20 vol.-% and water in an amount of from 1-5 vol.-%. In another aspect the composition comprises Iso-propanol in an amount of from 60-70 vol.-%, lineseed oil in an amount of from 15-25 vol.-%, gasoline fuel in an amount of from 10-20 vol.-%, and water in an amount of from 1-5 vol.-%. The invention further relates to the use of the said additive in reducing carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) levels from emissions of combustion engines.

Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbons from oil shale and other carbonaceous materials has the steps of preparing a biomedium of microorganisms, water, and nutrients; providing shale laden with oil; treating oil shale with the biomedium; mechanically agitating the treated oil shale and biomedium approximately twelve hours to form a liquid suspension; and separating the components of the liquid suspension to yield a hydrocarbon mixture.

Abstract: A microorganism suitable for production of hydrogen that is a Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum strain with an accession number of FERM BP-10793, or its mutants.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing acetoclastic methanogenesis in subterranean geologic formations. The methods may include accessing a microorganism consortium in the formation, and assessing the consortium for acetoclastic methanogenic activity. The methods may further include modifying the formation environment based on the consortium assessment to increase methane production from acetoclastic methanogenic pathways used by the consortium. The modifications to the formation environment may include introducing an amendment and/or introducing acetoclastic microorganisms to the formation environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods to reduce the levels of contaminants in effluent produced in industrial operations, e.g., refinery operations. In particular, the invention relates to method to reduce the level of organic contaminants in industrial effluent wherein said effluent lacks sufficient dissolved oxygen to support enzymatically-catalyzed removal of organic contaminants comprising adding to the effluent one or more enzymes in an amount effective to reduce the level of organic contaminants in said effluent, wherein said enzymes require oxygen for enzymatic activity; and adding an in situ source of dissolved oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of microorganisms (biocatalysts), or catalysts derived from these organisms (enzymes), to improve the quality of crude oil and bitumen as an attractive alternative to current upgrading methods. The invention identifies and characterizes the microorganism species, in particular, N. muscorum (UTEX 2209) and Kocuria rhizophilia (ATCC533), that have the capability to biochemically convert organic acids into chemical species that do not possess corrosive properties.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided encoding a thermostable cellulase and directing its increased expression are provided, and the use of the thermostable cellulase in hydraulic fracturing methods and the treatment of flowback fluids.

Abstract: Chemical compounds that are N-acyl amino acids or derivatives thereof having long chain N-acyl groups were found to have oil-releasing activity. Solutions containing these compounds may be introduced into oil reservoirs or onto oil-contaminated surface sites to release oil from oil-coated surfaces. The released oil may be recovered for further processing or waste disposal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polypeptides having silicase activity for the modification or synthesis of silica, silicones and other silicium (IV) compounds. The present invention also relates to the use of polypeptides having silicase activity for the modification of glass, sand, asbestos, computer chips, glass wool, fiber glass, optical fibers and silicones, for the removal of sand from oil-sands, for the removal of asbestos, and for sandblasting.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content are described. The methods may include accessing a consortium of microorganisms in a geologic formation that includes a carbonaceous material. They may also include providing hydrogen and one or more phosphorous compounds to the microorganisms. The combination of the hydrogen and phosphorous compounds stimulates the consortium to metabolize the carbonaceous material into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content. Also, methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content by providing a carboxylate compound, such as acetate, to a consortium of microorganisms is described. The carboxylate compound stimulates the consortium to metabolize carbonaceous material in the formation into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content.

Abstract: Method of evaluating the biodegradation, through the action of a bacterial population, of hydrocarbons trapped in a geologic structure. The mass of hydrocarbons present in said structure is determined without taking account of the biodegradation, from data relative to the physical and geometrical characteristics of the structure studied. Then the mass of hydrocarbons consumed by biodegradation is calculated after evaluating the number of bacteria, their hydrocarbon consumption and the structure filling time. The mass percentage of oil disappeared through the bacterial action is deduced from these two masses. Application: determination of the composition of oils in a reservoir and notably location of heavy oils. The method can notably be applied to the evaluation of the economic risk linked with the presence of biodegraded petroleum reservoirs.

Abstract: A biodegradable wellbore fluid with an oleaginous phase including a linear paraffin having 11-18 carbon atoms, a non-oleaginous phase, an emulsifying agent and optionally a weighting agent. Use of the fluid while drilling allows bio-remediation of drill cuttings using land spreading, bioreactors, conventional composting or vermiculture composting. The resulting product, especially when vermicomposed, is potentially useful as a soil amendment or plant fertilizer material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is introduction of different nutrient solution formulations to a subterranean target site to prevent biofilm formation and biomass aggregation at the sand face of an injection well bore during MEOR or bioremediation processes. A first nutrient solution formulation supports growth of introduced microorganisms and a second nutrient solution formulation is used to promote biofilm formation to allow plugging of pores and channels in the subterranean target site, for MEOR or bioremediation.

Abstract: A method for the degradation of polycyclic aromatic compounds is disclosed that involves dissolving ozone in a bipolar solvent comprising a non-polar solvent in which is of sufficiently non-polar character to solubilized the polycyclic aromatic compounds, and a polar-water-compatible solvent which is fully miscible with the non-polar solvent to form a single phase with the non-polar solvent. The bipolar solvent with dissolved ozone is contacted with the polycyclic aromatic compounds to solubilize the polycyclic aromatic compounds and react the dissolved polycyclic aromatic compounds with the ozone to degrade the dissolved polycyclic aromatic compounds to oxygenated intermediates. The bipolar solvent is then mixed with sufficient water to form separate non-polar and polar phases, the non-polar phase comprising the non-polar solvent and the polar phase comprising the non-polar solvent and the oxygenated intermediates.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to use sulphate-reducing thermophilic archaeobacteria for carrying out a method for degrading linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, when necessary sulphur, aromatic hydrocarbons under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: Chemical compounds that are N-acyl amino acids or derivatives thereof having long chain N-acyl groups were found to have oil-releasing activity. Solutions containing these compounds may be introduced into oil reservoirs or onto oil-contaminated surface sites to release oil from oil-coated surfaces. The released oil may be recovered for further processing or waste disposal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolation and identification of unique Pseudomonas stutzeri strains that can grow on crude oil under denitrifying conditions and are useful in oil recovery.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided wherein microorganisms are used to alter the interface of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon-coated surfaces to increase oil recovery, for improved bioremediation and/or to benefit pipeline maintenance.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a transcription factor. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the transcription factor, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of accumulated oil in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: A method for the degradation of polycyclic aromatic compounds is disclosed that involves dissolving ozone in a bipolar solvent comprising a non-polar solvent in which is of sufficiently non-polar character to solubilized the polycyclic aromatic compounds, and a polar-water-compatible solvent which is fully miscible with the non-polar solvent to form a single phase with the non-polar solvent. The bipolar solvent with dissolved ozone is contacted with the polycyclic aromatic compounds to solubilize the polycyclic aromatic compounds and react the dissolved polycyclic aromatic compounds with the ozone to degrade the dissolved polycyclic aromatic compounds to oxygenated intermediates. The bipolar solvent is then mixed with sufficient water to form separate non-polar and polar phases, the non-polar phase comprising the non-polar solvent and the polar phase comprising the non-polar solvent and the oxygenated intermediates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for thickening a hydrophobic liquid. When a hydrophobic liquid is thickened in accordance with the invention, the liquid becomes significantly denser. Preferably, the hydrophobic liquid becomes a gel.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing liquid hydrocarbons from biomass is provided. The method comprises pyrolizing the biomass with hydrogen (H2) to form bio-oil. The bio-oil comprises alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, aromatics, hydrocarbons or mixtures thereof. The H2 is formed from a carbon-free energy source.

Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for the elimination of carbon dioxide from waste gases includes the following steps. First, waste gases, which include carbon dioxide, are provided from a source for waste gases. Next, the waste gases are contacted with an absorbent composition that includes perfluorodecalin solution. The waste gases, especially the carbon dioxide, are then absorbed by the absorbent composition. The absorbent composition thereby absorbs the waste gases to eliminate the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, phosphatidic acid phosphatases (PAP)) and/or lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbons from oil shale and other carbonaceous materials has the steps of preparing a biomedium of microorganisms, water, and nutrients; providing shale laden with oil; treating oil shale with the biomedium; mechanically agitating the treated oil shale and biomedium approximately twelve hours to form a liquid suspension; and separating the components of the liquid suspension to yield a hydrocarbon mixture.

Abstract: A method for processing environmental or industrial samples to remove, reclaim or otherwise reduce the level of chemical species present in the sample that act as redox active species. The redox active species is kept in a waste chamber and is separated from an aqueous bacterial culture that is held in a culture chamber. The waste chamber and the culture chamber are separated by a porous membrane through which electron transfer can occur but through which the aqueous bacterial culture cannot pass. The redox active species substantially remains in the waste chamber and is in non-contact with the aqueous bacterial culture during the process of removal, reduction or reclamation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of microorganisms (biocatalysts), or catalysts derived from these organisms (enzymes), to improve the quality of crude oil and bitumen as an attractive alternative to current upgrading methods. The invention identifies and characterizes the microorganism species, in particular, N. muscorum (UTEX 2209) and Kocuria rhizophilia (ATCC533), that have the capability to biochemically convert organic acids into chemical species that do not possess corrosive properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the bioupgrading of crude oil is directed to a process for decreasing the acidity of an acidic crude oil, comprising contacting an acidic crude oil with a mixture nitrogen containing compounds selected from the group comprising ammonia, ammonia hydroxide, amines and the salts thereof, and in the presence of lipase enzyme, under conditions of suitable temperature and pressure sufficient to form the corresponding amide. The resulting naphthenic acid derived amides can then be processed normally in a refinery using such processes as cracking or hydrotreating and converted to hydrocarbon, ammonia and carbon dioxide without causing damage to the refinery infrastructure. This enzyme process is done at reduced temperatures (40-60° C.) and pressures requiring less energy.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 in photosynthesis. In some embodiments, such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments, such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 photosynthesis. In some embodiments such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.

Abstract: An isolated microbial consortium is described that includes a first microbial consortium having Thermacetogenium phaeum to metabolize a complex hydrocarbon substrate into metabolic products comprising an acetate compound. The consortium also includes a second microbial consortium having a methanogen to convert the acetate compound into a final product that includes methane. Also, a method of increasing production of materials with enhanced hydrogen content. The method includes isolating Thermacetogenium phaeum from geologic formation water, culturing the isolated Thermacetogenium phaeum to increase the Thermacetogenium phaeum population, and introducing a consortium of the cultured Thermacetogenium phaeum, which may include spores of Thermacetogenium phaeum, into a hydrocarbon formation containing a complex hydrocarbon substrate.

Abstract: A method of biotreating and recovering metal values from metal-bearing refractrory sulfide ore using a nonstirred surface bioreactor is provided. According to the method, the surface of a plurality of coarse substrates is coated with a solid material to be biotreated to form a plurality of coated coarse substrates. The coarse substrates have a particle size greater than about 0.3 cm and the solid material to be biotreated has a particle size less than about 250 ?m. A nonstirred surface reactor is then formed by stacking the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a heap or placing the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a tank so that the void volume of the reactor is greater than or equal to about 25%. The solid material is biotreated in the surface bioreactor until the undesired compound in the solid material is degraded to a desired concentration.

Abstract: A method of biotreating a solid material including an organic compound is provided. According to the method, a nonstirred bioreactor having a void volume of greater than or equal to 25% with a mixture including a solid material to be biotreated and a plurality of coarse substrates having a particle size greater than or equal to about 0.6 cm is formed. The solid material to be biotreated includes an organic material. The mixture includes sufficient coarse substrates to provide the reactor with at least 100 square meters of surface area per cubic meter of reactor space. The solid material in the bioreactor is biotreated until the organic material within the bioreactor is reduced to a desired concentration.

Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.

Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.

Abstract: An isolated microbial consortium is described that includes a first microbial consortium having Thermacetogenium phaeum to metabolize a complex hydrocarbon substrate into metabolic products comprising an acetate compound. The consortium also includes a second microbial consortium having a methanogen to convert the acetate compound into a final product that includes methane. Also, a method of increasing production of materials with enhanced hydrogen content. The method includes isolating Thermacetogenium phaeum from geologic formation water, culturing the isolated Thermacetogenium phaeum to increase the Thermacetogenium phaeum population, and introducing a consortium of the cultured Thermacetogenium phaeum, which may include spores of Thermacetogenium phaeum, into a hydrocarbon formation containing a complex hydrocarbon substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolation, identification and application of Shewanella putrefaciens strain LH4:18 that grows, under denitrifying anaerobic conditions, on crude oil as the sole carbon source. This organism assists in oil release from substrate in reservoir simulations when grown on either lactate or peptone as a carbon source. Shewanella putrefaciens strain LH4:18 can be used alone or in concert with other microorganisms to improve oil recovery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and gaseous composition for the in situ bioremediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with organic compounds, including halogenated hydrocarbons. The gaseous composition, which readily permeates a subsurface region, comprises hydrogen (H2) and one or more volatile phosphates, such as triethylphosphate (TEP) and tributylphosphate (TBP). The volatile phosphates serve as nutrients that stimulate the growth and activity of indigenous microbes that are capable of degrading the contaminants. The addition of hydrogen facilitates the direct reductive dehalogenation of highly halogenated contaminants. The gaseous composition may optionally contain one or more of a volatile alkane and nitrous oxide as additional supports for microbial growth, and carbon dioxide to lower the pH of remediation sites that are highly alkaline.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oil degumming method that is free of emulsification. This method includes the steps of treating crude oil first with immobilized phospholipase and then extracting the phospholipase-treated crude oil with pure water or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A mutant microbe that generates trace amounts of gold on silver, and uses of the mutant microbe for producing and recovering precious metals and for producing biofuels and oil products from biomass and sedimentary organic matter are described. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mutant microbe is produced by placing metallic silver in an aqueous solution, and adding a species of Saccharomyces to the aqueous solution. When the species of Saccharomyces comes in contact with the metallic silver, at least a portion of the species of Saccharomyces transforms into the mutant microbe that interacts with the metallic silver to form a layer comprising a trace amount of nano gold particles on the metallic silver.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, phosphatidic acid phosphatases (PAP)) and/or lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: An isolated microbial consortium is described that includes a first microbial consortium having Thermacetogenium phaeum to metabolize a complex hydrocarbon substrate into metabolic products comprising an acetate compound. The consortium also includes a second microbial consortium having a methanogen to convert the acetate compound into a final product that includes methane. Also, a method of increasing production of materials with enhanced hydrogen content. The method includes isolating Thermacetogenium phaeum from geologic formation water, culturing the isolated Thermacetogenium phaeum to increase the Thermacetogenium phaeum population, and introducing a consortium of the cultured Thermacetogenium phaeum, which may include spores of Thermacetogenium phaeum, into a hydrocarbon formation containing a complex hydrocarbon substrate.