Abstract: A method and apparatus for the biological purification of cutting oil, such as used in metal machining apparatus, is disclosed. The invention herein provides a suitable environment for cultured aerobic bacteria. These beneficial bacteria act to break down the hazardous organic waste products of anaerobic bacteria and eliminate rank odors. The cutting oil is aerated to encourage the proliferation of the aerobic bacteria, and to discourage the proliferation of the unwanted anaerobic bacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating oil spills on water comprising applying liposomes to a body of water to form a monomolecular layer of phospholipid molecules on the water surface which phosopholipid molecules break up a continuous layer of oil into oil droplets each of which is surrounded by a monomolecular layer of phospholipids.

Abstract: A system for recovering oil from an oil spill site. A vessel transports buoyant, oil absorbent material to the spill site. The absorbent material is dispersed below the water surface and advances upward toward the water surface, thereby absorbing oil and water. The dispersed absorbent material is contained and transferred back to the vessel. Oil and water are removed from the absorbent material on the vessel, and the absorbent material may be reused.

Abstract: A method of deeply desulfurizing a fossil fuel which contains a variety of organic sulfur compounds, some of which are labile to hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and some of which are refractory to HDS, comprising the steps of (a) subjecting the fossil fuel to HDS or a similar method of desulfurizing labile organic sulfur compounds, and (b) subjecting the fossil fuel to biocatalytic desulfurization (BDS) using a biocatalyst which is capable of selectively liberating sulfur from HDS-refractory organic sulfur compounds. In this manner, a fossil fuel is produced which does not generate sufficient levels of hazardous, sulfur-containing combustion products that it requires post-combustion desulfurization when it is burned. Moreover, the deeply desulfurized fossil fuel can be produced using only a mild HDS treatment, rather than requiring conditions which may be severe enough to be detrimental to the fuel value of the desired product.

Abstract: A mutant Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC No. 53969 which has the property of sulfur removal and sulfur metabolism by selective cleavage of C-S bonds in organic carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: The matrix carrier is a hinged compartment facilitating automation of DNA- and RNA-based diagnostics and genetic surveillance and detection. Specimens are embedded in a matrix in the carrier. The matrix is then treated by one or more of the techniques such as amplification, electrophoresis, and hybridization as selected for the desired analysis and then the sample is treated to detect the cellular component.

Abstract: A microbial system is provided for selective plugging of permeable regions of a subterranean formation, for use in conjunction with injection of surfactant-containing foams. Bacteria indigenous to the target formation are isolated, and selected for ability to degrade the surfactant of interest. Small, non-adherent ultramicrobacteria, or UMB, are prepared from the selected culture by starvation. The UMB and the surfactant-containing foam are then injected into the target formation. The surfactant allows the foam to penetrate into the formation. The UMB then revive to their vegetative state, degrade the surfactant and produce exopolymer, thus plugging the formation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the microbiological production of compounds containing a terminal hydroxyl or epoxy group from an aliphatic substrate or a substrate with an aliphatic side chain, using microorganisms genetically engineered so that they have retained their capacity to perform the terminal oxidation of the substrate, but are no longer able to convert the resulting oxidation product further to any significant extent. Preferred substrates are n-alkanes, n-alkenes, and n-alkadienes containing 6-12 carbon atoms. Preferred micro-organisms are genetically engineered Pseudomonas oleovorans and Pseudomonas putida strains lacking an active plasmidic alkanol-dehydrogenase gene. The invention also relates to micro-organisms thus genetically engineered.

Abstract: A method of microbial enhanced oil recovery for recovering oil from an oil-bearing rock formation. A population of aerobic bacteria is introduced into the formation at a position spaced from a production borehole. The micro-organisms are adapted to use oil as a carbon source. Pressurised injection water is introduced into the formation via an injection borehole, the water including a source of oxygen and mineral nutrients. The bacteria multiply using the oil as their main carbon source and the oxygen in the injection water as their main oxygen source. In so doing, they dissociate the oil from the rock formation and the dissociated oil is removed via the production borehole by the injection water.

Abstract: A process for biotechnological upgrading of shale oil in selectively removing damaging nitrogen-containing compounds comprising treating the raw shale oil with special microbial cultures having specific ability to degrade the harmful nitrogen-containing compounds, such as the amines, nitriles and heterocyclics as the quinolines and pyridines, and converting them into non-damaging components.

Abstract: In order to remove underground contamination, it has already been disclosed either to replace the soil, to wash the soil, to draw off the soil air or to carry out ground water desorption. All these processes are very complex and cost intensive. In particular, they do not provide a final solution to the problem, but instead merely move the problem, since the substances removed from the water to be purified are retained and must accordingly be stored safely, for example in waste dumps. The invention is an improved process and plant of this type which is simple and inexpensive to carry out and fully degrades the substances removed from the (ground) water. The object of the invention is achieved by, on the one hand, flushing through the soil, in particular its contaminated zone (17), and, in addition, biologically purifying the (ground) water. The process and the plant are particularly suitable for removing underground water contamination by hydrocarbons on old industrial sites.

Abstract: The microbial decontamination of soils contaminated with hydrocarbons, in particular with mineral oils, by microbial oxidation is improved by a process in which in addition to supplying the oxygen necessary for degradation, by aeration, soluble nutrients, water and soluble or dispersed biosurfactants as such or mixed with chemical surfactants are metered into the contaminated soils directly or into the removed contaminated soil layers, in one or more batches at time intervals, in an amount such that the formation of toxic intermediates which slow down or block microbial degradation in prevented, the accessibility of mineral oils and their products for the microorganisms is simultaneously increased and, as a result, accelerated, virtually complete mineralization by respiration to CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O is effected.

Abstract: A mutant Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain ATCC No. 53968 which has the property of sulfur removal and sulfur metabolism by selective cleavage of C-S bonds in organic carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: A method for on-site bioremediation of soils contaminated with petroleum derived hazardous wastes is described. This method for enhancing bioremediation includes the step of applying a cationic ion exchange resin to the contaminated soil in an amount sufficient to promote growth of organisms capable of degrading the hazardous waste.

Abstract: A process for biotechnological upgrading of shale oil in selectively removing damaging nitrogen-containing compounds comprising treating the raw shale oil with special microbial cultures having specific ability to degrade the harmful nitrogen-containing compounds, such as the amines, nitriles and heterocyclics as the quinolines and pyridines, and converting them into non-damaging components.

Abstract: A method of microbial enhanced oil recovery includes introducing, into an underground carbonate-containing rock formation that defines an anaerobic environment, denitrifying microorganisms, water, and a source of nitrate ion. The microorganisms reduce the nitrate and produce sulfuric acid which dissolves the rock formation, releasing oil. The microorganisms can be denitrifying Thiobacilli, such as T. denitrificans.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting coal to low molecular weight organic compounds comprising combining an aqueous solution of an aqueous-soluble polymeric coal substrate with a lignin peroxidase, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. The invention is exemplified using the lignin peroxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Also provided are aqueous-soluble polymeric coal substrates suitable for lignin peroxidase-catalyzed depolymerization and methods of preparing such substrates. Finally, a method is provided for isolating the lignin peroxidase from mycelia-free, unconcentrated media of cultures of P. chrysosporium producing the enzyme.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the microbiological production of compounds containing a terminal hydroxyl or epoxy group from an aliphatic substrate or a substrate with an aliphatic side chain, using microorganisms genetically engineered so that they have retained their capacity to perform the terminal oxidation of the substrate, but are no longer able to convert the resulting oxidation product further to any significant extent. Preferred substrates are n-alkanes, n-alkenes, and n-alkadienes containing 6-12 carbon atoms. Preferred micro-organisms are genetically engineered Pseudomonas oleovorans and Pseudomonas putida strains lacking an active plasmidic alkanol-dehydrogenase gene. The invention also relates to micro-organisms thus genetically engineered.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for in situ biodegradation of spilled hydrocarbons. The process involves drawing oxygen into a hydrocarbon contaminated zone. A borehole is drilled into the contaminated zone and gas is evacuated at high rates out of the borehole to thereby draw oxygen from the earth's surface and through the contaminated zone. Surprisingly, the carbon dioxide concentration in the evacuated gas remains high even at the high flow rates. The rate of gas evacuation in the present process is maintained sufficiently high so that the hydrocarbon biodegradation rate is within at least 50% of the maximum hydrocarbon biodegradation within the zone. The process can be applied to both porous and nonporous soils having relatively low water and gas permeability.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the continuous bioremediation of sites contaminated with a hazardous substance. The apparatus includes a subsurface pumping system, for removing the hazardous substance contained in a phase separate from groundwater, which is integrated with a means for microbiologically treating the contaminated site. The means for microbiologically treating the contaminated site preferably includes hazardous substance degrading microorganisms. In operation, a subsurface pumping system separates, either above or below-ground, a free-product phase from the contaminated groundwater. The separated free-product is stored for off-site disposal. Contaminated groundwater is fed into the microbiological treatment system for further treatment and eventual recirculation into the contaminated site.

Abstract: New microorganisms belonging to Pseudomonas putida or Pseudomonas sp., which are isolated from soil and have tolerance to one or more of hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, ketones and their derivatives or their mixture. These new microorganisms can be used in the fields of bioreactor, liquid-waste treatment, protein engineering, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for recovery of oil from oil reservoirs with assistance from microorganisms. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a method for recovering oil from a reservoir comprising increasing the population of endogenous microorganisms in said reservoir, said microorganisms having surface active properties, to a level sufficient to effect enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treatment of solid and fluid materials contaminated by at least predominantly lipophilic harmful substances, in particular hydrocarbons and the like, especially for oil-infested grounds and waters, as well as suitable systems and emulsifier substances for carrying out the method. The contaminated materials, for microdispersed emulsifying of the harmful substances, is intimately mixed with at least one emulsifying substance as well as possibly with water. Subsequently, the emulsion is separated from the material while adding water, and preferentially biologically decomposed.

Abstract: This invention deals with the solubilization of coal using species of Streptomyces. Also disclosed is an extracellular component from a species of Streptomyces, said component being able to solubilize coal.

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: The invention relates to a thermal gradient-incubator for studying and monitoring the temperature-dependent growth and other activity of microbes, comprising a rectangular, highly heat-conductive gradient plate (1) whose longer side edges are fitted with temperature conditioning means (2), extending substantially along the entire length of the longer side edges of gradient plate (1). The temperature conditioning means (2) are heated or cooled by means of fluid circulation, electricity or the like operating on a counterflow principle.

Abstract: A bacterium has been isolated which is capable of degrading surfactants having an oxydibenzene nucleus, such as sodium dodecyl oxydibenzene disulfonate. Accordingly, it may be used in biological wastewater treatment plants to remove the surfactant. The preferred bacterium is Pseudomonas cepacia OLSA100.

Abstract: A scrubbing process for high feed concentrations of different materials in liquid streams.

Abstract: A process for constructing the plasmids pDR416 and pDR420 which contain arsenic resistance genes and which are able to replicate in both T. ferroxidans and E. coli comprises preparing a recombinant of pBR325 or the like and a T. ferrooxidans plasmid, forming a deletion plasmid and inserting arsenic resistance genes e.g. from R46 by EcoR1 excision and ligation.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of microorganisms, ATCC No. 39327 which are capable of reproducible reduction of sulfur, particularly organic sulfur, in coal wherein the novel microorganisms are grown in situ enriched with sulfur compounds and subsequently grown in the presence of a coal substrate and nutrient medium while maintaining an essentially neutral pH. Contacting an aqueous coal slurry with the novel microorganism of the present invention provides coal having reduced organic sulfur content.

Abstract: Materials of particular utility in separating hydrocarbon values from mineral deposits, e.g. bitumen from tar sands, are prepared by a microbiological fermentation process using certain selected microorganisms. The fermentation process is conducted under aerobic conditions, with the selected microorganisms growing on a hydrocarbon substrate. The materials have surfactant properties, in greater or lesser degree. The materials may be subsequently separated from the fermentation broth, or alternatively the broth may be used as is, since it contains relatively large proportions of suitable separation effecting materials.

Abstract: A pure culture of Bacillus licheniformis strain JF-2 (ATCC No. 39307) and a process for using said culture and the surfactant lichenysin produced thereby for the enhancement of oil recovery from subterranean formations. Lichenysin is an effective surfactant over a wide range of temperatures, pH's, salt and calcium concentrations.

Abstract: A bacterial strain comprising a strain of Pseudomonas exhibits acceleration of growth in a logarithmic phase in a trophic culture medium when hydrocarbons are added thereto, a process for producing such a bacterial strain, and a purification process using such a bacterial strain.

Abstract: Compositions of selected strains of Pseudomonas bacteria having the ability to utilize halogenated aromatic compounds as a sole carbon source are described. The bacteria are isolated from environments where they have been in long association with halogenated aromatic compounds, usually analagous compounds. First L-tryptophan and then a halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon are used as sole carbon sources for isolating and testing the selected strains. The isolated Pseudomonas strains are Pseudomonas putida; Pseudomonas sp. NRRL-B-12,538 or NRRL-B-12,539 or transfer derivatives thereof and are useful for degrading halogenated aromatic pollutants, particularly mono- and di-chloroaromatics.

Abstract: A post-primary oil recovery process is provided in which carbon dioxide-tolerating microorganisms are injected into an oil-bearing subterranean formation and feed on nutrients which are extracted from the oil by carbon dioxide injected and maintained under a pressure of at least about 500 psig. The products of microorganism growth enhance petroleum recovery from the formation.

Abstract: Crude petroleum and petroleum products such as encountered in land or sea-borne spills are degradated by contact with the microorganism, Actinomucor elegans (Ediam) Benj. and Hasselt, Strain No. TC-405, ATCC 20613, or an enzymatic active material obtained therefrom. The microorganism and enzymatic active material may be used in combination with a carrier and/or detergent. The microorganism and enzymatic active material are effective for degradation in inhospitable climates and various land and open water conditions, generate no deleterious products or chemicals, and are long-acting and rapid in onset of initial activity.

Abstract: Crude petroleum and petroleum products such as encountered in land or sea-borne spills are degradated by contact with the microorganism, Geotrichum marinum Thirumalachar sp nov., ATCC 20614, or enzymatic active material obtained therefrom. The microorganism and enzymatic active material may be used in combination with a carrier medium. The microorganism and enzymatic active material are effective for degradation in inhospitable climates and various land and open water conditions, generate no deleterious products or chemicals, and are long-acting and rapid in onset of initial activity.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed, which are adapted to depollute fresh and sea water bodies from crude oil and petroleum product pollution by microbial action. The growth of micro-organisms capable of metabolizing hydrocarbons is exalted by certain combination of nutrients, such as lecithin as a phosphorus source, hydantoins, amides allophanates, polyamines, acyl-ureas and esters of the hydantoic and allantoic acids as the nitrogen sources. Ureido-derivatives of amides are also contemplated as additional nutrients.

Abstract: Removal of ambient oxygen from aqueous liquids is effectively catalyzed by enzymatic deoxygenation systems comprising alcohol oxidase in the presence of alcohol optionally with catalase. Suitable deoxygenation systems described can be used to alleviate corrosion and oxidative degradation in areas such as oil field fluids, circulating water systems, water storage tanks, alcoholic beverages and foodstuffs. As desired, the enzymatic systems can be immobilized on supports or used in solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating ground and ground water contaminated with hydrocarbon and halogenated hydrocarbon compounds. Treatment of contaminated water removed from the ground is accomplished by microorganisms which consume the contaminants. Growth of microorganisms is enhanced under controlled conditions by addition of nutrients and gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide or a combination of these and other gases to the contaminated water. Treated water carrying microorganisms, nutrients and gases is returned for recirculation through the contaminated area of ground to leach out and biodegrade the contaminants deposited in the ground. Microorganism activity is also enhanced in the ground by injection of nutrients and oxygen or other gases into the ground and ground water in the contaminated area.

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: Dispersant and biodegradant formulations are manufactured by admixing at least one melamine derivative with at least one compound having a hydroxy function, at least one phosphorus compound and at least one surfactive agent. Aqueous emulsions obtained from these formulations are also provided.

Abstract: Continuous production of bacteria for leaching metallic ore is carried out by inoculating the bacteria on a pitted plate, supplying a nutrient substrate to the bacteria to promote growth of the bacteria, periodically harvesting bacteria from the plate and conveying the harvested bacteria by sluice to a leaching site. Harvesting is preferably carried out by passing a blade over the plate to shear off bacteria above the surface of the plate leaving behind bacteria within the pits of the plate for continued bacteria growth.

Abstract: A process is described for the separation of hydrocarbon residues from oil and tar sands by microbiological activity. Hydrocarbon residues are released from the sands by contacting with a suspension of oxidase-synthesizing, hydrocarbon-metabolizing microorganisms.

Abstract: After physical removal of the majority of the oil on the surface of the water, the thin film remaining is treated with microbial metabolites which reduce the surface and interface tension and cause the formation of oil agglomerates. These agglomerates may be drawn off or left to be degraded by hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms normally present in the sea water or added thereto.

Abstract: Unique microorganisms have been developed by the application of genetic engineering techniques. These microorganisms contain at least two stable (compatible) energy-generating plasmids, these plasmids specifying separate degradative pathways. The techniques for preparing such multi-plasmid strains from bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas are described. Living cultures of two strains of Pseudomonas (P. aeruginosa [NRRL B-5472] and P. putida [NRRL B-5473]) have been deposited with the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Northern Marketing and Nutrient Research Division, Peoria, Ill. The P. aeruginosa NRRL B-5472 was derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 1c by the genetic transfer thereto, and containment therein, of camphor, octane, salicylate and naphthalene degradative pathways in the form of plasmids. The P.

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.

Abstract: Growth of Arthrobacter Sp. ATCC 31012 on ethanol has been used to produce a new class of extracellular micro bial protein-associated lipopolysaccharides (the ".alpha.-emulsans") which, on a weight-for-weight basis, are probably the most efficient emulsifiers discovered and which possess certain characteristics that permit these unique extracellular microbial lipopolysaccharides to be widely used in cleaning oil-contaminated vessels, oil spill management, and enhanced oil recovery by chemical flooding. Deproteinization of .alpha.-emulsans by hot phenol extraction produces the lipopolysaccharide components (the "apo-.alpha.-emulsans") of such .alpha.-emulsans, which components have been shown to be completely N-acylated and partially O-acylated heteropolysaccharides made up of major amounts of D-galactosamine and an aminouronic acid, the O-lipoacyl portions of such apo-.alpha.

Abstract: Growth of Arthrobacter Sp. ATCC 31012 on fatty acid substrates produces a new class of extracellular microbial protein-associated lipopolysaccharides (the ".alpha.-emulsans"). Deproteinization of .alpha.-emulsans by hot phenol extraction produces the lipopolysaccharide components (the "apo-.alpha.-emulsans") of such emulsans, which components have been shown to be completely N-acylated and partially O-acylated heteropolysaccharides made up of major amounts of D-galactosamine and an aminouronic acid, such apo-.alpha.-emulsans containing at least 5 percent by weight of O-substituted fatty acid esters in which the fatty acids contain from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms. .alpha.-Emulsans and apo-.alpha.-emulsans, both of which biopolymers are strongly anionic, exhibit a high degree of specificity in the emulsification of hydrocarbon substrates which contain both aliphatic and cyclic components.

Abstract: The separation of cationic materials from an ore body is assisted by the application of an electric potential, and resulting current, to the ore body, in association with iron or sulphur oxidizing bacteria. The combined process induces migration of cationic metals to a cathode suspended within the ore body so that the cationic metal can be preferentially separated from the ore body.