Abstract: Compost, e.g. hardwood bark, is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Container media also is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens and/or diseases caused thereby by amending the media with the just-described prepared suppressive compost or, alternatively, by amending separately with the compost and with Trichoderma fungus and antagonistic bacterium separately or mixed together. Desirably, the inoculated antagonistic microorganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with Xanthomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium balustinum isolate 299, A.T.C.C. No. 53198 species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: A process for treating smoke, aqueous sewage and solid waste/refuse materials by digesting all three waste material into an odor-free pumpable slurry. The slurry is screened to separate solids from the aqueous solution. The odor-free solids may be used as fertilizers and the odor free solution may be used for irrigational purposes.

Abstract: An automated, non-polluting process and apparatus for mechanically dewatering and heat drying liquid sewage sludge of widely varying solids content to form a pelletizable, dried sludge of predetermined uniform solids content without requiring recycling of previously heat processed sludge. Prior to being dried, the sludge is mixed with flocculation and coagulation promoting chemicals and is dewatered in a belt-type press. Drying takes place within an indirect heat dryer including an enclosed housing for capturing all gases and particles entrained in the gas driven off during the drying process. The gases and particles are advanced by means of a fan first through a cyclone separator for removing dust particles and next through a water jet scrubber prior to being exhausted or burned in order to control odor. The dust removed by the cyclone separator is recombined with the output from the indirect dryer prior to being pelletized.

Abstract: A composting facility comprising an elongated composting bay, a compost handling machine, and a ventilation system. The composting bay holds organic waste material while that material composts; and the compost handling machine is adapted to agitate the compost in, and to move the compost along, the bay. The ventilation system selectively conducts air into the compost, and this system includes a sensor, recessed in the bay, to actuate the ventilation system when the temperature of the compost rises above a preset value. Preferably, the temperature of the compost varies along the length of the bay, and the ventilation system includes a multitude of sensors to actuate the ventilation system to conduct air selectively into different sections of the bay to maintain a desired compost temperature profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the reduction in the quantity of low activity organic wastes from nuclear power plants. This is accomplished using anaerobic fermentation in a bioreactor. The waste from the nuclear power plant is subjected to a pretreatment such as comminution and suspension, hydrolysis and/or physical dispersion, such as by a irradiation, heat treatment or the equivalent. The pretreated waste is subjected to anaerobic decomposition in a bioreactor, the anaerobic decomposition taking place in two stages, namely an acid stage and a methane stage. The gases produced in the decomposition process are conducted from the methane stage to a gas burning stage and the undecomposed waste is removed, concentrated and packed in barrels or the like for storage.

Abstract: Particulate nutrient material for use as fertilizer or animal feedstock is produced from absorbent paper shreds or particles, for example of newsprint, impregnated with animal manure--for example as a result of use of the paper as bedding for chickens. The impregnated paper shreds or particles are compacted and pelleted, and may be mixed with superphosphate and/or fishmeal before pelleting.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, waste fiber from a cellulose production plant or paper mill, sawdust or similar matter.

Abstract: A method and plant are provided for sterilizing waste sewage sludge with methyl bromide vapor, to produce a natural fertilizing material. The moisture content of the sludge is reduced to a level where the vapor permeability of the sludge is sufficiently high to reduce the contact period of the methyl bromide vapor with the sludge to an economically viable level. The methyl bromide is provided at a dose of at least 50 g/m.sup.3 to the top of a bed of sewage sludge having a moisture content of less than 35% and about 1 meter thick and allowed to permeate the bed over a period of about 48 hours under the force of gravity, the bed of sewage sludge being covered during the entire treatment period with a cover which is impermeable to the methyl bromide vapor. Harmful pathogens and parasites such as Ascaris ova are effectively eliminated.

Abstract: A method of treating sewage is disclosed. Sewage is mixed with an ammonia source, and the mixture is formed into a substantially impermeable mass. The substantially impermeable nature of the mixture increases the ammonia concentration therein and substantially completely destroys all viable parasites. When the impermeable mass is formed by addition of cement and silicate, a strongly alkaline environment is created that kills bacteria and viruses. The resulting end product is a friable mass that is substantially free of pathogens and suitable for unrestricted reuse.

Abstract: An improved process for treating aerobic or anaerobic sewage sludge comprises a two-stage treatment with sulfur dioxides. In the first stage, between 25 and 40 pounds of sulfur dioxide per ton of dry sludge solids as reacted to optimize solids separation while substantially reducing coliform counts to acceptable environmental protection limits. Solids are separated and water discharged. Recovered solids are then treated with between 300-500 pounds of sulfur dioxide per dry solids ton to solubilize heavy, toxic and noble metals which may be recovered from the liquor. Separated sludge solids form a desirable and hazardous metal-free fertilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel fertilizer and method wherein a complex humic acid fertilizer is formed a mix of a select organic material, water, and measured amounts of major inorganic elements of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulfur. The constituents mixed in a sealed reactor system with a first material, usually an acid, are hydrolyzed by a drastic pH change, raising the mix temperature and pressure, and the mix is subsequently blended with a second material of an opposite pH to the first material, usually a base, reacting with the mix to provide a further temperature and pressure increase, to alter the pH to that of the finished fertilizer, which humic acid fertilizer is then dried and granulated or liquefied to a pumpable slurry.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the biological treatment of sewage, which envisages the use of raw cellulosic materials brought into contact with the fouled water in the presence of cellulose-devouring micro-organisms, and is centered particularly on separation of the sewage's nitrogen and phosphorus content.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, peat mud or waste fibre from a cellulose production plant or the solid component of communal sewage.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for processing of organic materials containing nitrogen compounds, where the organic material undergoes an anaerobic digestion with simultaneous liberation of biogas which contains methane and carbon dioxide. The liquid product obtained after anaerobic digestion is, according to the invention, heated to boiling temperature, ammonia bonded as carbonate which is distilled off, and the tail product from distillation is further processed to the valuable product and clear water or is discharged as prepurified waste water. During the processing to the valuable product in the form of organo-phophate-lime concentrate, the tail product of distillation is alkalized by lime and carbonized with carbon dioxide. Biogas or carbon dioxide obtained by distillation may be used in carbonation.

Abstract: Cultivation of a microorganism in a nutrient medium including disrupted sea kelp or a sea kelp extract produces a bioactivating fermentation product which promotes growth and yields when applied to plants. A composition containing such bioactivating fermentation product and an acidification extraction product of humic acid is readily absorbed by plant foliage when sprayed on plants.

Abstract: In order to reduce the volume increase of liquid manure during its storage, a process is proposed for the treatment of liquid manure in which at least one copper electrode and one counter-electrode are placed in the liquid manure, and copper ions from the copper electrode connected as the anode are introduced into the liquid manure by the application of a DC voltage which is preferably below the gassing voltage of the liquid manure.

Abstract: Compost is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Desirably the inoculated antagonistic microoganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with a Pseudomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: A fertilizer product consisting of solid, substantially dry, spherical or semi-spherical granules of ammonium sulfate and sewage sludge solids is formed by adding to a quantity of crystalline ammonium sulfate in a mixing vessel a second quantity of water-laden sludge while mixing the two together and driving off water from the sludge until granulation is complete. The sludge is added slowly enough, relative to the rate at which water is removed therefrom, that the ammonium sulfate crystals do not dissolve in the water initially contained in the sludge. Sludge solids effectively fill the voids between individual ammonium sulfate crystals in the resulting granules, thereby producing an end product of improved size and shape.

Abstract: A method of beneficiating waste sludge which comprises mixing kiln dust with waste sludge, exposing the mixture at ambient temperature without compacting for a time sufficient to produce a disintegratable, friable product which can be applied to land as a soil conditioner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing protein-rich forage or nitrogenous fertilizer as a commercial product from fowl droppings, swine dung, cow dung and the like by charging said ordure into a heated animal, fish or vegetable oil, subjecting the mixture to a smooth dehydrating treatment under the two-step reduced pressure conditions starting initial by with a limited pressure reduction and later increasing the degree of pressure reduction, and thereafter squeezing oil out of the treated mixture to thereby produce said forage or fertilizer. Said method is conducive to the prevention of malodor pollution caused by said livestock excrements and can also eliminate the wasteful use of fuel required in the incineration treatments.

Abstract: A process for combating the growth of unwanted plants, wherein the soil or the plants are treated with a compound of the formula ##STR1## where Ar denotes substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or naphthyl, R.sup.1 denotes hydrogen or methyl, R.sup.2 denotes hydrogen or alkyl, R.sup.3 denotes alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or substituted aralkyl, and Az denotes substituted or unsubstituted pyrazole, imidazole or triazole, or a metal complex thereof, and herbicides for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing compost and composting compositions having a high nitrogen content and being particularly advantageous for use as fertilizers, said process utilizing petroleum sludge and an organic biomass which preferably contains wood industry residue and organic waste products.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for the production of denatured polyaddition products of biomasses and isocyanates, comprising reacting(A) from 5 to 98%, by weight, based on (A)+(B), of a biomass based on microorganisms or derivative and decomposition products thereof with(B) from 95 to 2%, by weight, based on (A)+(B), of a compound containing isocyanate groups, at temperatures of at least 50.degree. C. with complete denaturing of component (A).

Abstract: A method for composting decaying material by first treating the material to produce a decayable carbon/nitrogen ratio and continuously and countercurrently aerating the decaying material in a first step to produce a biologically active material and then introducing the biologically active material to a second step wherein it is discontinuously aerated at controlled intervals. The process produces a hygienically unobjectionable humus material in a continuous and industrially efficient manner.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for the production of denatured polyaddition products of biomasses and isocyanates, comprising reacting(A) from 5 to 98%, by weight, based on (A)+(B), of a biomass based on microorganisms or derivative and decomposition products thereof with(B) from 95 to 2%, by weight, based on (A)+(B), of a compound containing isocyanate groups, at temperatures of at least 50.degree. C. with complete denaturing of component (A).

Abstract: In a method of continuously composting material capable of being composted by the action of aerobic microorganisms in a reactor, the material is caused to pass through the reactor as a single mass from the top thereof to the bottom thereof from an upper level in said reactor, and in which oxygen-containing gas required for the aerobic decomposition of the compostable material is passed through said single mass in contact therewith. The waste gas from the composting process is removed from the reactor by suction through pipes which extend down into the mass to be composted from the upper level thereof, with the openings of said pipes lying on a level located beneath said upper level in said reactor.

Abstract: Production of methane from a substrate comprising an organic material, by way of example in a process by means of a culture of anaerobic and preferably thermophile microorganisms, which in a processing chamber (8) is brought into contact with the organic material and in which the generated gas is collected. The substrate is introduced into an ante-chamber (7) for pretreatment which is provided with a heating device (28) with the substrate heated in the ante-chamber to at least the temperature that it is intended to have during the process or preferably to a higher temperature, whereafter it is transported to said processing chamber (8) to be brought into contact with the culture of microorganisms.

Abstract: The aqueous substance, for example sea water, is boiled, the steam produced is fed under pressure into a turbo-alternator turbine producing electricity, the residual steam is reduced into soft water and the residue of evaporation, for example sea salt, is recovered as a by-product.The steam is fed directly or on leaving the turbine onto iron heated to about 800.degree. C., which supplies hydrogen and as a by-product ferric oxide. The initial source of energy is, besides solar energy, any known source of energy, such as coal situated at great depths. The starting aqueous substance is, apart from sea water, waste sludges, a rock salt solution or a mixture of sludges and salt solution. In the case of sludges, the by-product is a dry and sterilized fertilizer transformable into fuel bricks. The salt residue is transformable by electrolysis into hydrogen and sodium chlorate, which is a fuel. The sludge-salt residue supplies a combustible mixture.

Abstract: A method for the lime stabilization of wastewater sludge, includes the steps of dewatering sludge so as to produce a sludge cake containing from about 10 to 60% by weight of dry solids and rapidly and intimately mixing and reacting the sludge cake with calcium oxide so as to produce stabilized sludge pellets. An apparatus for performing the process is also provided.

Abstract: A biological degradation process for the treatment of organic containing waste-matter for producing a waste-matter sludge material, the process containing a step for contacting microorganisms with the organic-containing waste matter, which comprises adding to said step a microbial activity-enhancing concentration of a mineral composite consisting essentially of glacial deposit. Other mineral composites may also be used. The invention also relates to an improved waste-matter sludge material.

Abstract: Sludge is composted by arranging the sludge in a pile over a conduit and air is forced into the pile in spaced time intervals and air is drawn from the pile into the conduit in alternate time intervals.The perforated conduits are adapted to be placed under and extend the length of two windrow compost piles. A reversible blower is connected to blow air to and withdraw air from each of the conduits. The blower is timed and controlled to blow air from a first pile through the conduits and into a second pile in spaced time intervals and in alternate time intervals to withdraw air from the second pile through the conduits and into the first pile.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of biologically decomposing organic material by the action of microorganisms thereon in the presence of an oxygen-gas containing medium, in which method the material is charged to the top of a vessel and caused to sink downwardly therethrough while passing one or more zones during continuous decomposition of the material and discharge of the treated material at the bottom of said vessel, the oxygen-gas medium being charged to the bottom of the vessel and caused to move upwardly therethrough against the pressure of the overlying material, wherein the sinking movement of said material is effected by causing one or more rotatable screws to cut and finely-divide the treated material and to transport said cut and treated material to a discharge location in the lower part of the vessel; and wherein the oxygen-gas containing medium is introduced through gas-supply means in the bottom part of the vessel and caused to pass through a layer of particulate material and through a l

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating wastewater such as sewage are disclosed. Designed principally for complete on-site wastewater treatment and disposal, the system separates wastewater into liquid wastes and solid wastes by filtration, treats the liquid wastes with ultraviolet radiation and disperses them into unsaturated ground. The solid wastes are periodically removed, along with used portions of the paper filter medium and delivered, in the case of sewage, to a composting area where the solids can be composted. A preferred embodiment includes the use of ultraviolet radiation having wavelengths effective both to destroy pathogens directly and to produce ozone from entrained air in the liquid filtrate, to react with pathogens to form stable compounds. An alternate embodiment of a wastewater delivery and filtration suction subsystem is disclosed, whereby filtration is made continuous and capacity is approximately doubled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a water containing waste such as industrial sludges and animal excrements. The method comprises a first step of mixing the waste with an alkaline earth metal oxide such as calcium oxide to obtain a preliminarily dried mixture and a second step of further drying and granulation of the mixture. The apparatus comprises a reactor for a mixture of the waste and an alkaline earth metal oxide, a drying kiln equipped with a stirrer means, a furnace surrounding the drying kiln and an exhaust collector means adapted to collect an exhaust gas from the reactor and drying kiln and transfer it to the furnace. Fuel consumption is saved by utilization of the exothermic reaction of an alkaline earth metal oxide with water contained in the waste. The waste may be converted by the method to usable products such as fertilizers, cement materials or cement additives.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of sewage wherein the sludge is innoculated with a bacteria, L. plantarum, and a carbohydrate such as lactose is admixed therewith. The addition of the bacteria and the carbohydrate without more, drops the pH of the sludge to below 4.0. This results in the elimination of pathogenic bacteria and renders the sludge suitable for use as a soil extender without any further environmental constraints.

Abstract: A process of treating an animal manure slurry susceptible to aerobic composting and anaerobic microbiological degradation with the production of a fuel gas, comprises: separating the slurry into a first, solids concentrated, fraction of relatively coarse particle size, and a second, solids dilute, fraction of relatively fine particle size; carrying out on the first fraction an aerobic composting reaction which is exothermic; carrying out on the second fraction an anaerobic microbiological reaction in which a fuel gas comprising methane is produced; and utilizing heat from the exothermic reaction to promote the fuel gas producing reaction.

Abstract: Process for the biological purification of waste water in which a suspension of the surplus sludge formed during the purification is hydrolyzed in a basic medium and at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Domestic refuse containing inorganic and organic material is treated to separate off the inorganic material, after which the organic material, with sewage sludge, is assimilated in a digestor by a microorganism to produce a combustible gas, and a dilute slurry emerging from the digestor is dewatered to recover a self-binding concentrated slurry or cake containing long fibres suitable for use in the production of boards, paper, or fuel, for instance. The more dilute slurry which results from the dewatering is concentrated, and is then useful as a soil conditioner or animal feedstuff.

Abstract: An acidic organic agricultural product is made by conditioning organic sewage sludge with amounts of FeCl.sub.3 and sugar factory waste lime to provide an acidic conditioned sludge, of pH greater than 3.0 but less than 5.7 and then mechanically dewatering the conditioned sludge.

Abstract: A system providing for the temperature and humidity controlled aerobic composting of organic materials is described. The system includes at least one composting chamber, at least one thermal mass, ducts for conveying air from the vicinity of the thermal mass to a composting chamber, at least one solar glazing panel for providing heat to a thermal mass, and an air intake port for providing air in the vicinity of a thermal mass.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a plasticized organic waste, preferably dried sewage sludge. Fibrous reinforcing media may also be present. Plasticization of the dried organic waste is performed by the simultaneous application of an elevated temperature and pressure. Articles of manufacture are produced by extruding or otherwise forming the plasticized organic waste into a desired shape and then cooling the formed material.

Abstract: An organic product material having a high nitrogen and phosphorous content is produced as the product of a biological system for the treatment of a BOD-containing influent which also contains phosphorous and fixed nitrogen. The biological treatment system comprises the reaction of a mixed liquor composed of an activated biomass and a BOD-containing influent initially under anaerobic conditions and thereafter treating such mixed liquor under oxic conditions. The treated material is then separated into a supernatant liquid in which the BOD is depleted and a dense, activated biomass. A portion of this biomass is employed in forming the mixed liquor for the initial anaerobic treatment, while the remaining portion of the biomass is recovered as product. The living biomass product can be used in the fermentation industries. Alternatively, the product can be used as such or further processed, e.g. dried, for employment as a fertilizer or a nutrient in animal feeds.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for composting material such as refuse and preferably a mixture of refuse and sewage sludge. The material is piled in such a way that transverse tunnels are provided whereby natural air circulation is obtained into and through the material remains undisturbed during maturation, thereby allowing aerobic bacterial fermentation to progress efficiently and without interruption. Because higher stacks and consequent greater volumetric capacity thereof is attained, greater efficiency of space utilization. The apparatus involves core structures which temporarily support the material and form the tunnels or ventilation passages therein, the core structures being removed when the material becomes self-supporting.

Abstract: A process for the tertiary treatment of biochemical waste waters comprising the following 4 main steps; (1) adding milk of lime to waste water from the anaerobic digestion treatment process to render the waste water alkaline and recovering NH.sub.3 by reduced pressure distillation, (2) contacting recovered NH.sub.3 with a weakly acidic ion exchange resin to make NH.sub.3 adsorbed in the ion exchanger resin, (3) adding acid to the adsorbed ammonia to form an ammonia salt, and (4) blowing CO.sub.2 into the treated water from which NH.sub.3 has been removed, to thereby recover P, and subjecting the treated water from which N and P have been removed to the activated sludge treatment to remove BOD.

Abstract: A process for drying organic waste, such as sewage sludge, by contacting the organic waste with hot vapors wherein the dried material is extruded to form compacted granules having good flow characteristics and suitable for application by commercial fertilizer spreaders.

Abstract: A process for drying organic waste, such as sewage sludge, by contacting the organic waste with hot vapors. In the preferred embodiment, adsorption of hydrocarbons vaporized during the drying step is achieved by mixing recycled dried solids into the drying zone effluent stream. The drying zone effluent stream is then separated into vapor and solids streams, with a portion of the solid stream being recycled as the adsorbent. The unrecycled portion of dry solids is preferably extruded in a separate operation to form compacted granules having good flow characteristics and suitable for application by commercial fertilizer spreaders. In another embodiment, a vapor stream derived from the drying zone effluent stream is contacted with the dry solids downstream of the solids-vapor separation zone to effect the adsorption of hydrocarbon vapors.

Abstract: A process for drying organic waste, such as sewage sludge, by contacting the organic waste with hot vapors wherein the dried material is plasticized and extruded to form compacted granules having good flow characteristics and suitable for application by commercial fertilizer spreaders. A plasticizer and an extrusion aid are added to the dried material prior to extrusion.

Abstract: A process for drying organic waste, such as sewage sludge, by contacting the organic waste with hot vapors. Partial dewatering of the organic waste is achieved by admixture with a recycled portion of dried solids followed by extrusion of the mixture. The resultant extrudate is then dried, and the unrecycled portion is extruded in a separate operation to form compacted granules having good flow characteristics and suitable for application by commercial fertilizer spreaders. A plasticizer and an extrusion aid may be added to the dried material prior to extrusion.

Abstract: A process for producing an animal feed and a fertilizer ingredient from animal manure which comprises acid solution and either wet or dry manure. The essentially basic minerals contained in the manure chemically react with the acid to form soluble salts. The acid and essentially basic minerals are used in an amount so that there is an equal molar reaction basis and so that sterilization of the manure is achieved. A slurry containing various solid fractions and an acid-water fraction is formed. The various fractions, each separated from each other, are recovered from the slurry.

Abstract: Digester supernatants and/or liquors from sludge dewatering are reacted with an excess of an alkaline reagent having a stronger cation than the ammonium ion and the reaction product is separated into a solution containing aqueous ammonia and solids. The aqueous ammonia derived from the separation stage is heated by free steam under a lowered pressure to free ammonia in gaseous form. The ammonia as a gas, or adsorbed in water, or adsorbed in an acid, or as an acid salt is then mixed with conventionally dried sludge to increase the nitrogen content of the sludge from approximately 1-2 percent to as high as 10 percent.