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Denitrifying bioreactors are recently-established agricultural best management practices with growing acceptance in the US Midwest but less studied in other agriculturally significant regions, such as the US Mid-Atlantic. A bioreactor was installed in the Virginia Coastal Plain to evaluate performance in this geographically novel region facing challenges managing nutrient pollution. The 25.3 m 3 woodchip bed amended with 10% biochar (v/v) intercepted subsurface drainage from 6.5 ha cultivated in soy. Influent and effluent nitrate-nitrogen (NO 3 –N) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations and flowrate were monitored intensively during the second year of operation. Bed surface fluxes of greenhouse gases (GHGs) nitrous oxide (N 2 O), methane (CH 4 ), and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) were measured periodically with the closed dynamic chamber technique. The bioreactor did not have a statistically or environmentally significant effect on TP export. Cumulative NO 3 –N removal efficiency (9.5%) and average removal rate (0.56 ± 0.25 g m −3  d −1 ) were low relative to Midwest tile bioreactors, but comparable to installations in the Maryland Coastal Plain. Underperformance was attributed mainly to low NO 3 –N loading (mean 9.4 ± 4.4 kg ha −1 yr −1 ), although intermittent flow, periods of low HRT, and low pH (mean 5.3) also likely contributed. N removal rates were correlated with influent NO 3 –N concentration and temperature, but decreased with hydraulic residence time, indicating that removal was often N-limited. GHG emissions were similar to other bioreactors and constructed wetlands and not considered environmentally concerning. This study suggests that expectations of NO 3 –N removal efficiency developed from bioreactors receiving moderate to high NO 3 –N loading with influent concentrations exceeding 10–20 mg L −1 are unlikely to be met by systems where N-limitation becomes significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azolla filiculoides and Typha latifolia are invasive plants that detrimentally affect water and environmental quality in Andean wetlands. This study determined the aeration rate required to accelerate the composting process for biomass from these two plants using an enhanced semi-portable, closed, controlled bioreactor powered by a photovoltaic system. Such a system utilizing biomass from invasive aquatic plants could be used to produce compost in rural, remote, mountainous areas with little infrastructure. The solar powered, self-gyrating fixed bed gasifier bioreactor system measured tri-daily temperature, humidity, oxygen and pH. Aeration rate and humidity curves were also developed and could be used in other composting systems in tropical mountainous areas. The autonomous, self-powered, closed system bioreactor reduced composting time from the typical 9 weeks to just 4 and period of activation from 2.6 weeks to 1.5 days. Compost pH, humidity and C:N ratios were all within the range of reported values. Physical and chemical analyses show that the final compost material was suitable for local Andean cropping systems. The system can be used to sustainably utilize excess biomass residue material from Andean wetland restoration projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the recent increase of natural gas production in the U.S., utilizing natural gas for higher-value chemicals has become imperative. Direct methane aromatization (DMA) is a promising process used to convert methane to benzene, but it is limited by low conversion of methane and rapid catalyst deactivation by coking. Past work has shown that membrane separation of the hydrogen produced in the DMA reactions can dramatically increase the methane conversion by shifting the equilibrium toward the products, but it also increases coke production. Oxygen introduction into the system has been shown to inhibit this coke production while not inhibiting the benzene production. This paper introduces a novel mathematical model and design to employ both methods in a multifunctional membrane reactor to push the DMA process into further viability. Multifunctional membrane reactors, in this case, are reactors where two different separations occur using two differently selective membranes, on which no systems studies have been found. The proposed multifunctional membrane design incorporates a hydrogen-selective membrane on the outer wall of the reaction zone, and an inner tube filled with airflow surrounded by an oxygen-selective membrane in the middle of the reactor. The design is shown to increase conversion via hydrogen removal by around 100%, and decrease coke production via oxygen addition by 10% when compared to a tubular reactor without any membranes. Optimization studies are performed to determine the best reactor design based on methane conversion, along with coke and benzene production. The obtained optimal design considers a small reactor (length = 25 cm, diameter of reaction tube = 0.7 cm) to subvert coke production and consumption of the product benzene as well as a high permeance (0.01 mol/sm2atm1/4) through the hydrogen-permeable membrane. This modeling and design approach sets the stage for guiding further development of multifunctional membrane reactor models and designs for natural gas utilization and other chemical reaction systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport of nitrate (NO 3 -N) from agricultural lands to surface waters is a complex and recalcitrant problem. Subsurface drainage systems that are especially prevalent in the corn-growing regions of the Midwestern USA facilitate NO 3 -N transport. Several conservation practices, including fertilizer and manure management, cover crops, natural and installed wetlands, and wood-chip denitrification bioreactors are options that can mitigate NO 3 -N losses from agricultural lands. Using simple methods of estimation we examine the cumulative volume of denitrification bioreactors required to treat various amounts of NO 3 -N in base flow, a proxy for tile drainage, at the watershed scale. The use of load duration curves from three different watersheds shows that NO 3 -N transport is disproportionately skewed toward larger daily base flows. Approximately 50% of the annual NO 3 -N is transported in largest 30% of daily base flows. Using previous estimates of NO 3 -N removal by wood-chip bioreactors, we calculated cumulative bioreactor volumes needed to achieve a range of hydraulic residence times (HRT) given rates of base flow observed in three agricultural watersheds. These analyses suggest that cumulative watershed bioreactor volumes sufficient to achieve an HRT of 0.5 days will reduce at least 20% of the total annual NO 3 -N loss in one watershed and 30% in the other two watersheds. The area required for wood-chip bioreactors would be at most 0.27% of the watershed area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents tips on how to conduct experiments for students and help in identifying problems related to the large-scale environment impact of composting in the U.S. It states the discussion of the rationale and value of composting with students. It notes the need of conducting small-group experiment using soda-bottle bioreactors. It mentions the importance of recording the temperature of bioreactors at least once daily.

Abstract: Water-quality standards requiring simultaneous low level effluent N and P concentrations are increasingly common in Europe and the United States of America. Moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) and biologically active filters (BAFs) have been used as post-denitrification biofilm reactors in processes designed and operated for this purpose (Boltz et al., 2010a). There is a paucity of information describing systematic design and operational protocols that will minimize the potential for phosphorus rate-limited conditions as well as a lack of information describing the interaction between these post-denitrification biofilm reactors and unit processes that substantially alter phosphorus speciation (e.g., chemically enhanced clarification). In this paper, a simple mathematical model for estimating the threshold below which P becomes rate-limiting, and the model is presented and evaluated by comparing its predictions with operational data from post-denitrification MBBRs and BAFs. Ortho-phosphorus (PO4–P), which is the dissolved reactive component of total phosphorus, was a primary indicator of P rate-limiting conditions in the evaluated post-denitrification biofilm reactors. The threshold below which PO4–P becomes the rate-limiting substrate is defined:  = 0.0086 g P/g N and  = 0.0013 g P/g COD. Additional analyses indicate when  > 0.0086, and when  < 0.0086. Effluent nitrate–nitrogen plus nitrite–nitrogen concentration from the evaluated post-denitrification biofilm reactors began to rapidly increase when was 0.01, approximately (consistent with the rate-limitation threshold of  < 0.0086 predicted by the mathematical model described in this paper). Depending on the processes used at a given WWTP, optimizing chemically enhanced clarification to increase the amount of PO4–P that remains in the clarifiers effluent stream, dosing phosphoric acid in the MBBR or BAF influent stream, and/or optimizing secondary process EBPR may overcome phosphorus rate-limitations in the biofilm-based post-denitrification process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Till date, no bioartificial liver (BAL) procedure has obtained FDA approval or widespread clinical acceptance, mainly because of multifactorial limitations such as the use of microscale or undefined biomaterials, indirect and lower oxygenation levels in liver cells, short-term undesirable functions, and a lack of 3D interaction of growth factor/cytokine signaling in liver cells. To overcome preclinical limitations, primary rat liver cells were cultured on a naturally self-assembling peptide nanoscaffold (SAPN) in a clinically relevant bioreactor for up to 35 days, under 3D interaction with suitable growth factors and cytokine signaling agents, alone or combination (e.g., Group I: EPO, Group II: Activin A, Group III: IL-6, Group IV: BMP-4, Group V: BMP4 + EPO, Group VI: EPO + IL-6, Group VII: BMP4 + IL-6, Group VIII: Activin A + EPO, Group IX: IL-6 + Activin A, Group X: Activin A + BMP4, Group XI: EPO + Activin A + BMP-4 + IL-6 + HGF, and Group XII: Control). Major liver specific functions such as albumin secretion, urea metabolism, ammonia detoxification, phase contrast microscopy, immunofluorescence of liver specific markers (Albumin and CYP3A1), mitochondrial status, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) activity, glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity, and cell membrane stability by the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test were also examined and compared with the control over time. In addition, we examined the drug biotransformation potential of a diazepam drug in a two-compartment model (cell matrix phase and supernatant), which is clinically important. This present study demonstrates an optimized 3D signaling/scaffolding in a preclinical BAL model, as well as preclinical drug screening for better drug development. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 313-327, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is well-established that microalgal-derived biofuels have the potential to make a significant contribution to the US fuel market, due to several unique characteristics inherent to algae. Namely, autotrophic microalgae are capable of achieving very high efficiencies in converting solar energy into biomass and oil relative to terrestrial oilseed crops, while at the same time exhibiting great flexibility in the quality of land and water required for algal cultivation. These characteristics allow for the possibility to produce appreciable amounts of algal biofuels relative to today’s petroleum fuel market, while greatly mitigating “food-versus-fuel” concerns. However, there is a wide lack of public agreement on the near-term economic viability of algal biofuels, due to uncertainties and speculation on process scale-up associated with the nascent stage of the algal biofuel industry. The present study aims to establish baseline economics for two microalgae pathways, by performing a comprehensive analysis using a set of assumptions for what can plausibly be achieved within a five-year timeframe. Specific pathways include autotrophic production via both open pond and closed tubular photobioreactor (PBR) systems. The production scales were set at 10 million gallons per year of raw algal oil, subsequently upgraded to a “green diesel” blend stock via hydrotreating. Rigorous mass balances were performed using Aspen Plus simulation software, and associated costs were evaluated on a unit-level basis. Upon completing the base case scenarios, the cost of lipid production to achieve a 10% return was determined to be $8.52/gal for open ponds and $18.10/gal for PBRs. Hydrotreating to produce a diesel blend stock added onto this marginally, bringing the totals to $9.84/gal and $20.53/gal of diesel, for the respective cases. These costs have potential for significant improvement in the future if better microalgal strains can be identified that would be capable of sustaining high growth rates at high lipid content. Given that it is difficult to maximize both of these parameters simultaneously, it was determined that the near-term research should focus on maximizing lipid content as it offers more substantial cost reduction potential relative to an improved algae growth rate. Additional economic sensitivity studies were established to identify other important cost drivers, and a resource assessment comparison was made to evaluate parameters such as water and CO2 requirements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE) is an additive to gasoline that serves as an oxygenate to increase the octane rating and improve combustion efficiency. Assessment of MTBE biodegradation under aerobic conditions was performed in lab-scale biomass concentrator reactors (BCRs). These reactors were bench-scale microcosms that retain and concentrate biomass thereby enabling biodegradation to sub-μg/L level. The BCRs were run under low hydraulic retention times with a synthetically prepared feed containing 500 μg/L of several oxygenates, MTBE, diisopropyl ether (DIPE), ethyl-t-butyl ether (ETBE), t-amyl methyl ether (TAME), t-amyl alcohol (TAA), and the primary gasoline constituents benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and p-xylene (BTEX). The BCRs were effective in the removal of the aforementioned contaminants to concentrations lower than the targeted 5 μg/L, which is below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) taste and odor threshold of 20-40 μg/L. Reactor performance was also evaluated under shock loading and intermittent feeding (starvation tests) of the contaminants of concern to evaluate the reactor's robustness in recovering from such stresses. The BCRs were found to be highly resilient to fluctuations in substrate and flow conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: US Army and the Department of Defense (DoD) facilities generate perchlorate (ClO4 −) from munitions manufacturing and demilitarization processes. Ammonium perchlorate is one of the main constituents in Army''s new main charge melt-pour energetic, PAX-21. In addition to ammonium perchlorate, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) are the major constituents of PAX-21. In order to evaluate microbial perchlorate reduction as a practical option for the treatment of perchlorate in PAX-21 wastewater, we conducted biodegradation experiments using glucose as the primary sources of electrons and carbon. Batch experiments showed that negligible perchlorate was removed in microbial reactors containing PAX-21 wastewater while control bottles containing seed bacteria and glucose rapidly and completely removed perchlorate. These results suggested that the constituents in PAX-21 wastewater may be toxic to perchlorate reducing bacteria. A series of batch toxicity test was conducted to identify the toxic constituents in PAX-21 and DNAN was identified as the primary toxicant responsible for inhibiting the activity of perchlorate reducing bacteria. It was hypothesized that pretreatment of PAX-21 by zero-valent iron granules will transform toxic constituents in PAX-21 wastewater to non-toxic products. We observed complete reduction of DNAN to 2,4-diaminoanisole (DAAN) and RDX to formaldehyde in abiotic iron reduction study. After a 3-day acclimation period, perchlorate in iron-treated PAX-21 wastewater was rapidly decreased to an undetectable level in 2 days. This result demonstrated that iron treatment not only removed energetic compounds but also eliminated the toxic constituents that inhibited the subsequent microbial process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A laboratory-scale, four-stage continuous flow reactor system was constructed to test the viability of high-strength acid mine drainage (AMD) and municipal wastewater (MWW) passive co-treatment. The synthetic AMD had pH 2.60 and 1860 mg/L acidity as CaCO3 equivalent with 46, 0.25, 2, 290, 55, 1.2 and 390 mg/L of Al, As, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn, respectively. The AMD was introduced to the system at a 1:2 ratio with raw MWW from the City of Norman, Oklahoma USA containing 265 ± 94 mg/L BOD5, 11.5 ± 5.3 mg/L PO4 −3, and 20.8 ± 1.8 mg/L NH4 +–N. During the 135 d experiment, PO4 −3 and NH4 +–N were decreased to <0.75 and 7.4 ± 1.8 mg/L, respectively. BOD5 was generally decreased to below detection limits. Nitrification increased NO3 − to 4.9 ± 3.5 mg/L NO3 −–N, however relatively little denitrification occurred. Results suggest that the nitrogen processing community may require an extended period to mature and reach full efficiency. Overall, results indicate that passive AMD and MWW co-treatment is a viable ecological engineering approach for the developed and developing world that can be optimized and applied to improve water quality with minimal use of fossil fuels and refined materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The US Army is evaluating new, insensitive explosives to produce safer munitions. Two potential new components are 2,4-dinitro anisole (DNAN) and N-methyl paranitro aniline (MNA), which would eventually make their way to waste streams generated in the production and handling of new munitions. The effectiveness of anaerobic fluidized-bed bioreactors (AFBB) was studied for treatment and transformation of these two new chemical components in munitions. Each compound was fed into a separate reactor and monitored for removal and transformation, using ethanol as the electron donor. The results show that both were degradable using the AFBB system. DNAN was found to transform into diaminoanisole and MNA was found to transform into N-methyl-p-phenylenediamine. Both of these by-products appeared to form azobond polymers after exposure to air. To test the resilience of the reactors, the compounds were removed from the feed streams for 3week and then reintroduced. DNAN showed that a re-acclimation period was necessary for it to be degraded again, while MNA was removed immediately upon reintroduction. The AFBB technology was shown here to be an effective means of removing the new munitions, but produce secondary compounds that could potentially be just as harmful and require further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project served as a capstone event for the United States Military Academy sophomore Calculus II course. This multi-disciplinary problem-solving exercise motivated the link between math and biology and many other fields of study. The seven-lesson block of instruction was developed to show students how mathematics play a role in every discipline. Of the seven lessons two were specifically designed to connect the students area of study to the mathematical model in the scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study assessed the impact of corn stover compositional variability on xylose conversion yields during dilute acid pretreatment and on enzymatic cellulose digestibility of the resulting pretreated solids. Seven compositionally-different stovers obtained from various locations throughout the United States were pretreated at three different conditions in triplicate in a pilot-scale continuous reactor. At the same pretreatment severity, a 2-fold increase in monomeric xylose yield and a 1.5-fold increase in enzymatic cellulose digestibility from their lowest values were found. Similar results were observed at the other pretreatment conditions. It was found that xylose conversion yields decreased with increasing acid neutralization capacity or soil content of the corn stover. Xylose yields also increased with increasing xylan content. No other significant correlations between corn stover’s component concentrations and conversion yields were found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the impact of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) to the ground water replenishment with recycled water in the U.S. It states that its use helps mitigate ground water depletion and it can provide a significant cost savings over alternative water sources. It highlights the significance of reverse osmosis, membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes as the effective at reducing pharmaceutical and EDC concentrations in waste water effluent.

Abstract: This work proposes a closed-loop control strategy for a coupled set of biological reactors that was designed as part of a regenerative wastewater treatment system for NASA''s advanced life support system for long-duration human space missions. Two types of control strategies are demonstrated, one that uses a set of decentralized single-loop controllers and another that uses a supervisory model-based control strategy. Using an experimental testbed that is 1/20th the actual size of the full-scale regenerative wastewater treatment system, the closed-loop performance of the biological reactors is compared in the presence of feed concentration disturbances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The perchlorate anion has been detected in the drinking water of millions of people living in the United States. At perchlorate levels equal to or greater than 1 mg/L and where the water is not immediately used for household purposes, ex-situ biotreatment has been widely applied. The principal objective of this paper was to compare the technical and economic advantages and disadvantages of various bioreactor configurations in the treatment of low- and medium-strength perchlorate-contaminated aqueous streams. The ideal bioreactor configuration for this application should be able to operate efficiently while achieving a long solids retention time, be designed to promote physical-chemical adsorption in addition to biodegradation, and operate under plug-flow hydraulic conditions. To date, the granular activated carbon (GAC) or sand-media-based fluidized bed reactors (FBRs) and GAC, sand-, or plastic-media-based packed bed reactors (PBRs) have been the reactor configurations most widely applied for perchlorate treatment. Only the FBR configuration has been applied commercially. Commercial-scale cost information presented implies no economic advantage for the PBR relative to the FBR configuration. Full-scale application information provides evidence that the FBR is a good choice for treating perchlorate-contaminated aqueous streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report molecular evidence that ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) occur in activated sludge bioreactors used to remove ammonia from wastewater. Using PCR primers targeting archaeal ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) genes, we retrieved and compared 75 sequences from five wastewater treatment plants operating with low dissolved oxygen levels and long retention times. All of these sequences showed similarity to sequences previously found in soil and sediments, and they were distributed primarily in four major phylogenetic clusters. One of these clusters contained virtually identical amoA sequences obtained from all five activated sludge samples (from Oregon, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey) and accounted for 67% of all the sequences, suggesting that this AOA phylotype may be widespread in nitrifying bioreactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nucleic acid-based approach was used to investigate the dynamics of a microbial community dominated by Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10 in the degradation of synthetic wastewater containing 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE). This study was performed over a 140-day period in a nonsterile continuous stirred-tank bioreactor (CSTB) subjected to different operational regimens: nutrient-limiting conditions, baseline operation, and the introduction of glucose as a cosubstrate. The microbial community was analyzed by a combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Under nutrient-limiting conditions, DCE degradation was restricted, but this did not affect the dominance of strain GJ10, determined by FISH to comprise 85% of the active population. During baseline operation, DCE degradation improved significantly to over 99.5% and then remained constant throughout the subsequent experimental period. DGGE profiles revealed a stable, complex community, while FISH indicated that strain GJ10 remained the dominant species. During the addition of glucose as a cosubstrate, DGGE profiles showed a proliferation of other species in the CSTB. The percentage of strain G J10 dropped to 8% of the active population in just 5 days, although this did not affect the DCE biodegradation performance. The return to baseline conditions was accompanied by the reestablishment of strain GJ10 as the dominant species, suggesting that this system responds robustly to external perturbations, both at the functional biodegradation level and at the individual strain level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) attributes to rising medical cost and accounts for many deaths each year in the United States. Currently, the only solution is organ transplantation. Due to increasing donor organ shortage, many in need of transplantation continue to remain on the waiting list. Liver Assist Devices (LADs) are being used to temporarily sustain liver function and bridge the period between FHF and transplantation. Hepatic Tissue Engineering is a step toward alleviating the need for donor organs; yet many challenges must be overcome including scaffold choice, cell source and immunological barrierrs. Bioreactors have aided in hepatocyte survival and have proven to sustain viable cells for several weeks. Achieving the necessary functions required for hepatic replacement is aided by the incorporation of growth factors and mitogens many that now can be bound to the polymer scaffold and released in a timely manner. Utilizing concepts such as MicroElectroMechanical systems (MEMs) technology, our laboratory is able to mimic the natural vasculature of the liver and sustain functional and viable hepatocytes. Expanding and improving upon this platform technology, advancements made will continue toward the development of a fully functioning and implantable liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

US-based Aquatech International Corp has developed an enhanced membrane bioreactor (MBR) system for wastewater treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Layne Christensen Co has announced it has an exclusive license to sell Poreflon membrane bioreactors (MBRs) in USA, according to reports in the local trade and technical press. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article describes some of the new ways that Agricultural Research Service scientists have found to help farmers clean up nitrogen that has escaped from agricultural chemicals to drainage water and wastewater that is used for crop irrigation. Excess nitrate that comes from nitrogen fertilizers that aren't absorbed by crops is discharged into bodies of water causing hypoxia in some areas of large bodies of water. Scientists developed a bioreactor that could remove nitrates at a high rate. Successful experiments with subsurface drip irrigation with pretreated swine wastewater were also conducted. Scientists concluded that this process could provide effective irrigation while conserving the water supply.

The LOTT Wastewater Alliance, in Washington State, USA, has selected USFilter’s MemJet immersed membrane bioreactor (MBR) system for its Hawks Prairie reclaimed water satellite treatment plant. Separately, USFilter reports that MemJet forms a key part of the wastewater treatment system that it is now offering.This is a short news story only. Visit www.filtsep.com for all the latest filtration industry news. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The City of Redlands, California, USA, has affirmed its commitment to water reclamation and environmental sustainability with the purchase of a ZeeWeed membrane bioreactor (MBR) from Canadian company Zenon Environmental Inc.This is a short news story only. Visit www.filtsep.com for the latest filtration industry news. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the USA, USFilter has installed its MemJet immersed membrane bioreactor system (MBR) at a plant in Park Place, a residential community that is located near Lake Oconee, Georgia.This is a short news story only. Visit www.filtsep.com for the latest filtration industry news [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports on the United States Department of Energy's decision to close the High Flux Beam Reactor at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island, New York. Reasons for the closure of the research reactor; Broohaven researchers' opposition against the closure; Actor Alec Baldwin and model Christie Brinkley's opposition against the reactor.

US-based Koch Membrane Systems Inc (KMS), a Koch Chemical Technology Group Llc company, reports that the Puron membrane bioreactor (MBR) it provided for a sewage treatment plant based at Ma'amir, Bahrain, has been operating successfully for the past 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on liquid culture fermentation, an approach discovered by scientists at the U.S. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) for culturing beneficial fungi. It details the advantages of using liquid culture fermentation, including reduced material costs and increased yields of certain forms of pest-killing fungi such as Isaria or Metarhizium. It describes the efforts of Mark Jackson, ARS microbiologist, in improving the approach using liquid-culture fermentation in bioreactors.

Abstract: This study reports changes in coal-mine drainage constituent concentrations through an anaerobic SO4-reducing bioreactor monitored over a 3-a period. The purpose of the study was to identify and monitor over time the biogeochemical mechanisms that control the attenuation of toxic compounds in the mine drainage. This information is needed to investigate bioreactor performance and longevity. The water treated at the case example site, the Tab-Simco Mine, was highly acidic with an average pH of 2.9, a net acidity of 1674mg/L CaCO3 equivalent-CCE, and high levels of dissolved , Al, Fe and Mn. The results of this study indicated that the treatment system increased the pH of the acid mine drainage (AMD) to 6.2 and decreased the median acidity to 22.7mg/LCCE, from 2981 to 1750mg/L, Fe from 450.6 to 1.76mg/L, Al from 113 to 0.42mg/L, and Mn from 36.4 to 23.3mg/L. Geochemical modeling indicates that the bioreactor discharge is saturated with respect to the minerals alunite, gibbsite, siderite, rhodochrosite, jarosite, and Fe hydroxide precipitates. The observed trends also include seasonal variations in reduction and a general decline in the amount of alkalinity produced. The average δ 34S value of the in the untreated AMD was+7.3‰. In the bioreactor, δ 34S value of increased from an average of+6.9‰ to+9.2‰, suggesting the presence of bacterial SO4 reduction processes. Preliminary results of a bacterial community analysis show that DNA sequences corresponding to bacteria capable of SO4 reduction were present in the bioreactor outflow sample. However, these sequences were outnumbered by sequences similar to bacteria capable of reoxdizing reduced sulfur species. This study illustrates the dynamic nature of metal removal in SO4-reducing bioreactor-based treatment systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Millipore Corp has officially opened a new facility in Danvers, Massachusetts, for manufacturing products for bioprocess applications. The US firm, which provides technology, tools and services for the life science industry, has also unveiled its single-use Mobius CellReady 3L bioreactor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the US, engineering, consulting and construction company Black & Veatch recently celebrated the opening of the Butler Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). Based in the city of Peoria, Arizona it uses a membrane bioreactor (MBR) system to reclaim wastewater. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a list of patents issued in the U.S., Europe and Germany. "Human Stem Cell Materials and Methods ," invented by Eliezer Huberman and Yong Zhao was issued patent number US 2005/0003534 A1. The patent number US 2005/0003530 A1 has been issued to the work "Bioreactor for Neuronal Cells and Hybrid Neuronal Cell ," by Joerg C. Gerlach. "Tissue Composite and Uses Thereof ," was issued patent number EP 1 496 824 A2 .

The article presents a list of patents in the U.S. and Europe. One of the patents is related to the method of making embryoid bodies from primate embryonic stem cells invented by James A. Thomson of Madison, Wisconsin. Another patent is related to the method of making demineralized bone particles invented John Morris of Beachwood, New Jersey. Several other patents are related to skin grafts, cell transplantation, bioreactors and tissue engineering devices.

Market analysis conducted by Frost & Sullivan reveals that revenues in the US and Canadian membrane bioreactor (MBR) markets totalled US$32.2 million in 2003, and are projected to reach $89.0 million in 2010. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a chart with information on recent patent applications in tissue engineering.

Reports on the experimental New River Regional landfill bioreactor that will be used to reduce the mass of the mound, in Florida, as of June 1, 2003. Benefits of using the bioreactor; Features of the bioreactor.

Presents a calendar of events regarding biology in the U.S. from April 9, 1991 to June 1, 1991. Conference on cover crops for clean water; Workshop on bioreactors for cell culture; Scanning microscopy conference; World Fisheries Congress; Course on remediation of hazardous waste sites; International conference on environmental pollution; Symposium on transcription initiation.