Methods and apparatus for removing contaminants from liquid using a continuously circulating stream of purifying media are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes mixing a regenerated purifying media with a contaminated liquid containing diverse contaminants; co-currently transporting the purifying media and the contaminated liquid in a mixed state; removing, using the purifying media, while co-currently transporting the purifying media and the contaminated liquid, contaminants from the contaminated liquid so as to produce a mixture of a decontaminated liquid and a contaminated purifying media; and separating contaminated purifying media from the decontaminated liquid. In addition, the contaminated purifying media is contacted in counter current fashion with a regenerant solution so as to produce a regenerated purifying media and the regenerated purifying media is returned to the mixing step, whereby the continuously circulating purifying media selectively removes contaminants from the liquid.

Methods and apparatus for removing contaminants from liquid using a continuously circulating stream of purifying media are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes mixing a regenerated purifying media with a contaminated liquid containing diverse contaminants; co-currently transporting the purifying media and the contaminated liquid in a mixed state; removing, using the purifying media, while co-currently transporting the purifying media and the contaminated liquid, contaminants from the contaminated liquid so as to produce a mixture of a decontaminated liquid and a contaminated purifying media; and separating contaminated purifying media from the decontaminated liquid. In addition, the contaminated purifying media is contacted in counter current fashion with a regenerant solution so as to produce a regenerated purifying media and the regenerated purifying media is returned to the mixing step, whereby the continuously circulating purifying media selectively removes contaminants from the liquid.

A method of sorbent dialysis is provided for enhanced removal of uremic toxins, such as toxic anions and/or organic solutes, from spent dialysate. More highly adsorbable zirconium polymeric complexes of these anions and/or organic solutes can be initially formed in spent dialysate by treatment with zirconium salt solution or other zirconium cation source, and then removed with adsorbent to provide purified or regenerated dialysate. Sorbent dialysis systems for detoxifying spent dialysate containing toxic anions and organic solutes are also provided.

Methods and systems for an integrated acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed for use in cleaning applications. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a treated, softened, acidic water source are disclosed. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins within a cleaning application, e.g. ware wash machine, are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

A method and apparatus for extracting CO.sub.2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO.sub.2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO.sub.2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO.sub.2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO.sub.2 is fed to an algae culture.

A method and apparatus for extracting CO.sub.2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO.sub.2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO.sub.2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO.sub.2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO.sub.2 is fed to an algae culture.

A purification method for separating and purifying an organic solvent from a liquid mixture of an organic solvent and water, the organic solvent having a boiling point of more than 100 C. at 1 atm, includes the steps of: passing the liquid mixture through a first ion exchange device; supplying the liquid mixture discharged from the first ion exchange device to a pervaporation device to selectively separate water component; supplying the organic solvent recovered from the concentration side of the pervaporation device to an evaporator to obtain a purified organic solvent; and passing, through the second ion exchange device, a portion of liquid containing the organic solvent and flowing at a first position subsequent to the first ion exchange device. The liquid discharged from the second ion exchange device is returned to a second position which is at a preceding stage of the pervaporation device.

A purification method for separating and purifying an organic solvent from a liquid mixture of an organic solvent and water, the organic solvent having a boiling point of more than 100 C. at 1 atm, includes the steps of: passing the liquid mixture through a first ion exchange device; supplying the liquid mixture discharged from the first ion exchange device to a pervaporation device to selectively separate water component; supplying the organic solvent recovered from the concentration side of the pervaporation device to an evaporator to obtain a purified organic solvent; and passing, through the second ion exchange device, a portion of liquid containing the organic solvent and flowing at a first position subsequent to the first ion exchange device. The liquid discharged from the second ion exchange device is returned to a second position which is at a preceding stage of the pervaporation device.