Fusion proteins containing a targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or an exosporium protein fragment that targets the fusion protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus family member are provided. Recombinant Bacillus cereus family members expressing such fusion proteins are also provided. Genetically inactivated Bacillus cereus family members and recombinant Bacillus cereus family members that overexpress exosporium proteins are also provided. Seeds coated with the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members and methods for using the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members (e.g., for stimulating plant growth) are also provided. Various modifications of the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members that express the fusion proteins are further provided. Fusion proteins comprising a spore coat protein and a protein or peptide of interest, recombinant bacteria that express such fusion proteins, seeds coated with such recombinant bacteria, and methods for using such recombinant bacteria (e.g., for stimulating plant growth) are also provided.

A method of removing microplastic particles from a water-based liquid, comprising the exposure of the liquid to a solid surface on which is retained a sorbitan monooleate surfactant, in a concentration suitable for entrapping substantially all microplastic particles. The method is useful for removing microplastic particles and microfibres from fresh and saline natural waters, effluent water, such as grey water, storm water and waste waters from industrial processes, in addition to any kind of product based on water, such as mineral waters, milk, fruit juices, beverages, pharmaceutical and veterinary products.

A shear clarification device includes an input, a shear flow tube, a first output and a second output. The input to the shear clarification device receives water from a water consuming appliance. The shear flow tube is configured to place forces on particles in a water flow from the input toward an outer portion of the shear flow tube. The first output is coupled to the outer portion of the shear flow tube. The second output is coupled to an inner portion of the shear flow tube.

A method and apparatus for producing hydrogen gas whereby a nanobubble generator introduces nanobubbles at a concentration of at least 10.sup.7 nanobubbles per cm.sup.3 into an electrolytic cell comprising a pair of electrodes and a hydrogen-containing, electrolyzable liquid, and the electrolytic cell is operated to produce hydrogen gas.

This Invention Patent application provides a comprehensive program for control of organic and inorganic contaminants from paper production processes and other potentially pollutant industries through the integrated action of three continuous treatment systems, referenced herein as 3WAY, with a first system aimed at the treatment of process waters for reuse, more specifically white or clarified water present in the wet end of paper and cellulose machines, allied to a second system based on the use of an adsorbent clay mix equipment that enables treatment of the cellulose pulp in previous phases of the process up to the machine circuit, in addition to a third system that carries out the cleaning of contaminant deposits present in clothing (felts and wires) or other machine parts through application of a heated and pressurized cleaning solution with a high detergency power.

Systems and methods for generating reactive oxygen species formulations useful in various oxidation applications. Exemplary formulations include singlet oxygen or superoxide and can also contain hydroxyl radicals or hydroperoxy radicals, among others. Formulations can contain other reactive species, including other radicals. Exemplary formulations containing peracids are activated to generate singlet oxygen. Exemplary formulations include those containing a mixture of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Exemplary formulations include those in which one or more components of the formulation are generated electrochemically. Formulations of the invention containing reactive oxygen species can be further activated to generate reactive oxygen species using activation chosen from a Fenton or Fenton-like catalyst, ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation or thermal activation. Exemplary applications of the formulations of the invention among others include: cleaning in place applications, water treatment, soil decontamination and flushing of well casings and water distribution pipes.

A mobile wastewater treatment system wherein a mobile carrier has mounted thereon a wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater treatment plant has a flow equalization tank, an aeration tank, a clarifying tank, a disinfection stage, and a pumping tank. The mobile carrier can be a trailer, a skid, a shipping container, or the like.

Present embodiments include steps and system components for establishing geographic zones determined by population, terrain, terrain composition, water table, and other factors, in terms of the propensity within the zone for generating wastewater and the effect of the generated wastewater on combined sewer system capacity. Such steps and system components include the application of an algorithm for generating and transmitting permissions packets to consumer and industrial users of wastewater-generating appliances and machines, whereby a permission packet notifies such users of the need to discontinue wastewater-generating activities.

A batch process for the treatment of an aqueous solution so that the treated product is more desirable for disposal includes obtaining an influent batch of aqueous solution for treatment, treating the batch of solution by an advanced oxidation process. The advanced oxidation process including causing ozone to be mixed with the solution, maintaining the mixture of solution and ozone at a pressure above atmospheric for a time of at least two seconds. An embodiment of the process includes continuously recirculating the fluid to be treated, through a recirculation conduit, the recirculation conduit including an ozone injector and the ozone injector is adapted to inject ozone into the aqueous solution as the aqueous solution circulates through an ozone injector. Influent to be treated may be selected from the group including sewage, septage, leachate, ballast or other aqueous solutions where it is desirable to treat the fluid prior to disposal, further treatment, or reuse. The process is carried out to improve a level of disinfection and/or denutrification of the effluent. The process may include back-to-back processing of batches one after the other, more or less continuously. The process may include overlapping processing, in which part of a treated previous batch is retained to mix with an incoming untreated batch. The process may include off-gassing between stages of adding ozone, and the process may involve repetitive high pressure and low pressure cycles. The process may include post processing steps, such as permitting at least a portion of a treated batch to be retained without the addition of ozone for a period of time to permit floculates longer to form. The process may include post process filtering, which may be single or multi-stage filtering, such as may allow for the removal of floculates. The process may include simultaneous post-processing of part or all of one batch while another batch is being processed. The process may include the treatment of solutions containing pharmaceuticals to break down the pharmaceuticals.

A control valve (10) includes a valve body with a plurality of ports (A, B, C, D, E, F) and a plurality of annular flow passages (53, 55, 57). A piston (34) which includes a plurality of annular flow passages and a longitudinal flow passage is selectively movable within a bore (32) within the valve body through operation of a valve controller (70). The valve controller is selectively operative to control the position of the piston so as to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. The valve controller further includes a installable and removable valve controller housing (74) which is releasably engageable with a valve base (72). The valve may include a changeable piston and changeable injector and plug components to adapt the valve to different flow and fluid mixing requirements.