A method for reducing toxic mercury in wastewater effluent comprises the steps of: identifying a system into which wastewater effluent is introduced, the wastewater effluent including organic compounds and organomercurial compounds; producing a treatment composition comprising a solution including a surfactant, digestive microbes suspended in the solution, and mercury-transformative microbes suspended in the solution; and providing the treatment composition into the system containing the wastewater effluent, such that the digestive microbes degrade the organic compounds in the wastewater effluent, and the mercury-transformative microbes reduce the organomercurial compounds in the wastewater effluent into nontoxic volatile elemental mercury. In certain systems for reducing toxic mercury in wastewater effluent, a biological capture medium is positioned within a vessel and configured to provide a capture point for microbes to adhere to and create biofilms. One such system is a dental evacuation system in which wastewater effluent is introduced into the system via an aspirator.

A biofilm mitigation apparatus includes a supply container, a disinfectant generator, a power source, and a delivery tube. The supply container is configured to store one or more materials for a formation of a disinfectant. The disinfectant generator is configured to generate the disinfectant from the one or more materials from the supply container. The power source is configured to provide electrical power to the disinfectant generator. The delivery tube is configured to transport the disinfectant from the disinfectant generator to a biofilm.

A method of treating at least one surface includes a step of contacting the at least one surface with an aqueous solution obtained by mixing in water an aqueous formulation having at least one biosurfactant and at least one organic acid. The weight ratio between the at least one biosurfactant and the at least one organic acid is between 1:1000 and 10:1, in an amount such that the aqueous solution includes the at least one biosurfactant in an amount between 0.0001 and 10% by weight and the at least one organic acid in an amount between 0.001 and 10% by weight. The at least one biosurfactant is selected from glycolipids, lipopeptides, lipoproteins, phospholipids and polymeric biosurfactants. The at least one organic acid is selected from citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, formic acid, caprylic acid, methanesulfonic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, and polyaspartic acid.

An example water treatment apparatus includes: a housing having an inlet to receive water containing a contaminant; a primary treatment compartment within the housing, the primary treatment compartment including a primary media bed containing a ion exchange media to separate the contaminant from the water, the primary media bed supported above a collection area of the primary treatment compartment; and a conduit to direct flow of the water to the collection area; and wherein overflow of the water in the collection area is directed against gravity through the primary media bed to produce treated water.

The present invention relates to systems and methods whereby contaminants or pollutants are removed from a fluid using a combination of electrochemical treatment and sorption. The systems and methods described herein may be used to remove pollutants from water or other fluids. The systems and methods described herein apply an electric current to a contaminated fluid such as water. The target contaminants are consequently ionized and are forced through a reactive sorbent media by use of an electrical gradient or polarization. The sorbent chemically binds the contaminants.

A method and system to improve asepsis during dental delivery includes a self-contained water delivery apparatus and a vacuum apparatus both of which provide disinfection of biohazards occurring during dental procedures. A UVC LED light emitting unit, with sanitary connections, may be releasably connected to the delivery and vacuum apparatus for improved maintenance and cleaning. A reservoir egress connector provides releasable engagement, fluid agitation, and unrestricted UV light transmission to improve water quality, reduce biofilm water contamination, reduce cross contamination, and reduce the potential spread of pathogens. The mounting system for the UVC LED light unit allows the apparatus to be used to decontaminate portable dental delivery units and vacuum units upon closure. A reflective interior of the cases improves irradiation of the enclosed system, reducing the risk and spread of pathogens.

Process water supply unit for supplying a medical treatment unit with process water (BW), containing biocide, comprising: a container receptacle for receiving a pressurised water container; a compressed air inlet for connecting the process water supply unit to a compressed-air source; a compressed-air connection, via which compressed air (DL) originating from the compressed-air inlet can be introduced into the pressurised water container; and a process water connection, via which the process water (BW) which is to be delivered out from the pressurised water container by the compressed air (DL) introduced into the pressurised water container can be dispensed to the medical treatment unit, wherein the process water supply unit has a sterile air filter which is integrated into a compressed-air path between the compressed-air inlet and the compressed-air connection or into a compressed-air path between the external compressed-air source and the compressed-air connection.

A water purification apparatus includes a water inlet; a medicine mixing device in fluid communication with the water inlet; and a water outlet interconnected to the medicine mixing device and a dental treatment center. The medicine mixing device includes a medicine storage for storing antiseptic solution, a mixing unit interconnected to the water inlet, the water outlet, and the medicine storage, and a controller interconnected to the water inlet and the medicine storage. The controller includes a sensor and a microprocessor. The controller sends the antiseptic solution from the medicine storage to the mixing unit and controls a volume of water flowing from the water inlet to the mixing unit. The microprocessor instructs the controller to control a volume of the antiseptic solution supplied from the medicine storage to the mixing unit based on a signal sensed by the sensor.