Methods for microbial filtration of fluids

US5487834A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Margaret L. Carman · San Ramon, US
• Kenneth J. Jackson · Yarm, GB
• Richard Benjamin Knapp · Danville, US
• John P. Knezovich · Stockton, US
• Nilesh Shah · Masontown, US
• Robert Taylor · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 9, 1993
• Grant date: Jan 30, 1996
• Expiry date: Feb 9, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S210/911
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Novel methods for purifying contaminated subsurface groundwater are disclosed. The method is involves contacting the contaminated subsurface groundwater with methanotrophic or heterotrophic microorganisms which produce contaminant-degrading enzymes. The microorganisms are derived from surface cultures and are injected into the ground so as to act as a biofilter. The contaminants which may be treated include organic or metallic materials and radionuclides.