System and method for remediation of waste
AssigneeAgsmart, Inc.
InventorsDaryl W. Haerther, Donald Ian Rosebrook, Loren L. Losh
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Abstract
A system and method are provided for aerobic treatment of waste, such as animal or human waste. The method includes the continual introduction of microalgae. The high amounts of oxygen produced by the microalgae satisfies the biochemical oxygen demand in the treatment process and also allows oxidation of undesirable contaminants. Delivery of the microalgae at a desired rate is achieved by incorporation of a series of electrical and mechanical devices housed within a greenhouse type structure which optimizes growth conditions for the microalgae, and also allows the system to be automated.
Claims37
A system for remediating waste, such as animal waste produced from agricultural operations, said system comprising:
- a structure having an exterior made of translucent material allowing sunlight to pass therethrough;
- at least one production tank positioned within the structure, said production tank having a predetermined volume of water therein set at a desired temperature range;
- means for delivering nutrients to the tank for nourishing a culture of microorganisms placed in the tank for culturing;
- means communicating with the tank for monitoring the temperature of the water;
- and
- means communicating with the production tank for delivering the culture to a waste site for remediation of the waste site.
A method of remediating waste, such as animal waste produced from agricultural operations, said method incorporated within a system of remediation, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one production tank with water therein set at a desired temperature range;
- introducing a microbial culture into said production tank;
- introducing food/nutrients into the production tank for growing the culture;
- controlling heat conditions so that the culture grows at a desired rate within the culture tank;
- controlling light conditions to optimize growth of the culture within the tank;
- monitoring oxygen levels within the tank for optimizing growth of the culture;
- delivering the culture through a delivery line to a waste site to be remediated, said production tank being placed adjacent the waste site at a convenient location;
- continuing to replenish water and nutrients in the culture tank thereby maintaining a viable population of the microorganisms within the culture tank;
- continuing to deliver the culture through the delivery line to the waste site at a desired steady rate according to the remediation requirements for the waste site and the capacity of the production tank;
- and
- producing aerobic remediation within the waste site by interaction of the culture which consumes the waste and produces oxygen.
A system for remediating waste, such as animal waste produced from agricultural operations, said system comprising:
- a structure having an exterior made of translucent material allowing sunlight to pass therethrough, said structure including at least one opening formed therein for controlling the temperature within the structure;
- at least one production tank positioned within the structure, said production tank having a predetermined volume of water therein and set at a desired temperature range;
- a nutrient tank for holding nutrients to be supplied to the at least one production tank, said nutrient tank including a pump positioned therein for delivering nutrients to the production tank;
- means for delivering water to the at least one production tank, said means for delivering including an inline heater for heating the water delivered to the production tank in order to maintain the water in the tank at the desired temperature range;
- a microorganism placed in the production tank, said microorganism comprising a remediating culture to be delivered to the waste site for remediation of the waste site wherein the production tank and the nutrients delivered thereto provide a medium for growth and colonization of the microorganism;
- means communicating with the production tank for delivering the culture to the waste site;
- and
- an artificial light source placed within the structure to provide additional light as required for optimum growth of the culture.
An assemblage of microalgae for waste remediation, wherein at least about 60% of the biomass in said assemblage consists of microalgae consisting of Micractinium pusillum and Carteria spp., and wherein said assemblage further comprises microalgal strains selected from:
- Ankistrodesmus falcatus, Scenedesmus spp., Fragilaria construens, Nitzschia spp., Scenedesmus dimorphus, Ulothrix spp., Synedra ulna, Merismopedia tenuissima, and Peridinium spp.
An assemblage of microalgae, as claimed in claim 36, wherein at least about 70% of the biomass in said assemblage consists of microalgae consisting of Micractinium pusillum and Carteria spp.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.