Floating biological contactor

Apparatus for facilitating the use of biological microorganisms for removing selected biodegradable materials from a pond or similar body of water, said apparatus comprising:

• a bio-chamber in an enclosure having water-impervious walls along its length and at least one end supported by floatation means so that a portion of the chamber is positioned below the surface of said pond;
• a plurality of bio-suspension forms held firmly said chamber for providing surfaces for supporting the growth of films of said biological microorganisms;
• and
• circulating means for receiving water from said pond, for delivering said pond water to said bio-chamber so that said water circulates gently around said bio-suspension form surfaces and any films of microorganisms supported thereon, and for returning said circulated water to said pond.

Apparatus for removing selected biodegradable materials from a pond or similar body of water, said apparatus comprising:

• a bio-chamber for growing and maintaining a colony of biological microorganisms, said chamber being supported by flotation means so that a portion of the chamber is positioned below the surface of said pond, said bio-chamber being in an enclosure having water impervious walls along its length and at least at one end;
• bio-suspension means positioned within said chamber for providing surfaces for supporting the growth of films of said biological microorganisms;
• circulating means for receiving water from said water body, for delivering said water to said bio-chamber so that said water gently circulates around said bio-suspension means and any films of microorganisms supported thereon, and for returning said circulated water to said water body;
• and
• air-introduction control means for selectively mixing adjustable amounts of air into the water being circulated in said bio-chamber in a manner that minimizes agitation of said microorganisms.