Waste purification system

Abstract

A method of producing an algae product and of purifying aqueous organic waste material to provide clean water. Starting algae and aqueous waste are admixed in sufficient amount to provide nutrients for the algae, which are grown in symbiotic relationship with aerobic bacteria present. The mixture is aerated and, if desired, carbon dioxide added, and is exposed to alternate periods of light (e.g., 1/2 second to ten seconds) and darkness (about ten times as long as the light period) to accelerate growth of the algae, harvesting the algae product to maintain the growth rate at a very high level. A device for effecting agitation and intermittent light exposure includes a reaction tank having a generally vertical wall in the form of a parabolic curve, injectors debouching into the bottom of the tank opposite the parabolic-curve wall and causing circulation so that injected and other material is forced rapidly upwardly, and a baffle transversely across the upper portion of the tank. The baffle supports and directs the flow of a selected proportion of an aqueous reaction mass across the upper portion of the tank, exposing the selected proportion to limited exposure to a source of light. A system for carrying out the method is provided.