Patent ID: 7578398

Claim:
An assembly ( 3 ) for treating a liquid containing impurities, the assembly ( 3 ) comprising a reactor ( 7 ) having: an inlet ( 17 ) through which the liquid containing impurities is introduced into the reactor ( 7 ) and an outlet ( 19 ) through which the liquid removed of certain impurities is discharged from the reactor ( 7 ); and at least one bacteria growth device ( 1 ) comprising at least one strip ( 5 ) that is self supporting and bundled up so as to form a nest-like and loose configuration, the at least one strip presenting a surface for attachment and growth of bacteria, the nest-like and loose configuration being constructed and arranged so that the nest-like and loose configuration allows for the free circulation of the liquid through the attached growth bacteria, the at least one strip having an irregular form that substantially prevents the nest-like configuration from compacting, wherein the at least one strip is made of a non-toxic and non-biodegradable polymeric material, the device ( 1 ) being operatively positioned inside the reactor ( 7 ) between the inlet ( 17 ) and the outlet ( 19 ) thereof.