Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Phosphorus Removal and Recovery through Newly Developed Adsorption Technology
EPA Contract Number: EPD15032Title: Phosphorus Removal and Recovery through Newly Developed Adsorption Technology
Investigators: Varshovi, Amir A
Small Business: GreenTechnologies, LLC
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016
Project Amount: $98,389
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2015) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Water
Description:
Purpose of Research:
Phosphorus (P) pollution from nutrient rich runoff is one of the most expensive and arduous environmental challenges of the modern era. In addition to posing a significant public health risk to our of drinking water, P pollution and resulting algal blooms can damage or even destroy aquatic ecosystems impacting both the recreational, as well as, economic value of the impaired water bodies. Although there is no denying that P pollution has become a widespread, and costly environmental problem, all life forms require P. P based fertilizers are essential for plant and crop production, and it is estimated that food production must increase by approximately 70% by 2050 in order to keep up with population growth (Food and Agriculture Organization). However, phosphate rock deposits from which P is mined are a non-renewable resource, and experts estimate phosphate rock reserves will near exhaustion within the next century at the present usage rate (Van Kauwenbergh, 2010). The juxtaposition of P pollution with the critical role of this disappearing non-renewable resource in food and plant production represents a complex problem that requires a multifaceted solution. GreenTechnologies, LLC (“GT”) seeks to help solve these two problems through the development and commercialization of its P adsorption technology. First, GT’s P adsorption system is designed to remove unwanted P from water bodies in a manner that minimizes chemical inputs and requires less complex infrastructure than current methods while reducing P concentration below water quality requirements. Secondly, GT’s adsorption technology recovers the P making it available to be recycled for beneficial reuse into food and plant production.
Summary of Research Findings:
Phase I research aimed at assessing the performance of the active adsorbent media during water treatment. Key objectives were to quantify adsorbent efficiency, specificity for phosphorous, adsorbent capacity, phosphorous removal and resin regeneration, and to explore performance with non-laboratory sources of phosphorous-rich water. The results help determine how the technology best fits into the enormous range of potential phosphorous recovery markets and the feasibility of commercialization.
Feasibility studies quantified phosphate binding capacities up to18 g per kg resin at orthophosphate concentrations of 200 mg/l, with the capacity decreasing slightly for lower concentrations. Very high efficiencies were observed over a range of phosphate concentrations, effectively lowering orthophosphate levels to below our detection capabilities (0.001-0.005 ppm) when treating solutions ranging from 0.5 to 10 ppm phosphate. Kinetic studies demonstrate initial phosphate adsorption is very fast, with most adsorbed in less than a minute of exposure to the active resin. Longer time measurements reveal a two stage adsorption mechanism, with the time constant for higher capacities ~100 min. The resin can be regenerated upon wash with dilute hydroxide solution, allowing recovery of the phosphate and reuse of the resin. Five use/regeneration cycles with nearly quantitative recovery of capacity were demonstrated in Phase I experiments. Finally, treatment of natural lake water with high phosphate levels (3.4 ppm) removed phosphate to below detection levels, further demonstrating the resin is effective even in the presence of competing ions.
Initial development studies investigated routes to alternative forms of the resin, with eye toward different modes of use in varied applications. Particularly promising forms of the resin are pelletized particles and composites formed with commercial polymeric ion-exchange resins.
Conclusions:
The feasibility studies have defined the capacity of the zirconium-based active resin toward orthophosphate, as well as the efficiency of orthophosphate sequestration, and successfully applied the material to the treatment of phosphorous-rich natural lake water. The ability to regenerate the resin for reuse after saturation has also been demonstrated. Generally, the resin performs well at all phosphate concentrations. However, it is the phosphate binding efficiency, especially at lower concentrations, that opens up new opportunities to regulate phosphate levels under circumstances for which solutions do not currently exist.
Commercial Applications:
Comprehensive market research along with findings from laboratory research and experimentation have led to the conclusion that the a) aquaculture and b) golf course and resort lake and pond treatment markets represent ideal entry markets for commercialization of GT’s innovative P filtration technology. A variety of compelling factors including, but not limited to low barriers to entry, significant market size, and company strengths and competitive advantages make these two markets particularly attractive.
Opportunity-1: GT has fostered relationships with aquaculture companies in Florida, including one of the largest shrimp producers in the state. Representatives of this aquaculture company have agreed to participate in beta testing of GT’s P filtration technology.
Opportunity-2: GT has also utilized its existing relationship with a fertilizer and animal feed supply distributor with large-scale operations in agriculture and aquaculture, to obtain information and secure an agreement for beta testing in the aquaculture market.
Opportunity-3: In addition, throughout the past six months of Phase I work, GT has engaged in extensive discussions with professional property managers in order to gauge the potential demand for a product that removes P from storm water lakes and ponds, reducing unwanted aquatic plant growth and eliminating the need to apply herbicides, such as copper sulfate. Four strategic property managers were identified and all strongly voiced that there would be a strong demand for GT’s P filtration technology. The property managers have agreed to participate in beta testing.
Opportunity-4: GT has also begun formal discussions with a national landscape supply distributor, to formally partner with GT for distribution. Following refinement of the technology, GT is confident it can expand its existing distribution relationship to include distribution of its P Filter. The landscape supply distributor employs a national sales force that markets and sells products to golf courses, landscape markets and other end users of landscape products across the nation and will be an ideal partner.
In addition to conducting market research and utilizing relationships with commercial partners to measure demand and market trends, GT has also undertaken efforts to promote the company’s development of its P Filter through publicity in trade journals and periodicals as well as leveraging its relationships with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Small Business Association (SBA) and Enterprise Florida, to generate interest in its P research and technology development. GT has also reached out to private investors to help fund ongoing product development and commercialization efforts.
References:
Food and Agriculture Organization (n.d.). How to Feed the World in 2050. Quebec City
Van Kauwenbergh, S. J. (2010). World phosphate rock reserves and resources. Muscle Shoals: IFDC.
SBIR Phase II:
Phosphorus Removal and Recovery through Newly Developed Adsorption Technology | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.