BIOCLENS™ (Encapsulated Bacteria Lenses)
Our BIOCLENS™ technology uses bacteria encapsulated in lenses as a biocatalyst to enhance and accelerate natural biological processes which break down organic matter. The lenses contain living bacteria which is immobilised in a stable, porous PVA gel matrix. As these are stirred in a reactor, water and dissolved impurities diffuse through the lenses and come in contact with the bacteria, causing targeted reactions to occur.
Targeted Reactions
Ammonia Removal
Ammonium (NH4+) in the wastewater permeates into the lens to allow the ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), embedded inside lens, convert the ammonium (NH4+) to nitrite (NO2–).
NH4+ + 1.5 O2 → NO2–+ 2H+ + H2O
Then the nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB), also embedded in the lens, then convert nitrite (NO2–) to nitrate (NO3–).
NO2–+ 0.5 O2 → NO3–
Nitrate Removal
Nitrate (NO3–) in the water permeates into the lens
Nitrate reducing bacteria embedded inside the lens convert the nitrate (NO3–) to nitrite (NO2–)
Nitrite (NO2–) is then converted to nitrogen gas (N2)
Both reactions require a carbon source as an electron donor
2NO3–+ 10e– +12H+ → N2 + 6H2O
Advantages
| ✓ Less/no secondary waste/sludge | ✓ No organism loss |
| ✓ Ability to reach very low TN levels | ✓ Intensified Process with a small footprint |
| ✓ Low energy demand | ✓ Low lifecycle costs |
| ✓ Bacteria are protected against harsh water conditions | ✓ Allows easy bacteria reuse |
| ✓ Clear separation between bacteria and the water being treated | ✓ Lens shape eliminates diffusion limitations associated with most bacteria immobilisation techniques |
Applications
| Typical Industries | BIOCLENS™ Can Remove |
|---|---|
| Municipal Reuse | Nutrients |
| Mining Water | Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) |
| Surface Water Treatment | |
| Groundwater Treatment | |
| Fisheries | |
| Agriculture | |
| Coal, Fine & Petro Chemicals |
Find Out More
Contact us to see what else our BIOCLENS™ technology is capable of and how it can help your next water treatment project.