Innovative Environmental Technology
Principals of Biomimicry - Solutions for Environmental Challenges
Observations of ecosystems and their natural processes inspired us to develop a novel floating Algae Bio Reactor. In doing so, we take a holistic approach to addressing environmental challenges resulting from the increasing need for clean water, food, energy and reduced carbon emissions. Clean water is an essential but rapidly depleting resource. The growing water and food requirements of people and the associated increase in agricultural wastewater are steadily deteriorating water quality. Our Algae Bio Reactor is a cross-departmental solution, regardless of the type of pollution or residues to be removed from the water. Nature's response to pollution is mimicked by our Algae Bio Reactor, leaving nothing but clean water behind. Naturally occurring microalgae in the water body are used to digest nutrients, coliform bacteria, carbon, heavy metals and also pharmaceutical residues.
We developed our Algae Bio Reactor back in 2010 as a new type of floating water treatment based on completely natural processes.
The Algae Bio Reactor is flexible in size and shape, so it can be used indoors and outdoors, floating on the body of water or standing using a waterfall principle. The size of the Algae Bio Reactor depends on the size of the body of water to be cleaned, e.g. pond, lake or dirty water basin. Several small reactors can be linked together or we design a large system - depending on the needs of the water body and the conditions on your site.
Algae Bio Reactor
Photo: example of a floating Algae Bio Reactor, 2019
FAQ:
Where can the Algae Bio Reactor be used and what can it do?
Our Algae Bio Reactor is a cross-departmental solution, regardless of the type of pollution or residues to be removed from the water. The Algae Bio Reactor, for example, has already been used successfully in municipal waters, which are polluted heavily by concentrated wader bird populations. Significant successes were also achieved within a few weeks in waste water collection basins at landfill sites, petrol stations, quarries and collection basins for waste water from road traffic. The Algae Bio Reactor eliminates and reduces various pollutants in the water, including:
- Nitrogen (nitrate, ammonia and nitrite), phosphorus
- Hydrocarbon chains (mineral oils, benzene, etc.)
- Heavy metals
- Coliforms
How does the Algae Bio Reactor work?
Our Algae Bio Reactor mimics the natural reaction of nature to pollution leaving behind nothing but clean water. Naturally occurring macro- and microalgae in the body of water are given a target to multiply on the Algae Bio Reactor, so that the positive, water-purifying properties of the algae can be used in a targeted manner. With the help of the algae, nitrogen species, phosphorus, coliforms, harmful carbon chains from mineral oils, heavy metals and also pharmaceutical residues are sustainably removed from the water.
What running costs are there?
The Algae Bio Reactor is powered by solar energy and costs next to no energy in use. The system is quickly installed and can be designed flexibly for you by us. The maintenance of the system is easy, there are no unexpected operating costs.
What other benefits does the Algae Bio reactor bring?
1. Algae are plants, meaning they break down carbon and produce oxygen. The carbon footprint improves significantly through the respiration of the algae on the bioreactor.
2. The algae bioreactor is not only an effective device for water treatment, but also offers a potential alternative source of income through the sale or refinement of the algae, which are periodically harvested from the growing media of the bioreactor. Possible uses of the harvested algae are fertilizer, feed for fish and livestock, and biofuel.
Photo: example of a floating Algae Bio Reactor, 2022
Use the Natural Waste from Water Treatment
In agriculture, industry and many other areas, securing water needs, rising costs for fertilisers and fuel and the pressure to reduce the ecological footprint are current challenges. The growing population has an increasing need for food. We have developed a closed model specifically for farms that reduces costs and optimises the ecological footprint without compromising productivity. In addition, no high investment costs are necessary, such as would be required for the conversion to electrical systems or the installation of huge solar systems. We can assess your operation and develop a plan to reduce runoff and erosion and capture precipitation and surface water. The nutrients and fertilisers contained in the water are reused. We are currently working on a system to develop subsistence-scale biodiesel from algae grown in our Algae Bio Reactor. The biodiesel will be suitable for use in conventional diesel engines.
