Deriving A New Biobased Product From Wastewater: Production Of A Slow Release Algal-Based Fertilizer

The goal of this project is to continue the success of our Phase I proof-of-concept work by implementing a full-scale, algal-based treatment system to remove nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) from wastewater in small rural communities and to produce a pelletized, slow-release algal fertilizer as a value-added byproduct.Problem/Opportunity:Nutrient pollution in our nation's waterways is a major issue. These nutrients, which stem mainly from municipalities and agriculture, are causing environmental problems such as fish kills and toxic cyanobacteria blooms. To address this issue, state and federal agencies are enforcing stricter nutrient discharge limits for municipalities. These regulations result in a growing need for improved technologies such as our algal system (especially in rural communities). Furthermore, the current methods for generating fertilizer are not sustainable and are energy-intensive. New biobased fertilizer options are desired, and the algal-based fertilizer developed in this project addresses that need.Project Objectives:This Phase II SBIR is designed to produce and collect the remaining data needed to prove to our customers (rural communities) and their professional advisers that our process is reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The major objectives of this project are to (1) build and evaluate a full-scale algal treatment system, (2) determine the best method to process algae into a saleable pelletized fertilizer, (3) evaluate the algae fertilizer in plant-growth studies, and (4) conduct an economic and life-cycle analysis of our proprietary algal treatment to fertilizer process. Following this Phase II project, our process will be ready for commercial deployment.