Sorbfloc® biodegradable flocculant for greener wastewater treatment

Globally, 80 per cent of wastewater flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused, causing harm to aquatic animals and disease in humans who use polluted water as a drinking source. The remaining 20 per cent is normally treated with synthetic polymers that are potentially harmful to the environment.

One of these is polyacrylamide (PAM), a persistent, water-soluble polymer often regarded as more eco-friendly than insoluble polymers. Recent research suggests, though, that PAMs may be nanoplastics that can bioaccumulate in organisms and pollute natural water resources.

Sorbfloc® is an eco-friendly flocculent for wastewater treatment made of biopolymers – non-toxic, biodegradable compounds that can replace harmful PAMs. The biopolymers capture organic and inorganic particles in the wastewater, forming them into larger masses that are easily removed in the treatment process.

Sorbfloc® must be combined with a very small, non-toxic amount of a cross binder. Sorbwater Technology provides aluminium and iron as a cross binder and can provide assistance with mixing and dosing

Sorbfloc® has a wide range of treatment areas – from municipal wastewater and grey water and to tank wash water and industrial wastewater. One promising area is land-based aquaculture, where Sorbfloc® can be used in existing filtration systems, and the treated water can be released into the ocean without harm to marine life.

Wastewater treatment plants currently using PAMS or other synthetic polymers can easily switch to Sorbfloc® without investing in a new system or additional hardware. This keeps the cost low for treatment plants seeking greener alternatives.

Moreover, because Sorbfloc® is non-toxic, the sludge produced during wastewater treatment can be upcycled into other products such fertiliser and animal feed, which promotes the circular economy.

The wastewater treatment chemicals market size is currently valued at USD 22 billion and is estimated to reach USD 35 billion by 2023.

Sustainable water treatment solutions are more sought-after than ever due to increasing environmental concerns, a greater focus on public health and more stringent government regulations.

Sorbfloc® is currently being used in wastewater treatment in the Netherlands, Norway, the UK and the US. The company plans to expand into other European countries as well as the Middle East and South America.