Biomass Absorbs Phosphates and Phosphate-Containing Herbicide (Organophosphates)

Removes Herbicide and Phosphate Contamination from Water

A new absorbent technology simultaneously sorbs phosphate and phosphate-containing herbicides and pesticides (organophosphates, such as glyphosate-based herbicides) present in low concentrations typically found in agricultural runoff water. The technology is formed through hydrothermal carbonization of agricultural residues (e.g., corn stover), which results in a biomass-based hydrochar that simultaneously sorbs potassium and glyphosate from water in a single, simultaneous and non-competitive step. Removing herbicides, pesticides and phosphate contamination from water has far reaching environmental and public health applications (i.e., preventing algal blooms in agricultural run-off and preventing toxicity associated with exposure to even low levels of pesticides).

Water Contamination and Algal Bloom

Organophosphate herbicides and pesticides can contaminate groundwater and ultimately drinking water even at low concentrations. Phosphorous can migrate to lakes and streams resulting in algal growth and eutrophication. Currently, no commercial product exists to remove glyphosate from agricultural runoff waters. This new absorbent technology simultaneously sorbs phosphate and phosphate-containing herbicides and pesticides present in low concentrations (2ppm and < 1ppm, respectively). Products based on this technology could serve as a filter medium for agricultural run-off water in drain tiles. 

BENEFITS AND FEATURES:

• Simultaneously sorbs phosphate and phosphate-containing herbicides and pesticide
• Effective on organophosphates, such as glyphosate containing herbicides
• Absorbs low concentrations (e.g., as typically found in agricultural runoff water)
• Economical manufacturing process: hydrothermal carbonization of agricultural residues results in a hydrochar
• Potential to remediate algal blooms in agricultural run-off
• Potential to remediate toxicity associated with exposure to low levels of herbicides and pesticides

APPLICATIONS:

• Filter medium for agricultural run-off water
• Biomedical applications (e.g., therapeutic agent or medical device to detoxify patients exposed to organophosphate)
• Environmental applications (i.e., preventing algal blooms in agricultural run-off)
• Public health applications (i.e., preventing toxicity associated with exposure to even low levels of pesticides)

Phase of Development - Working prototype