XploSafe researchers have developed, optimized and commercialized an inorganic sorbent media which demonstrate a very high capacity for the recovery of phosphates and nitrates from various wastewater sources.
PhosRox is a novel sorbent used to make fertilizer. The product simultaneously removes ammonia, phosphate and nitrate from contaminated waters. The resulting material is a granulated time-release fertilizer that can help lower dependence on manufactured fertilizers by recycling nutrients.
Hydra Water Technologies LLC was spun-off XploSafe as a portfolio company dedicated to the commercial scale manufacturing and commercialization of the developed water treatment technology. According to the company, PhosRox will also help wastewater treatment operators maintain compliance with regulations and potentially generate revenue from the sale of the resulting fertilizer. When this is added to agricultural soils, it will not only release plant nutrients slowly but, in future years, could enhance the nutrient-holding capacity of the soil, preventing fertilizer runoff and protecting the watershed.
A second product is under development which is a turnkey, off-grid (potentially solar powered) system for the recovery of nutrients from rural and agricultural watering ponds, and lagoons at livestock farming operations.
Most recently, the company expanded by acquiring a 11,500 sq. ft. research and production facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma (U.S.). The new facility will serve as the company headquarters and facilitate the go-to market commercial scale production of the developed sorbent materials. Hydra Water Technologies invested over USD$75,000 in equipment and resources that will provide capacity to support the forecasted demand for the developed sorbents over the next two years.
On June 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded XploSafe a 2021 Green Chemistry Challenge Award for PhosRox. Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and use of hazardous substances.