Description:
MERCURY CLEAN UP
This technology transforms mercury from the toxic form typically present in waste (Hg[2]) to its gaseous form that can be easily trapped (Hg[0]). It includes a bioreactor and methods to clean up soil contamination, or industrial effluent, using common bacteria that already exist in the environment.
Details:
Our bioreactor has been optimized to stimulate common bacteria, namely purple bacteria, to transform mercury so that it can be easily collected. The ubiquitous bacteria are subjected to conditions in the bioreactor that favor mercury reduction. These conditions include supplying light energy and an organic carbon source to stimulate photosynthetic growth. The current version of the technology is suitable for the treatment of industrial effluent.
Advantages:
• Low operating costs as bacteria use light, and carbon from the contaminated stream
• Additional revenue generation potential by producing biofuels or biomaterial precursors while reducing Hg[2] (future research direction – not yet developed).
• Safe for the environment as the organisms are natural aqueous organisms, non pathogens and no GMO’s
• Simple technology that is easily controlled
• Ease of operation through automation
• Flexibility to meet large and small scale needs