Technology
How microbial entrapment works
Selected microorganisms are immobilised inside a porous polymer hydrogel. Protected and retained in the reactor, they stay active in conditions that disrupt conventional biological treatment.
Protection the microbes need
In conventional suspended-growth systems, microbes float freely in the water. They are exposed to every shock in the feed and can be washed out of the reactor, so operators need large tanks and careful control to keep enough active biomass.
Entrapment changes this. The hydrogel matrix:
- Shields microbes from toxic compounds, low pH, temperature fluctuations and hydraulic stress
- Retains biomass in the reactor, preventing washout
- Lets water and contaminants through its pores so treatment continues
What it enables
Process intensification
Higher volumetric productivity means the same treatment from a smaller reactor, or more capacity from an existing one.
Less sludge
Biomass stays in the hydrogel rather than growing as excess sludge that has to be wasted, handled and disposed of.
Easy separation
The entrapped biomass settles quickly, improving solid–liquid separation.
Resource recovery
Supports sulfate reduction and metal recovery in mining water, and nutrient removal and recovery of phosphorus and nitrogen.
Retrofit-ready
Can be readily retrofitted into existing infrastructure for low-disruption upgrades to capacity and performance.
A versatile platform
Different microbial communities can be entrapped for different jobs, across mining, municipal and industrial wastewater.
Development stage
The technology has been validated at laboratory scale for both municipal and mining wastewater. Current work focuses on advancing its technology readiness level (TRL) through pilot validation with industry partners.
Interested in a pilot or co-development partnership?
We are looking for industry partners to take this technology from the lab to pilot scale. Partners gain early access and preferential positioning in future commercialisation.