Light Driven Waste Remediation System Utilizing Phototrophic Bacteria

Light Driven Waste Remediation System Utilizing Phototrophic Bacteria Micro-Bac International, Inc. Round Rock, TX Innovation This SBIR project resulted in a new system for the treatment of wastewater based upon the metabolic activity of phototrophic bacteria. Accomplishments l This system requires no aeration, uses sunlight as an energy source, and does not generate carbon monoxide. It also offers significant advantages over conventional aerobic or anaerobic waste treatment systems in terms of flexibility, safety, cost effectiveness and performance. l In geographical areas with adequate amounts of sunlight, this system is considerably more cost-effective than traditional activated sludge aerobic systems. Commercialization This large petrochemical firewater lagoon was successfully treated with the biological solution Mega -Bac TFTM manufactured and distributed by Micro. Bac International, Inc. SM l Micro-Bac International, Inc. SM in its Central Texas research laboratories has developed and manufactured this microbial biotechnology for the successful treatment of wastewater systems. Micro-Bac’s natural biological solutions are comprised of a Government/Science Applications proprietary combination of bacteria used to accelerate the natural degradation of l Applications of this system are numerous, because water wastes in wastewater systems, ponds and lagoons, as well as food processing and purity is of increasing concern for drinking and animal waste collection systems. pharmacological uses, as well as for environmental quality. l Currently Micro-Bac International, Inc. is actively pursuing a contract with a Brazilian Potential applications include wastewater treatment for multinational glass producer to manufacture and distribute the treatment cells. The agriculture, small communities, individual homes, isolated microorganisms developed as part of the NASA SBIR contract are being presently sold military installations, food processors, and chemical as a liquid product, Mega-Bac TFTM. manufacturing. l Mega-Bac TFTM works on the degradation of fat, oil, fecal material and other biologically derived wastes. The metabolic processes of Mega-Bac TFTM produce the enzymes necessary for degrading septic wastes and reducing odor. Sales of this product are in excess of $350, 000 at the present time. Marshall Space Flight Center Date of Update: 2/24/98 Success Story #: 8 -001 Points of Contact: - NASA (Denise Swain; 205/544 -0968) - Micro-Bac (Terry Nelson; 512/310 -9000) 1991 SBIR Phase 2; NAS 8 -39918