Functionalized nanoadsorbent for nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient removal from wastewater
Patented doped magnetic nanoparticle technology that removes and recovers nutrients from wastewater. Validated at pilot scale in a poultry processing plant with over 90% phosphorus removal, 65% nitrogen reduction, and 20 regeneration cycles. Future work targets nitrate removal via anion-sieve surface chemistry for stormwater applications.
Overview
This solution offers a functionalized magnetic nanoadsorbent platform designed to remove nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients from wastewater and stormwater. The core technology is protected by US Patent 10562798 and uses doped magnetic nanoparticles whose surface chemistry is tailored to selectively target specific nutrient species. The technology not only removes phosphorus species but also reduces total Kjeldahl nitrogen, suspended solids, and chemical and biochemical oxygen demand. By enabling nutrient recovery and recycling, the platform supports circular-economy water management goals for industrial and municipal users.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Patented doped magnetic nanoparticles (US Patent 10562798) with engineered surface chemistry
- Functionalized surface designed to selectively adsorb phosphorus and nitrogen species
- Magnetic properties enable easy separation and recovery of the spent adsorbent from treated water
- Regenerable for at least 20 cycles without loss of removal efficacy
Pilot-scale validation results in a poultry processing plant:
- Total phosphorus removed by more than 90%
- Chemical oxygen demand reduced by 87%
- Total suspended solids reduced by 97%
- Fat, oil, and grease reduced by 99%
- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen reduced by 65%
Planned next-stage development:
- Surface modification to target nitrate removal through anion-sieve chemistry
- Adsorption isotherm and selectivity studies for nitrate
- Proof-of-concept testing on stormwater runoff
Technology readiness level
The nanoadsorbent has completed pilot-scale validation at a poultry processing facility, demonstrating strong performance across multiple contaminant categories and confirming regenerability over at least 20 cycles. The technology is ready for further scale-up and field deployment. Ongoing work focuses on extending the platform to nitrate removal and validating performance in stormwater runoff applications, broadening the addressable market beyond industrial wastewater.
About Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology is a large, technology‑focused public research university in Atlanta with a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through the Georgia Tech Research Institute for contract R&D, a Midtown innovation district with co‑located corporate labs, and a statewide manufacturing extension to support scale‑up. A long‑standing partnership with a major academic medical center enables clinical translation, and a large co‑op program delivers a steady talent pipeline. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, DoD, and NASA. Technology commercialization is managed by the Georgia Tech Research Corporation, with dedicated licensing, corporate contracting, and startup support.
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