About the Problem
While limited phosphorus supply is causing farmers to struggle with rising fertilizer prices, excess phosphorus is ending up in waterways and destroying ecosystems.
Climate Change
When phosphorus gets into bodies of water, it causes dense algae blooms to grow. When this algae breaks down it releases methane, which is a very potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Water Contamination
Excess phosphorus in bodies of water causes dense algae blooms to grow that harm water quality and destroy aquatic life.
Food Insecurity
Phosphorus is an essential input into fertilizer but it is a nonrenewable resource that is currently obtained through mining. HydroPhos Solutions recycles phosphorus, providing a more sustainable option for obtaining phosphorus while also preventing us from running out.
Our Solution
We install phosphorus filtration technology into wastewater treatment plants to extract useable phosphorus for agricultural uses. The new improvements in the WWTP will cut down on eutrophication impacts to local bodies of water, reduce the global phosphorus shortage, cut costs for WWTPs and provide high-quality phosphorus at sustainably low prices.
Our Process
Phosphorus is adsorbed using an organic material to later be used in fertilizer.
Phosphorus Adsorption
The first step is to adsorb phosphorus from the wastewater to prevent eutrophication. This is done using an organic material that can be later used as a component of fertilizer. Phosphorus content of the streams is monitored for saturation and compliance.
Fertilizer Preparation
Once all of the binding units are fully saturated, the material is strained from the process and prepared as a fertilizer. The incorporation of carbon within the adsorption material increases the bioavailability of nutrients in the fertilizer for mineralization. This material is then added to a fertilizer matrix.
Fertilizer Deployment
The nature of the product makes it amenable to spreading with any standard fertilizer spreader. The carbon component results in a slow release of the phosphorus allowing continual uptake of the nutrients by the crops.
About HydroPhos
We are a team who is dedicated to recycling phosphorus by installing filtration technology into wastewater treatment plants. This started as a small idea and has grown into a well rounded team passionate about closing the phosphorus loop. The new improvements in the WWTP will cut down on eutrophication impacts to local bodies of water, reduce the global phosphorus shortage, cut costs for WWTPs, provide high-quality phosphorus at sustainably low prices, and generate a profit for our company.
Patten Sales & Funding Accelerator
Participated in a UNH-based accelerator focused on sales and marketing
Global Student Entrepreneur Awards
Represented the Greater Boston Area in the USA Nationals
NH Social Venture Innovation Challenge
1st Place Audience Choice & Most Impact Potential Award
Draper University
Graduated from competitive Silicon Valley pre-accelerator program on a full scholarship
Maurice Prize
Second Place Overall
Impact Challenge
Finalists at Business Today's International Impact Challenge
Draper Competition
3rd Place Overall & 1st Place in Service Track, Largest Undergraduate Women's Entrepreneurship Competition in the United States
e-Fest
1st Place Grand Prize & Global Impact Award, Largest Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Competition in the United States
UNH Holloway Competition
1st Place in UNH's premier business plan competition for undergraduate and graduate students
