NG Nordic secures European patent for groundbreaking sulfate removal innovation

Industries such as paper, mining, and metal refining generate wastewater that often contains high levels of sulfates. The release of such wastewater into natural environments like rivers, lakes, and seas presents a growing concern, as sulfates are known to contribute to eutrophication, harm ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.

At the same time, there is growing pressure on these industries to recycle process water instead of relying on fresh water, especially in water-intensive operations. Existing wastewater treatment methods for sulphate removal often rely on chemical precipitation, which typically results in large volumes of chemical sludge. This sludge is difficult to handle and dispose of due to its high water content.

Current methods are too expensive, making it unsustainable for emitting industries to remove sulfates. They solve one problem by removing sulfate but create another by generating large amounts of waste. Therefore, there remains a clear need for a more cost efficient, sustainable, and low-waste method for sulfate removal.

NG Nordic has now developed a breakthrough solution for purifying sulfate-rich wastewater. The patented method enables the recovery of both sulfur and hydrogen in pure form alternatively NG Nordic can produce sodium sulfate as the product. This is achieved using sulfate-reducing microorganisms, an electron donor, and essential nutrient sources such as phosphate and nitrogen.

The innovation combines techniques from different fields of expertise, which sets it apart from the current state of the art. This approach makes it possible to produce products with monetary value while conserving energy in the process.

The European Patent Office has officially approved the patent application, marking a significant milestone for NG Nordic’s innovation in sustainable water treatment.

This new method holds great potential for industries seeking both environmental compliance and cost-effective operations, while minimizing waste and energy use.