OXYHYWater-a Novel Net Zero Wastewater Treatment Process

OXYHYWATER is a novel wastewater treatment system that uses pure oxygen, instead of atmospheric air, to process wastewater. Early results indicate that this innovative approach not only improves efficiency but also delivers multiple environmental advantages.

By using pure oxygen rather than air, the treatment process can be up to 50% more cost-effective. The system produces significantly less secondary biomass compared to traditional methods, lowering both the energy consumption and costs associated with waste treatment.

A key feature of OXYHYWATER is its ability to substantially reduce emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential nearly 300 times greater than carbon dioxide. Due to its enclosed design and the use of pure oxygen, OXYHYWATER is expected to significantly cut N2O emissions.

The oxygen used in the process is a byproduct of hydrogen production through electrolysis, which further enhances the system's sustainability. This process not only produces zero-carbon hydrogen for energy and transport, but also provides the oxygen required by OXYHYWATER, which would otherwise be vented into the atmosphere.

Further environmental advantages come from the water industry’s access to renewable energy and water for hydrogen production, where just 10-11 litres of water can produce a kilogram of gas. This dual-use of resources exemplifies how OXYHYWATER supports a circular, green economy.

OXYHYWATER’s novel filtration membrane technology also contributes to its efficiency. The filtration membranes retain microbes essential for wastewater treatment, allowing for higher flow rates and shorter treatment times.

Our initial findings show that OXYHYWATER can handle a larger wastewater capacity than conventional methods, which could lead to significant energy savings.

A new phase of testing will focus on further optimising the core microbiological processes and membrane technology, both crucial to the system's success. Additionally, researchers will investigate the system’s potential to further reduce nitrous oxide emissions, a vital step in tackling climate change, given that N2O is more than 270 times as potent as CO2 as a greenhouse gas.

Our initial findings show that OXYHYWATER can handle a larger wastewater capacity than conventional methods, which could lead to significant energy savings.

A new phase of testing will focus on further optimising the core microbiological processes and membrane technology, both crucial to the system's success. Additionally, researchers will investigate the system’s potential to further reduce nitrous oxide emissions, a vital step in tackling climate change, given that N2O is more than 270 times as potent as CO2 as a greenhouse gas.