In researching techniques for treating industrial wastewater from Sony factories, we discovered a plant-based material with superb binding properties, which led to original R&D on our own wastewater flocculant. A pilot program is now underway at Sony Group factories that may help us introduce this substance as a clean, natural alternative to common chemical flocculants.
Flocculant is easily produced, simply by sun-drying plant matter and grinding it
Plant-based wastewater flocculants offer the tremendous binding power of acidic polysaccharides (mucilage) found in some plants. Sludge is quickly separated from industrial wastewater, leaving treated water. Total operating costs are also reduced, because half the usual amount of coagulation aid is needed, and there is less sludge after wastewater treatment.
Also useful in cleaning up lakes, rivers, and marshes
Switching from common oil-based flocculants to plant-based flocculants may support our efforts to phase out the use of oil-based resources. And because CO2 is absorbed during photosynthesis by the plants, it can also help curb global warming. R&D on this plant-based flocculant is being conducted with broader applications in mind besides industrial wastewater treatment, including uses in restoration of lakes, rivers, and marshes.