Calcium peroxide nanoparticles for treating eutrophic lakes (RFT-26-0008)

DESCRIPTION

This patent relates to the composition, synthesis, and use of calcium-peroxide (CaO₂) based materials designed specifically for treating eutrophic lakes by reducing excessive nutrient-driven algal growth and improving dissolved oxygen levels. The inventive concept centers on a controlled-release, reactive oxygen material that addresses phosphate immobilization and oxygenation within lake water and sediments, enabling restoration of eutrophic water bodies.

Key Inventive Features

Dual-function mechanism: Combines phosphate precipitation and controlled oxygen release within a single particulate material.
Engineered formulation: Calcium peroxide nanoparticles synthesized for uniform dispersion, reduced aggregation, and controlled reactivity treatments.
Fast, selective phosphate removal: >95% reduction of dissolved phosphate within minutes under neutral pH, outperforming alum or lanthanum
Environmentally benign: Leaves no toxic residues; decomposition yields Ca(OH)₂ and O₂.
Drone-deployable format: Lightweight slurry or encapsulated cartridge design allows autonomous lake dosing and rapid on-site treatment.
Sustained oxygenation: Maintains dissolved oxygen levels for up to 48 hours post-application without mechanical aeration.
Stable, storable product: Extended shelf life compared to traditional CaO₂ powders.

Benefits

Algal bloom suppression: Reduces bioavailable phosphate that drives algal overgrowth in eutrophic lakes.
Low dissolved oxygen remediation: Releases oxygen gradually, reversing hypoxia in stratified lake zones.
Replacement for chemical coagulants: Avoids long-term sediment contamination or pH alteration associated with alum/ferric treatments.
Simplified logistics: Can be deployed via drones, boats, or floating modules without continuous mechanical systems.
Rapid restoration: Enables fast, low-cost recovery of lake water clarity and ecological balance.
Safe for ecosystems: Does not introduce heavy metals or synthetic polymers.

Applications

Eutrophic Lake and Pond Restoration: Treatment of nutrient-overloaded natural or artificial lakes, reservoirs, and ponds suffering from algal blooms.
Municipal Waterbodies: Restoration of public parks, stormwater retention basins, and city reservoirs where algal control is needed without toxic residues.
Aquaculture and Fisheries Management: Use in fish farms or hatcheries to maintain oxygen levels and water clarity without stressing aquatic species.
Golf Courses and Landscaping Ponds: Simple, drone-deployable system for maintaining clear, odor-free decorative water bodies.
Environmental Cleanup Contractors: As a ready-to-use formulation or kit for environmental service companies engaged in eutrophication mitigation.
Water Resource Agencies: Deployment by state and federal agencies (e.g., EPA, USGS, or local watershed districts) for lake remediation programs.
Disaster Response and Emergency Use: Rapid intervention tool for oxygen depletion events, fish kills, or algal toxin outbreaks.
Commercial Licensing Opportunities: Partnerships with drone manufacturers, water treatment chemical suppliers, or environmental engineering firms for integrated remediation packages.
Green Technology Market: Positioned as a sustainable, non-toxic, and energy-free solution for water restoration, eligible for environmental and climate innovation funding streams.

Patents

This technology has a U.S. Patent Pending and is available for licensing/partnering opportunities.

NDSURF Tech Key

RFT, 26-0008, RFT260008, 260008

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