Industrial Phycology raises funding to launch wastewater treatment system

UK-based water treatment firm Industrial Phycology (I-Phyc) has raised £700,000 to launch its new eco-friendly wastewater treatment system.

The company secured the funding from the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, and the University of Bristol Enterprise Fund, which is managed by Parkwalk.

This wastewater treatment system uses algae to reduce pollution in rivers and seas.

Apart from reducing pollutants such as phosphorous and nitrogen, it recovers biomass which can be used to generate biogas or fertiliser.

The system enables operators to reduce their carbon footprint as the algae can capture and retain carbon emissions.

In contrast to other water treatment systems that utilise light only on the surface of the algae mixture, I-Phycs’s system makes use of lighting to penetrate into the depth of the algae mixture. This, in turn, improves the system’s effectiveness and cuts down the required size of the tank, thereby making it suitable for smaller treatment plants.

Earlier, the company carried out one successful trial with Wessex Water at Avonmouth sewage works. The system is also being demonstrated at a plant in Weston-super-Mare.

This funding will support the company to build its new team in Birmingham as it plans for a commercial launch of the system in the market.

Founded in 2012 by algae expert and CEO Dr. Dan Murray, the company recently established its new headquarters in Birmingham, thereby creating 19 new jobs in the city.

Industrial Phycology chairman Russell Bright said: “UK rivers drastically need improvement, with only 14 per cent meeting the minimum ‘good’ standard. Although new regulations aim to impose a major reduction in the level of phosphorus in wastewater, many sewage plants cannot achieve this with their existing technology and some smaller ones cannot remove phosphorus at all. I-Phyc’s technology offers a chemical-free and natural solution that could help clean up our polluted coasts and rivers.”

Mercia investment manager Jo Slota-Newson said: “I-Phyc’s team are amongst the world’s leading experts in the use of algae for water treatment and are working to solve the twin global issues of phosphorus pollution in water and shortage of phosphorus for other purposes. We believe the technology has huge potential, not only for sewage treatment but also for use in fishing, farming and industry, in the UK and worldwide.”

British Business Bank director Grant Peggie said: “It is great to see another innovative, growing business secure investment, as this is a key priority for the Midlands Engine Investment Fund and our LEP partners. We would encourage other expanding businesses in the Midlands to consider the funding available through the MEIF.”