Effective microorganisms technology for nitrogen and phosphorus removal from urban stormwater runoff
A novel application of Effective Microorganisms (EM) technology to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from urban stormwater runoff, enabling water recycling for agricultural use. This research adapts the established EM technology for deployment in urban stormwater drainage systems, addressing nutrient pollution in colder climates.
Overview
This solution applies Effective Microorganisms (EM) technology to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from urban stormwater runoff, offering a biological approach to nutrient management in urban water systems. Originally developed in the 1970s at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan, EM technology consists of naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms in liquid form. By deploying these microbes in urban stormwater drainage systems, the technology enables the conversion of nutrient-laden runoff into water suitable for agricultural recycling, supporting both pollution reduction and water reuse objectives.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Liquid-form consortium of naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms
- Microbial nutrient uptake mechanism for nitrogen and phosphorus removal
- Designed for deployment within urban stormwater drainage infrastructure
- Output water intended for agricultural recycling applications
Validation approach:
- Sample collection from urban wastewater tanks
- Nine-month trial period structured as three one-month experiments with rest intervals between each
- Two parallel experiments per testing period, each with four replications and four treatments
- Treatment protocols developed during the initial two-month experimental setup phase
- Iterative data analysis between testing periods to refine methodology
Key consideration:
The technology is temperature sensitive, and prior validation has not addressed colder climate conditions. This research focuses on developing new experimental methodologies to enable successful nitrogen and phosphorus removal in Northern climate regions.
Technology readiness level
This research is at an early-to-mid stage of development. While EM technology itself has a historical basis, its application to urban stormwater nutrient removal in colder climates remains under investigation. The current validation phase involves a nine-month experimental trial designed to establish treatment protocols and assess effectiveness. Success in this phase would advance the technology toward pilot-scale deployment in urban drainage systems.
About NPO Veggies Cultivation
NPO Veggies Cultivation is an Estonian research and development organization founded in 2021 that specializes in vegetable agrotechnics and sustainable agricultural solutions. The company conducts research to optimize vegetable crop production, improve plant health, and address physiological deficiencies in crops, such as calcium deficiency in leafy vegetables. They offer a range of services including expert consultations, educational programs, training workshops, and the organization of agricultural conferences and study tours. By collaborating with research institutions and industry stakeholders, the organization aims to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical farming, introducing modern technologies to growers globally.
For farmers, researchers, and hobby growers, NPO Veggies Cultivation provides evidence-based insights intended to increase productivity and promote environmentally responsible farming practices. The organization has engaged in projects such as cereal production technology improvements, utilizing scientific methodology to validate the impact of fertilizers and soil amendments like vermicompost on crop yields and nutrient content. Through these initiatives, they support the agricultural sector in making data-driven decisions, offering resources that range from published books on sustainable cultivation to actionable technical advice for crop management.
delivered to your inbox.