NASA seeks to transfer the NASA-developed air and water pollution control system. This system, developed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), is a recirculating, bioaquatic pollution control system which combines both water and air pollution controls into one system. Air pollution from automobiles, industrial plants, coal burning power plants, incinerators, and furnaces have created serious environmental pollution problems. These problems include depletion of the ozone layer, the greenhouse effect, as well as air pollution with heavy metals, toxic organics, and acid rain. Current air pollution control systems are expensive to install and operate, or their air pollution control efficiency is questionable.

Potential Commercial Uses

Benefits

The benefits of the combined air and water pollution control system is the low cost of implementation and reduced disposal costs compared to existing pollution control alternatives. This system eliminates the need for baffles, venturis, and injectors used in conventional systems.

The Technology

The pollution control system developed by MSFC is a combined wastewater and air pollution control system which combines exhaust combustion gases with flowing wastewater which is then filtered through a rock/plant/microbial filtering system. The scientific basis for the waste treatment in a rock/plant/microbial filter is the cooperative growth of both the plants and the microorganisms associated with the plants. A major part of the treatment process for degradation of organics is attributed to the microorganisms living in and around the plant root system. These microorganisms form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots which results in increased degradation rates and removal of organic chemicals from wastewater. The use of this system results in a high degree of water treatment and purification.

Options for Commercialization

This technology is part of the NASA Technology Transfer Program. The program seeks to stimulate development of commercial applications from NASA-developed technology. The basic pollution control system has been designed by MSFC. This technology is available for commercial applications.

Patent Number

4,959,084

Contact for Licensing Information

Technology Transfer Office
Patent Licensing Information
Mail Code CD30
Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

Key Words

Pollution Control System
Air Pollution

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