Abtech : The Smart Sponge Technology

AbTech's Smart Sponge technology is at the heart of its product innovation. Its unique

molecular structure is based on innovative polymer technologies that are

chemically selective to hydrocarbons and can reduce bacteria levels. Smart Sponge

fully encapsulates recovered oil, resulting in a substantially more effective

response that prevents absorbed oil from leaching. It is also capable of removing

low levels of oil from water, thereby successfully removing sheen.

In addition, the Smart Sponge remains buoyant in calm or agitated water, permitting it to remain in place until fully saturated and resulting in no wasted product. Once oil is absorbed, the Smart Sponge transforms the pollutants into a stable solid for easy recycling, providing a closed-loop solution to water pollution. Smart Sponge technology provides a cost-effective BMP with low installation and maintenance labor costs. In comparison to other products, the Smart Sponge technology also allows for less expensive and less problematic handling and disposal of the waste product since its technology transforms liquid oil and other pollutants into a stable solid. The Smart Sponge was designed not to deteriorate in water, allowing for a longer product life.

Antimicrobial Smart Sponge Plus- AbTech has developed an antimicrobial technology synergistic with the Smart Sponge technology. This effort produced Smart Sponge Plus, which features an antimicrobial agent chemically and permanently bound in a proprietary process to the Smart Sponge polymer surface which reduce total bacteria. Due to this permanent bond, the antimicrobial agent is active but does not leach or leak, avoiding any downstream toxicity issues. AbTech's antimicrobial Smart Sponge targets bacteria such as enterococcus, Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms.

The Agent used for this innovative technology is an Organosilane derivative which is widely used in a variety of fields including medical, consumables, pool equipment, and consumer goods to reduce coliform bacteria. This Smart Sponge Plus mode of action, through its bound agent, is very simple (no chlorine or heavy metals involved) and - in surface bound applications - it neither introduces chemicals into the treated water nor produces toxic metabolites. The antimicrobial mechanism is based on the patented agent's interaction with the microorganism cell membrane, causing microorganism inactivation, but no chemical or physical change in the agent. Antimicrobial activity therefore does not reduce the agent's capability or cause its depletion, and maintains long-term effectiveness. Additionally, the hydrocarbon absorption capability is not inhibited. The antimicrobial agent is registered with the EPA (EPA Registration #86256-1) for a variety of applications and has performed well specifically in cases where a reduction in harmful bacterial counts in storm water runoff is desired.

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AbTech Smart Sponge HM (heavy metals) technology uses renewable resource based metal nanocomposites extruded into an adsorptive sponge media. The media will bind with phosphorus and heavy metals resulting in removal rates as high as 98%. Many industrial plants have new tighter wastewater regulations being imposed. This can be observed with lower acceptable levels of phosphorus and heavy metals to which a plant can send to a POTW or to surface discharge under a NPDES permit. AbTech's Smart Sponge HM (heavy metals) technology is an excellent phosphorus and metals polisher for added insurance to meet compliance. Phosphorus is one of the major nutrients contributing in the increased eutrophication of lakes and natural waters. Its presence causes many water quality problems including increased purification costs, decreased recreational and conservation value of impoundments, loss of livestock and the possible lethal effect of algal toxins on drinking water. In most municipal and industrial plants with biological wastewater treatment, supplemental phosphorus must be added to insure an adequate supply for bacterial growth. But nutrient enrichment of receiving waters is a major water quality issue in North America. The USEPA, states and provinces have or are adding phosphorus discharge limits to industrial discharge permits, sometimes at very low levels. Many plants already have limits for phosphorous and are struggling to achieve compliance -using aerated lagoons and activated sludge processes. Due to increased enforcement of selenium regulations and an increased understanding of health and environmental effects the need to be able to efficiently treat selenium has taken on an increased importance.

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Products incorporating Smart Sponge technology are non-mechanical, do not require structural changes to stormwater systems and are easily requiring only one person and no equipment. Products such as the Ultra-Urban Filter with Smart Sponge Inside fit into most existing catch basins. The Smart Sponge technology is deployed in products that offer customized solutions for stormwater pollution prevention, oil spill response, process water filtration and other industrial applications to meet specific environmental needs. AbTech Industries offers an extensive product line that is upgradeable to meet evolving community needs and regulatory requirements.

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Products incorporating Smart Sponge technology are non-mechanical, do not require structural changes to stormwater systems and are easily installed and maintained, often requiring only one person and no equipment. Products such as the Ultra-Urban Filter with Smart Sponge Inside fit into most existing catch basins. The Smart Sponge technology is deployed in products that offer customized solutions for stormwater pollution prevention, oil spill response, process water filtration and other industrial applications to meet specific environmental needs. AbTech Industries offers an extensive product line that is upgradeable to meet evolving community needs and regulatory requirements.