Waste Prevention

Nalco Water, a branch of Ecolab Inc., has developed a technology that allows for the close monitoring of water in industrial cooling systems. This technology detects when the water condition favors mineral scaling and signifies the presence of anaerobic organisms. The system also detects the planktonic and sessile bacteria activity and regulates the amount of biocide in the water. The system is secured against corrosion as well due to a corrosion inhibitor. Water-based cooling systems are common in buildings and industrial processes.

Coordination compound that has the potential to be applied as a biocide for the prevention of algae and bacterial growth in water for industrial use. Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate (THPS) is an organophosphorus compound with low toxicity, biodegradability, and exceptional activity against microorganisms. Since this biocide is non-halogenated and is produced in a water solution, it does not generate VOC emissions. It's readily biodegradable by oxidative process, hydrolysis and interactions with light and/or organisms.

Protein-based formulation to replace traditional pesticides. This product is non-toxic and biodegradable, enhances plant growth, and enables higher production yields. It achieves this by creating proteins called harpin that intensify the plants' defense system and enhance plant growth without altering genetic material. Harpin also boosts photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and root growth. The manufacturing process does not rely on organic solvents and hazardous chemicals and only generates highly biodegradable byproducts as waste. 

Bayer CropScience developed a microbial fungicide for fruits and vegetables that produces lipopeptides to combat the growth and development of fungi. This technology is made of QST-713, a soil bacterium that protects the plant by creating a protective layer on the surface of the plant leaf (preventing the attack of pathogens) and producing multiple different lipopeptides (iturins, agrastatins/plipastatins, and surfactins) that inhibit the development of fungi by different mechanisms of action. The combined properties of Serenade® make it an effective and specific fungicide.

Dow/Corteva™ developed a biopesticide for pests in tree fruits, tree nuts, small fruits, and vegetables called Spinetoram. Corteva™ used the principles of green chemistry to develop a synthetic pathway for the synthesis of spinetoram. Spinetoram is a combination of 3'-O-ethyl-5,6-dihydro spinosyn J and 3'O-ethyl spinosyn L and can be produced in a low-impact synthetic route from spinosyns J and L. These two compounds are naturally occurring fermentation products with minimal environmental damage. Most catalysts, solvents, and catalysts in the synthesis process are recycled.