Duckweed

Nature's own de-sal plant

Mining of coal and coal seam gas is a major industry in Australia. It is also a producer of vast reservoirs of contaminated water that cannot be re-used or released into the environment without additional treatment.

In 2011 BTWM began working with a major mining company on a trial to ascertain the effectiveness of a duckweed based water treatment system in cleaning the mine wastewater. The results to date are promising and indicate that the plant can survive in highly saline water and can potentially remove the salts from this water to a level where it can be re-used or released. The system must be closely monitored and managed with regard to fertilising and harvesting, because the mine water, being saline and without significant nutrients is not naturally a quality medium in which to grow the plant. This project is on-going.

The BTWM System

Turning Wastewater into Opportunity Water

Bio-Tech Waste Management (BTWM) was formed in 1993. The company is recognised world-wide for its expertise in the use of duckweed (Lemnaceae) as a unique, low-cost solution for the treatment of wastewater.

The BTWM system can clean wastewater produced by sewage effluent, mining, industry, intensive livestock facilities and aquaculture. BTWM's technology uses duckweed to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, salts and excess mineral nutrients from the wastewater.

Our Services

Consulting advice to water authorities, councils, the mining industry, intensive animal production units, aquaculture farms or food processing plants on the use of duckweed to clean effluent so that the treated wastewater can be reused or safely discharged into the environment.

Design of the layout of the patented BTWM floating barrier system to suit individual pond sites, ensuring that each installation works to its maximum efficiency.

Manufacture and installation of patented floating barrier system on-site.

Training for site operators in management and maintenance protocols to ensure the health and efficiency of the BTWM system.

Supply of the BTWM remote controlled harvester, if required, and training of the site operator in its use.

Work with the client to identify economic opportunities for reusing the duckweed-treated wastewater and marketing the harvested duckweed.