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Introduction
NPHarvest Ltd develops technologies for recovering nutrients from wastewaters, enabling the recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus back into productive use. NPHarvest’s solution is based on a hydrophobic membrane process for ammonia recovery and lime precipitation for phosphorus recovery. The end products of the recovery process are a liquid ammonium salt and solid amorphous calcium phosphate which has organic material mixed in the product. These are categorically raw materials rather than commercial products and further development is necessary.
Project Description and Objectives
The goal of this procurement is product development work aimed at transforming NPHarvest’s recovered nutrients — ammonium salt and calcium-P-material — into finished, market-ready products that can be but are not limited to fertilizers.
The work includes in particular:
- selection of a suitable ammonium salt
- determination of other required nutrients and their optimal ratios, including not only nitrogen and phosphorus but also other nutrients such as potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and micronutrients, if necessary
- identification of potential binding and additive substances, and
- optimization of the final product form (e.g. pellets or granules, powder, or liquid) from recovered raw materials into refined end products.
An important part of the project is to develop the end products with the nutrient recovery process in mind, ensuring that nutrients are recovered in forms that are as easily processable and usable as possible.
At a broader level, the project contributes to advancing nutrient recycling. Although positive research results exist regarding the use of recycled fertilizers, such products have not yet reached the market at scale. NPHarvest aims to address the economic challenges of nutrient recovery by making both recovery processes and recycled nutrient products commercially viable. Economic viability is a prerequisite for the effective circulation of nutrients in society.
Project Outcomes
The outcomes of the project will include:
- one to three products and what is required to produce them as part of the nutrient recovery process,
- producing samples and usage guidelines for these products, and
- the necessary technical and practical knowledge to support further product development, market entry, and compliance with regulatory requirements.