The problem: Swine manure contains considerable amounts of soluble inorganic phosphorus which may increase the soil phosphorus content when applied to crops beyond crop requirements and, consequently, risk eutrophication of bodies of water in the surrounding watershed. Removing phosphorus from manure and converting it into a valuable fertilizer is a potential solution. Magnesium-based agents are used to remove phosphorus from wastewater, however using high-grade magnesium compounds makes this practice uneconomical for the treatment of manure.

The solution: The magnesium industry produces by-products of electrolysis and foundry (BPEF), which represent a low-cost source of magnesium for precipitating phosphorus in swine manure. The process developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada using BPEF allows 1) an important reduction (more than 90%) of the phosphate in the liquid fraction of the manure; 2) the formation of a slow-release organo-mineral fertilizer in the solid fraction of the manure. Both liquid and solid fractions resulting from the process can be spread over agricultural lands, without being detrimental to the environment.

This technology would be suitable for industries that are generating magnesium residues and are looking for an advantageous solution for their disposal as well as for industries looking for an economical process for the treatment of liquid manure or wastewater.

Supplementary testing and development is needed to convert the solid fraction obtained by the process into an organo-mineral fertilizer.

Applications for US (No. 10/536,896) and Canadian (No. 2507388) patent protection on the concept have been submitted by Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s offer is an opportunity for technology transfer via license agreements in accordance with the terms and conditions negotiated by the parties.

Companies interested in this opportunity must send a Letter of Interest to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on or before June 13, 2009. Depending on the level of interest in this opportunity, full proposals may be requested through a Request for Proposal process.

Letter of Interest content:

All Letters of Interest must include the following information:

• Company Legal Name and Articles of Incorporation.
• Company address, telephone/fax numbers, e-mail address.
• Form of business organization (proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).
• Description of the company’s line of business and the industry in which it operates.
• Description of the company’s current market equipment and how the technology offer fits into their market.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is offering a commercialization opportunity involving the treatment of liquid pig manure using magnesium smelting by-products. By allowing the de-phosphatation of the manure, the process represents a reduction to the environmental impact of farm waste management and offers an advantageous and environmentally acceptable solution for the disposal of residues from the magnesium industry. Moreover, the solid fraction obtained by the process is a slow-release organo-mineral fertilizer.