AbTech's Smart Sponge Plus Takes On Health-Threatening Bacteria
Newly Patented Technology Helps Reduce the Damage When Potentially Harmful Microorganisms Spill into Waterways
Scottsdale, AZ -- AbTech Industries announced its U.S. patent on the Smart Sponge Plus, the only non-toxic, fully recyclable filtration system that destroys bacteria at the street level. This new technology creates a critical line of defense for the environment to prevent pollution of our waterways caused by urban and stormwater runoff.
Glenn Rink, president and CEO of AbTech said that water pollution is one of our nation's most critical environmental issues. "According the Environmental Protection Agency, over 40 percent of our nation's waterways is on an impaired list, which means they are not safe for human health. The EPA counts stormwater runoff as the leading cause of the poor quality of our nation's waterways, inland and coastal," he said.
For some years, local governments nationwide have been using AbTech's filtration systems at the entrance of their stormdrain-sewer systems. As Rink explained, "The presence of bacteria and other harmful pathogens in stormwater, particularly after rain, poses the greatest risk to our waterways. AbTech's filtration systems, such as the Ultra-Urban Filter with Smart Sponge technology, encapsulate and successfully remove harmful substances, including hydrocarbons, oil, grease, and other toxins, before they enter local waterways. With Smart Sponge Plus, we can now offer cities, stormwater professionals, and industrial entities an opportunity they have never had before–to destroy dangerous disease causing microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Fecal coliforms," Rink said.
The Environmental Protection Agency has included AbTech's Ultra-Urban Filter series with Smart Sponge technology as a Best Management Practice (BMP) under the federal guidelines that local governments must follow. Rink said that while the majority of his customers are municipalities using AbTech's stormwater catch basin products, the company uses the same superior technology to provide products for other customers. "We have designed products to capture hazardous runoff in commercial areas, such as parking lots, gas stations, airports, industrial sites, and marinas. Many of our Fortune 100 customers are currently plagued with fines for failing to comply with clean water regulations," he said.
Rodolfo Manzone, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief technology officer of AbTech explained that Smart Sponge Plus employs an antimicrobial agent, chemically bound to the Smart Sponge polymer filtration material, which deactivates health-threatening microorganisms without releasing chemicals or leaching. Independent field testing has validated the effectiveness of the Smart Sponge Plus in multiple locations with a variety of microorganisms found in stormwater runoff.
"Unlike other antimicrobials that act by poisoning harmful microorganisms, Smart Sponge Plus technology is based on the antimicrobial agent's interaction with the microorganism's cell membrane. Simply put, it acts by rupturing cell membranes–preventing potentially harmful microorganisms from functioning, developing, or reproducing. Because no chemical or physical change occurs in the antimicrobial agent, the filtration system maintains long-term effectiveness." Manzone said.
Among AbTech's supporters is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Senior Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council and President of the Waterkeeper Alliance. "AbTech has shown a solid commitment to good science and environmental improvement. AbTech's products already are responsible for protecting waterways in more than 20 states across the nation," Kennedy said.
AbTech Industries, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is dedicated to developing innovative clean water solutions to meet community and industrial needs. It produces Best Management Practice (BMP) equipment for nonpoint source pollution and storm water control, filters for storm drains and catch basins, and devices that skim and capture oil from still or flowing water. AbTech's products are based on its proprietary polymer-based filtration material that's fully recyclable and provides a complete, closed-loop solution for removing pollutants from water. AbTech filtration systems are currently filtering contaminate from urban and stormwater runoff in 27 states.
AbTech is a selected client of the Arizona Business Accelerator (AzBA), an organization that provides key resources to selected technology innovators and corporations. AzBA's success is demonstrated by its prestigious partners, some of which include Pinnacle West Capital, Catholic Healthcare West, Avnet, The Dial Corporation, and Bank of America.
"We believe we have the most technologically advanced treatment solution to water pollution. We are dedicated to helping businesses and municipalities achieve their clean water goals–creating a healthy environment for citizens and wildlife, while meeting clean water standards. Our products are efficient, cost-effective, and easy to maintain, " said Rink.
Source: AbTech Industries