Waste disposal

A novel, safe, cost-effective method of treating and disposing of waste metalworking fluids has been developed by researchers from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

The new treatment method is based on microbiological technology developed by Prof Ian Thompson and Dr Christopher van der Gast. The scientists, in collaboration with the NERC Commercialisation Team and Oxford-based investors H2O Venture Partners, identified a market need for the technology and have formed a spin-out company, Microbial Solutions.

The technology, known as Microcycle, is capable of breaking down whole waste metalworking fluids (MWFs) without the need for pre-treatment and to Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels well below the environmental consent limit. A chemical oxygen demand (COD) test is commonly used to indirectly measure the amount of organic compounds in water. Because of that, the waste can therefore be safely disposed of in local sewers.

Untreated waste MWFs carry very high levels of COD so cannot safely be disposed of in sewers. Current disposal methods of the waste generally require transportation to a centralised disposal and treatment facility.