Pfizer Inc / Johnson Controls

In 2021, Blue Planet Labs collaborated with Pfizer Inc and Johnson Controls on a pioneering water treatment project at a facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. The project aimed to address the persistent challenge of off-flavor compounds, particularly geosmin, in the pond water used for cooling processes. Geosmin, a by-product of bacterial metabolism, often imparts an undesirable earthy taste and odor, which can affect the quality of processes in industrial applications. Blue Planet Labs deployed its ACF-DualPack dosing system, administering a total of 14 DualPacks per treatment across specified points in the pond to combat these compounds effectively.

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The treatment protocol was meticulously designed to optimize the timing and distribution of the DualPack applications to maximize their impact. The initial dose was applied in early May, followed by subsequent treatments that spanned over the next two months. These strategic interventions were aimed not just at reducing the geosmin levels but also at improving the overall water quality of the pond. The efforts led to a significant reduction in geosmin concentration, with levels stabilizing below the 5ng/L threshold, which is generally accepted as the maximum limit for acceptable water flavor.

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The results of this project were visually and quantitatively impressive. By July, the water had achieved crystal clear quality, marking a substantial improvement from the initial heavy algae presence noted in early May. The project not only achieved its objective of reducing off-flavor causing compounds but also demonstrated the efficacy of Blue Planet Labs' biotechnological solutions in large-scale industrial applications. The success of this initiative has set a new benchmark in water treatment for industrial cooling systems, showcasing a sustainable approach to managing water quality without the need for extensive mechanical or chemical interventions.

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