Case Studies
Laboratory results and projected business cases for NBOT in environmental remediation and data center cooling.
The Challenge
Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest freshwater lake, faced severe water quality degradation driven by harmful algal blooms (HABs). Excess phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural runoff, wastewater, and stormwater created eutrophic conditions—triggering toxic algae blooms that threatened ecosystems, public health, and the region's water supply.
Traditional Approach Limitations
Conventional treatment methods—chemical dechlorination, settling basins, and biological treatment—proved insufficient for the scale and persistence of nutrient contamination. The lake required a more powerful, targeted intervention that could:
- • Eliminate organic matter fueling algae growth
- • Achieve rapid nutrient reduction
- • Operate at massive scale (lake-wide application)
- • Avoid secondary chemical contamination
The Test: NBOT Treatment of a Lake Sample
A Lake Okeechobee water sample was treated with NBOT, leveraging hydroxyl radicals to break down organic matter (including algal biomass) and nutrient compounds at the molecular level. An independent laboratory measured metals, nitrogen, phosphorus and chlorophyll-A before treatment and again at 12, 24 and 36 hours.
Key Results (Laboratory Sample)
| Parameter (mg/L) | Before | 12 hr | 24 hr | 36 hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total phosphorus (as P) | 28 | 6.8 | 0.48 | 0.48 |
| Total dissolved phosphorus | 5.2 | 2.3 | 0.24 | 0.24 |
| Total Kjeldahl nitrogen | 410 | 110 | 3.4 | 1.0 |
| Chlorophyll-A (mg/m³) | 23,000 | 13,000 | 54 | 51 |
Source: Advanced Environmental Laboratories, report dated 8/21/2019. Single laboratory sample; field results depend on site conditions and scale.
What the Results Indicate
- ✓ Nutrients that fuel algal blooms fell sharply within 24 hours
- ✓ Chlorophyll-A, an indicator of algal biomass, fell by more than 99%
- ✓ No chemical additives; oxygen is the primary by-product
- ✓ Supports further evaluation at larger scale
Why This Matters
Unlike chemical-based approaches that risk secondary contamination, or biological treatments limited by slow kinetics, NBOT's hydroxyl radical oxidation breaks down contaminant structures at the molecular level and leaves oxygen as the primary by-product. The laboratory results point to a fast, chemical-free route to nutrient reduction; performance in the field depends on site conditions and scale.
Data Center Cooling Water
More computing shouldn't have to mean more water. Projected results for a representative 1,000-ton cooling system.
Data centers face rising heat loads and cooling-water demand. Cooling towers add blowdown, scale, biofilm, biological growth, corrosion, chemical treatment, wastewater discharge and rising water costs. NBOT continuously treats cooling water to keep it cleaner, reduce dependence on traditional chemical treatment, and let more water stay in productive circulation. Initial capital expenditure is on average about one-third of the cost of traditional systems.
Projections based on existing facility estimates. Actual results vary based on water chemistry, facility design, utility rates, cooling load and operating conditions.
Why NBOT Projects Succeed
Rapid Results
Hydroxyl radical oxidation acts quickly: in the Lake Okeechobee laboratory sample, most of the nutrient reduction was measured within 24 hours.
Scalability
Modular design can be sized from laboratory use to large-scale industrial wastewater treatment and algae remediation.
No Secondary Contamination
Oxygen-only byproduct means no chemical residuals, no disinfection byproducts, no secondary waste concerns.
Cost Efficiency
Projected reductions in chemical use, blowdown and operating costs, with a targeted payback of 0–12 months in data center cooling.
Environmental Compliance
Designed to help address emerging contaminants such as PFAS and nutrients, with treatment that adds no chemical residuals.
Proven Technology
Developed in coordination with NOAA and recognized by Dr. Peter Moeller (NOAA, Emerging Global Toxins) for scientific rigor and real-world applicability.
Ready to Achieve Your Results?
Get an assessment tailored to your challenges and see the impact NBOT can deliver.
Start Your Assessment