Phytofix
Phytofix is the latest transformation of our “Floating Green Filter” technology that delivers state of the art wastewater treatment without the use of any energy or chemicals.
We Are Our Own Clients
We believe in this system so much that we enjoy its use on a daily basis. We welcome you to visit our office and explore first-hand, the incredible features of the Phytofix system.
How It Works
Dirty water flows into a series of Omiflo™ lagoons that progressively remove pollutants and contaminants from the water. This is done using a combination of specially grown plants anchored in a proprietary system.
The Omiflo Phytofix utilises 3 key components to achieve exceptional treatment results.
Powerful Plants
Specially bred macrophytes plants inject oxygen into the wastewater thereby increasing the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water. This happens naturally through the plant’s permeable and internal structures. The macrophyte plant’s Aerenchyma (air channels) transport oxygen from the atmosphere down to the roots where they passively aerate the water. The roots passive aeration provides oxygen to fixed biofilm aerobic bacteria that break down nutrients and contaminants. The green floating filters has a very high capacity to filter and retain most of the total solids found in wastewater.
Floating green filters can grow about 3 meters high and 0.0011 kg/m2 of aerial plant mass. That allows for concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the water of between 1.2 ppm O2 over the entire surface area of the water where the filters are located, and to a depth of 0.99 meters, so that the volume of water in the lagoon with highly aerobic conditions is very high.
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Flotation Lattice
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Phytofix uses a unique process and patented device that enables the macrophytes plants to float on water. The water body can be an artificially constructed lagoon/pond or natural water body, as opposed to having them embedded in soil, gravel, sand etc.
This approach dramatically increases the active root area in contact with the water which results in increased efficiency, in a smaller footprint, without the usual problems of diminished activity found in other systems.
The roots of the macrophytes behave like a large sponge designed for the retention of particles and flow distribution because all of the water is compelled to pass through the system. The water is channelled from the deepest roots to those nearest the surface boosting the reduction of total solids or SP (suspended particles). It significantly enhances the processes of removal of BOD5, COD, and TSS.
Bacterial Biofilm, Oxygen Enrichment and Microbial Habitat
As plants develop, they form a dense, aerated root structure in the water. The oxygen-rich environment around these roots promotes the growth of diverse aerobic microorganisms. Rather than relying on suspended bacteria, this system fosters the formation of high-performing fixed bacterial biofilms on the root surfaces.
These microbes break down organic matter suspended or dissolved in water, converting carbon into carbon dioxide gas through aerobic respiration: Organic carbon + Microorganisms + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide.
This process is powered by photosynthesis and the difference in isostatic pressure between various parts of the plant and their environment. The extensive root system creates an ideal habitat for these microorganisms, significantly enhancing the water purification process.Bacterial bio-films within the system remove nutrients complementing the plants growing on them.
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Benefits
Energy & Chemical Free
Treatment of water to the highest standards
Aesthetics
Stunning aesthetics that complement the landscape
Biotechnology
Plant-based biotech that protects the natural integrity of the environment
Increased Clean Water
An increase in available clean water for reuse or responsible discharge
Self-Sustaining
Systems that allow for
effective long-term treatment
Carbon Negative
A system that combats
climate change
Odour Free
Odour free operations
Reduced Costs
Reduced capital, operation, and maintenance costs