$1M in funding for project to treat food-processing wastewater

Sydney, N.S. – Cape Breton University’s Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and Environment is receiving $1.1 million in funding from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for a project that supports research and development to degrade organic matter commonly found in food-processing wastewater.

The resulting technologies will enable clean water to be discharged into the environment. The final product will be marketed as a stand-alone water treatment device for use in various sized environments from small commercial operations to larger industrial operations. This technology is intended to result in cost-effective remediation solutions for a variety of food and beverage processors.

“We are exceptionally proud of the research work taking place within the Verschuren Centre,” said Andrew Sawson, chief executive officer & project lead, Verschuren Centre. “Our experts in nanotechnology and in business development, have developed cutting-edge, market-guided solutions that address global industrial challenges in industrial waste water management. This funding will help us to deploy and co-develop these applied nano-technologies along-side our industrial partners in fisheries, food and beverage manufacturing, achieving our shared goals of resource sustainability, cost savings, and environmental stewardship.”

The announcement is part of a total of $7.1 million in funding being provided to four projects in Atlantic Canada.