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Application Cases

Technology Solutions for Industrial Waste Transformation

Nanomaterials converted from ash, rice husk and tailings, with proven environmental and industrial applications.

ZeoFertil agronomic trials in a greenhouse Experimental pots with substrate in a greenhouse
Partners

Partner institutions

Innovation programs, incubators and partners that support the development of our technologies.

FAPERGS Firjan TECNOPUC Ventuir Celeiro Hub Sebrae RS Marcha
Technology Maturity

Three cases at different stages of development

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) indicates the maturity of each technology, from early development to validation in a real-world environment.

67% TRL 6: Coal Ash
34% TRL 3: Rice Husk Ash
40% TRL 3: Mining Tailings
Case Studies

Technologies under active development

Case I: Coal Ash K-Fertilizer

Coal Ash → Potassium Fertilizer

Transformation of coal ash into a smart-release Potassium (K) fertilizer, with superior nutrient retention and optimized water infiltration, ideal for drought conditions and degraded soils.

The encapsulated fertilizer resists wash-off by rain, is fully compliant with MAPA (Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture) regulations, and reduces the need for frequent reapplication, generating real savings for the farmer.

Controlled K release Nutrient retention Wash-off resistance
Technology Readiness Level TRL 6: Greenhouse Trials
Development 67% complete Commercial
Nanomaterial synthesis validated
Greenhouse trials completed
Full mineralogical characterization
Field trials, in progress
MAPA registration, in preparation
Case II: Rice Husk Ash Nanomaterial

Rice Husk Ash → Encapsulated Nanomaterial

Development of a nanomaterial from Rice Husk Ash, one of the most abundant agro-industrial waste streams on the planet, especially in Rio Grande do Sul.

Encapsulated potassium that resists wash-off by rain. Fully compliant with MAPA regulations. It significantly reduces the need to repurchase fertilizers, bringing economic efficiency to the crop.

Encapsulated K Rain resistance Rice Husk Ash
Technology Readiness Level TRL 3: Early Development
Development 34% complete Commercial
Raw material characterization
Initial nanomaterial synthesis
Formulation optimization
Agronomic application trials
Industrial scale-up
Case III: Mining Residue Nanomaterials

Mining Tailings → High-Performance Nanomaterials

Development of a nanoporous mesh for mineral restoration, with extreme filtration and large-scale applications for heavy industry, one of the largest environmental liabilities of the Brazilian mining sector.

Mining tailings account for 3 billion tonnes of waste worldwide every year. ZeoFertil is developing technology to turn this liability into high-value inputs for water treatment and the recovery of degraded soils.

Nanoporous mesh Extreme filtration Mineral restoration Large scale
Technology Readiness Level TRL 3: Early Development
Development 40% complete Commercial
Tailings identification and characterization
Technical feasibility validated
Nanomaterial synthesis
Filtration and application testing
Industrial partnerships
Cross-cutting benefits

What all the cases have in common

Water retention

Greater soil water capacity, drought resistance and higher productivity during critical periods.

Controlled K release

Encapsulated potassium with slow, gradual release, fewer leaching losses and greater efficiency.

Heavy metal immobilization

Adsorption of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and other metals, safer soils and a protected food chain.

Lower NH₃ emissions

Ammonia retention in the mineral complex, mitigating greenhouse gases in agriculture.

Waste optimization

Turning environmental liabilities into valuable assets, circular economy applied to real industry.

Regulatory compliance

All formulations developed with full support for licensing with MAPA and the relevant authorities.

Have an industrial waste stream and want to see what can be done with it?

Request a technical analysis Feasibility analysis at no cost