Also: diatomaceous earth, diatom frustules, kieselguhr
Diatomite is a soft rock made of the fossilised glassy shells of diatoms, single-celled algae. Its highly porous silica is used for filtration, adsorbing pollutants and as a natural micro-carrier.
Readiness: lab lab studies · prototype demonstrated objects · commercial products or buildings in real use · review summaries of other studies.
A slow-release urea fertilizer encapsulated by a superabsorbent made from diatomite filter aid waste.
Built / tested: fertilizer coatings
As reported in: Dong, Qu, Jiang et al. (2023). Preparation and properties of multifunctional eco-friendly slow-release urea fertilizer encapsulated by diatomite filter aid waste-based superabsorbent. Progress in Organic Coatings. doi:10.1016/j.porgcoat.2023.107747
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Porous silica microshells from diatoms as a biocarrier for drug delivery.
Built / tested: microcarriers
As reported in: Aw, Simovic, Yu et al. (2012). Porous silica microshells from diatoms as biocarrier for drug delivery applications. Powder Technology. doi:10.1016/j.powtec.2011.04.023
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Lanthanum oxide-modified diatomite as an adsorbent for removing low-concentration phosphate from treated wastewater.
Built / tested: adsorbents
As reported in: Wu, Li, Yang et al. (2019). Hydrated lanthanum oxide-modified diatomite as highly efficient adsorbent for low-concentration phosphate removal from secondary effluents. Journal of Environmental Management. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.10.059
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Studied physical characteristics and adsorption mechanisms of diatomaceous earth for removing dyes from textile wastewater.
Built / tested: adsorbents
As reported in: Al-Ghouti, Khraisheh, Allen et al. (2003). The removal of dyes from textile wastewater: a study of the physical characteristics and adsorption mechanisms of diatomaceous earth. Journal of Environmental Management. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2003.09.005
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