Aspartame Removal From Wastewater

Water pollution is a growing concern worldwide as various contaminants find their way into water bodies, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.

One such compound is aspartame, an artificial sweetener commonly used in food and beverages.

Aspartame is known for its low-calorie content and sweet taste, but its improper disposal and subsequent presence in watercourses can have detrimental effects on marine life. Additionally, in 2023 the World Health Organisation deemed aspartame to be a possible carcinogen.

Municipal water treatment works often struggle to effectively remove pollutants like aspartame due to their unique properties.

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Aspartame removal from water

Aspartame water treatment can be achieved through our Nyex Rosalox system. We found that the pollutant absorbs really well onto our Nyex media. Once absorbed a small electric current is then passed through the media, effectively removing the aspartame (turning it into water and gas) that is vented safely away.

Our technology has successfully removed 99% of aspartame from wastewater

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What is aspartame used for?

Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener, approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. Various low-calorie or sugar-free products use it as a sugar substitute. Soft drinks, chewing gum, desserts, and pharmaceuticals commonly contain it.

Its versatility and popularity worldwide contribute to its widespread presence in water sources.

Due to this extensive use, aspartame finds its way into wastewater systems through various pathways.

One common way this occurs is through pouring leftover drinks or disposing of expired products down the drain. When these substances enter watercourses, such as rivers or streams, they introduce aspartame into the aquatic ecosystem.

Aspartame in the environment

Aspartame is not easily broken down by natural processes, which means it can persist in the environment for a long time. So, when aspartame enters watercourses, it can have long-lasting consequences.

It is important to note that the improper disposal of products containing aspartame is not the only source of its presence in watercourses.

Aspartame can also enter the environment through wastewater treatment plants, where it may not be effectively removed during the treatment process. This further emphasizes the need for proper disposal practices and improved wastewater treatment to mitigate the environmental impact of aspartame.

Aspartame toxicity in water

Its unique properties, including its stability and resistance to biodegradation, make it a persistent pollutant in water.

Municipal water treatment works often struggle to effectively remove pollutants like aspartame due to their unique properties.

Aspartame is resistant to conventional treatment processes, such as sedimentation, coagulation, and disinfection, which are effective for removing particulate matter and microorganisms.

To address this, specialized removal methods are necessary, focusing on the efficient capture and degradation of aspartame molecules. Various innovative technologies have been developed to tackle this challenge.

Aspartame water treatment

Several treatment processes have been developed for water treatment for aspartame removal.

One notable method is the Nyex Rosalox™ system from Arvia Technology. This advanced system employs a unique combination of adsorption and oxidation techniques to effectively remove aspartame and other organic pollutants from water.

Nyex Rosalox utilizes Nyex, a proprietary adsorptive media, which selectively targets and captures aspartame molecules. Once adsorbed, the system employs an electrochemical oxidation process to break down the captured pollutants into harmless byproducts.

The key advantages of this system include high removal efficiency, low energy consumption, minimal chemical usage, and easy integration into existing water treatment infrastructure.

Irais Baizabal

Water Treatment Consultant

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Aspartame removal by ozone

Ozone-based oxidation systems have also been explored as a method for removing aspartame from wastewater. Ozone is a powerful oxidant that can break down organic compounds, including aspartame, through a process called ozonation. This method effectively converts aspartame into simpler, less harmful substances.

Ozone treatment offers several advantages for aspartame removal. It exhibits rapid reaction rates, providing efficient removal of aspartame and other organic pollutants. Additionally, ozone’s broad-spectrum efficacy makes it effective against a wide range of contaminants.

However, there are several drawbacks when using ozone-based systems. High operational costs, the potential for the generation of potentially hazardous byproducts, and the need for careful ozone dosage control are all factors that need to be addressed.

Aspartame removal by GAC

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration is another commonly employed method for removing aspartame and other organic compounds from wastewater. GAC filters have a high surface area and adsorptive properties, allowing them to effectively capture organic pollutants, including aspartame.

GAC filtration offers advantages such as simplicity, reliability, and versatility in treating various water sources.

The porous structure of activated carbon allows for the physical adsorption of aspartame molecules onto its surface. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of GAC filtration can be influenced by competing pollutants, possible saturation of the carbon material, and the requirement for frequent substitution or rejuvenation of the GAC layer. For our take on GAC, please see this article.

Artificial Sweeteners in Water

The presence of artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, in water bodies poses environmental concerns. These compounds can affect aquatic organisms, disrupt ecological balance, and potentially find their way into the human food chain.

As discussed above, several methods are employed for aspartame water treatment, They aim to degrade, transform, or remove artificial sweeteners from water sources. However, not all methods are equally effective in removing it.

The Nyex Rosalox™ system, developed by Arvia Technology, stands out as an effective solution for removing aspartame and similar chemicals. This combines the advantages of adsorption and electrochemical oxidation to ensure the efficient removal of artificial sweeteners, ensuring cleaner water and healthier ecosystems.

By employing advanced removal methods, we can protect watercourses and marine life from the harmful effects of aspartame pollution.

For more information and to speak to one of our water scientists, contact us today.

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Aspartame is a popular artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute. It can cause water contamination when it is found in effluent from food and beverage manufacturing facilities. Aspartame in particular has been linked to cancer, depression, and ADHD when this substance is overconsumed. We have achieved a 99.9% reduction in aspartame.