“Bio-brick” enables effective treatment of wastewater rich in organic matter and nitrogen

17/07/2026

Without the need for expensive technology or full reliance on imported equipment, a recent study by scientists of the Institute of Energy Science, Technology and Environment – Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology has gradually developed a microbial carrier material (EBB – Eco-Bio-Block) in the form of a “bio-brick” capable of supporting the effective treatment of wastewater rich in organic matter and nitrogen. This technology is likened to a “house for microorganisms,” helping to clean wastewater at a cost suited to real-world conditions in Vietnam.

Stemming from the practical need to address wastewater pollution, a research team led by Dr. Hoàng Lương of the Institute of Energy Science, Technology and Environment proposed – and was approved by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology – to carry out the project: “Production of microbial carrier material (EBB) for treating wastewater rich in organic matter and nitrogen through a closed process on a synchronized equipment system” (code: UDSXTN.02/24-25).

Dr. Hoang Luong discussing with the research team in the workroom

In essence, biological wastewater treatment uses beneficial microorganisms to decompose pollutants. But to operate effectively, these microorganisms need a stable environment to attach to rather than floating freely in the water flow. EBB has a structure resembling a “bio-brick” containing a system of beneficial microorganisms inside a porous material structure. When introduced into a wastewater treatment system, these microorganisms decompose organic matter, reduce ammonium and total nitrogen (nitrogen-containing compounds that cause pollution), and limit foul odors in the water.

EBB material developed by the research team

The distinctive feature of EBB is its ability to combine physical adsorption and biological treatment simultaneously. While the mineral material layer absorbs pollutants, the microorganisms inside continue to break them down into less toxic compounds. As a result, the material can effectively treat COD, ammonium and total nitrogen – common pollutants in domestic, industrial and livestock wastewater.

From laboratory scale, the research team successfully designed a semi-industrial EBB production equipment system with a maximum capacity of about 2,000 bricks/day. At the same time, the material was field-tested on a wastewater treatment system with a capacity of 50 m³/day, meeting the quality requirements for treated wastewater (per QCVN 14:2015/BTNMT for domestic wastewater and QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT for industrial wastewater).

Selected images of the EBB material production and testing process

In a context where many localities are struggling with wastewater rich in organic matter and ammonium, this technology is regarded as having high practical significance. Wastewater with high nitrogen content, if not thoroughly treated, will cause eutrophication, depleting oxygen in water sources and seriously harm aquatic ecosystems. In addition, foul odors arising from wastewater are also a long-standing source of frustration in many residential areas.