WO2002083297A1

WO2002083297A1 - Adsorbent materials for treating biodegradable waste and process for their preparation

Info

Publication number: WO2002083297A1
Application number: PCT/IL2002/000305
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dov Ingman; Vladymyr Ogenko
Original assignee: Ims Llc
Priority date: 2001-04-16
Filing date: 2002-04-15
Publication date: 2002-10-24

Abstract

The present invention provides a specifically designed highly porous particle, having a size of >1 micron passively and/or actively filled with nano-size particles to form a new coated or stuffed particle having desired properties in managing and treating biodegradable waste. Said porous particle may optionally contain additional material(s) such as photocatalysts, bacteria, pesticides, herbicides spores of algae, seeds of water-plants, eggs of snails and/or worms.

Description

ADSORBENT MATERIALS FOR TREATING BIODEGRADABLE WASTE AND PROCESS FOR THEIR

PREPARATION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of waste management and particularly

to materials specifically designed for application as materials associated with controlling malodor manure and the application of such materials in

the treatment of biodegradable waste.

Background of the Invention

Animal waster including excreta, food remains, and animal bedding

typically accumulate in a husbandry of commercial animal production. Such accumulated substances need to be properly managed. Animal

manure, particularly its odor and excessive nutrient concentrations, are a

serious and a growing problem, especially in the field of commercial

animal husbandry. There is a global need for the development and

improvement of waste management and odor control facilities and method

associated with animal husbandry, e.g. in the beef cattle industry, dairy

industry, poultry industry and in swine industry.

Manure can be handled as a liquid, a semi-solid or a sohd. The amount of

bedding and dilution water influences manure characteristics. These characteristics affect the type of manure management system suitable for

waste treatment. Typically, sohd manure is a combination of bedding and

feces. Semi-solid manure is a combination of feces, urine and some bedding and no extra liquid is added, while liquid manure has water added to form a

floatable mixture.

Many factors have to be considered when choosing the type of manure

management system for a specific animal production operation. These

include: the livestock type (cattle, hogs, poultry), the age and size of animal,

the feed required, the housing system, the bedding required or available, the

cropping practice of the area, proximity to waterways, proximity to neighboring residential areas and the personal preference of the livestock

grower.

One of the most common and basic manure treatment facility is the lagoon

system, which may be used regardless of the animal managed in the operation. Lagoons originated as a means of storing and conserving fertilizer

nutrients from the waste of animals up until the time it was applied directly to the soil.

Lagoons act as digesters in which two major types of bacteria decompose

organic matter into liquids and sludge: anaerobic bacteria, typically present in the intestinal tract of warm blooded animals and are active under oxygen-

free conditions; and aerobic bacteria which are active only in the presence of

dissolved oxygen, resulting either from diffusion across the water surface of

the lagoon, or as a result of photosynthesis by algae. Lagoon systems,

however, yield a loss of nutrient value. Further, as malodors are prevalent in most lagoon systems, frequent sludge removal is required, especially if the

lagoon is undersized for the operation and there is a need for water level control and mechanical aeration systems to keep the lagoon in operation.

Such removal may increase the cost of the operation.

The malodors released from the manure present a major environmental

problem. Odor in livestock operations is the direct result of the decay of

organic materials, be it feces or feed products and the resulting high

concentrations of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, trace gases,

volatile organic compounds, methane dust and some pathogens.

The odor may be treated by ventilation, either by natural wind-propelled

ventilation, by mechanical ventilation using fans, ventilation, tunnels, etc. Alternatively, the released odor may be reduced by the use of biofilters or biomass filters, or by covering the storage structures (e.g., lagoon) with

either high density polyethylene materials or straw, corn stalks, etc., the

latter having the limitation that they become soaked with water and thus

sink, thereby contributing to manure sohd and odor problems in the storage tank.

US patent 3,884,804 deals with a method of treating animal wastes to

reduce^' odors produced by the decomposition of the organic materials in the

animal wastes. The following systems were discussed:

1. Contacegon particles, comprising sohd catalyst particles having surface

portions which are wetproofed by treatment with a hydrophobic material, are floated on the surface of a watery mass containing the animal wastes.

The Contacogen particles promote the oxidation by air of the odoriferous

compounds produced by the degenerative breakdown of the animal wastes. The Contacogen particles are solid catalyst particles which have been treated

with a hydrophobic agents selected from the group consisting of

polytetranuoroethylene, silicon resins and silica colloids made hydrophobic

by surface conversion to sihcone. The catalyst particles may be any substance

presenting a large specific surface area which has the property of catalyzing

the oxidation by air of the odoriferous compounds produced by the

degenerative breakdown of animal, wastes. Activation carbon is such a catalyst.

2. Floating on the surface of a watery mass of animal wastes sohd catalyst

particles selected from the group consisting of carbon and activated carbon

particles having surface portions of a hydrophobic material which forms a discontinuous film thereon. The hydrophobic materials are selected from the

group described above. The size of carbon particles may vary from about 10

micron (for a powder) to relatively large size granules (about 1 cm).

We have found that hydrophobic particles of a smaller size than 10 microns are highly effective in treatment of liquid and semi-solid animal

manure. More specifically, floatable hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic

particles having a diameter of less than lμm in association with floatable,

high porous particles, having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups play an important role in a highly effective management of animal waste. In our pending Israeli Applications 133,364 and 137,735, we have

described a process for treatment of animal manure comprising formation of a distinct surface layer (referred to as an "interface layer") over the

upper face of the animal waste pool. Same interface layer has multiple

functions, based on its chemical composition and physical structure, and

provides changes in the properties and composition of the upper pool

layers. The interface layer may contain different components, in

accordance with the desired function to be achieved. Said components comprising:

(a) Floatable, substantially hydrophobic nanoparticles having a diameter

of less than 100 nm, and preferably, 2-40nm. Such particles may be, for example, modified silica (for example, alkyl-silica), modified minerals (such

as, alkyl-mineral materials), and others.

(b) Floatable, high porous (over 50% of the material consisting of pores) particles

having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. Such materials may be for

example, silica minerals, alumina minerals, clay minerals, plant-material residues

(wood pieces, wood pulp, sawdust, straw, etc.). Same particles, having a diameter

of >lμm, may optionally be associated with (1) said substantially hydrophobic

nanoparticles; with or without (2) substantially hydrophilic nanoparticles, having a

diameter of less than 100 mn, and preferably, 2-40nm. Such particles may be, for

example, silica, alumina, and other oxygen-containing minerals; and/or (3) photo-

catalysts capable of decomposing organic material and malodors; and/or (4)

aerobic bacteria capable of degrading organic waste materials.

(c) Active carbon particles in association with component (a) and/or component (b). More specifically, the nanoparticle represents a nano-size, non-porous,

mechanically rigid and highly dispersable particle whereas the highly

porous particle represents a porous, micron-to-cm size, mechanically

brittle particle. Furthermore, a nano-size particle has a huge outer convex

surface per volume or weight, whereas the highly porous particle has a

huge inner concave surface due to the pores and holes.

In spite of the above differentiation between the particles, both particles

may be consisted of the same or different materials and they may be

subjected to the same or different pre-treatment procedures for rendering

hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic properties.

According to the present invention, we have found that a >1 micron,

highly porous, particle may be specifically designed to play an effective

role in managing and treating animal waste pool. More specifically, the

porous particle may be filled with variable amounts of nano-range particles to form a wide range of coated porous particles starting from

partially coated (encapsulated) particle and ending with extensively

coated (stuffed) particle. It was further evident that porous particles

having different extent of coating play different roles in managing and treating of animal waste pools. It is an object of present invention to provide a novel highly porous

particle which represents a particular combination of >1 micron porous

particle and nanoparticles, for obtaining a specifically designed particle

highly effective in managing and treating animal waste pools. The animal

waste includes feces, typically also urine, and at times, also animals

bedding material and food remains. It is a further object of present

invention to provide a specifically designed highly porous particle,- having

a size of >1 micron, passively and or actively filled with nano-size particles

to form a new particle having desired properties in managing and treating

animal waste in a receptacle suitable for collecting such waste. The receptacle may be a receptacle which directly receives the animal waste

preferably positioned underneath the animal growing facility. Alternatively, the receptacle may be an "open" or "closed" flow-less (rest)

reservoir situated outside the animal growing facility to which the animal

waste is transferred through pipes or channels, by the use gravity caused

flow or various pumping arrangements, etc. the receptacle containing the

animal waste will be referred to herein as the "animal waste pool".

It is yet an another object of present invention to use the same specifically designed highly porous particle, containing the nano-size particles for

preventing, reducing and/or removing malodors typically associated with

such animal wastes. Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a specifically designed highly porous particle,

having a size of >1 micron passively and/or actively filled with nano-size

particles to form a new coated or stuffed particle having desired properties in

managing and treating biodegradable waste. Said porous particle may optionally

contain additional material(s) such as photocatalysts, bacteria, pesticides,

herbicides spores of algae, seeds of water-plants, eggs of snails and/or worms.

Description of Figures

Fig. 1A-B: A schematic illustration of a porous perlite spheroid particle adsorbing

on its external surface and on its pores surface hydrophobic silica nanno particles.

A: A porous perlite spheroid particle "stuffed" with silica nanoparticles.

B: A porous perlite spheroid particle "encapsulated" with nanoparticles.

Fig. 2A-C: Schematic illustrations of a variety of adsorption options of

nanoparticles onto the surface of a perlite particle.

A. Concave surfaces of the perlite particle (for example on the pore inner surface)

adsorb the nanoparticles.

B. Convex surfaces of the perlite particle (for example on the outer surface)

adsorb the nanoparticles.

C. Concave and convex surfaces of the perlite partice adsorb nanoparticles.

Fig. 3a-e: Schematic illustrations of optional methods for encapsulation and/or

stuffing of macro-particles with nanoparticles. a. A schematic illustration of an optional method (nanoparticles are

flowing through the macro-particles) for stuffing macro-particles with

nanoparticles.

b. A schematic illustration of an optional method (using vacuum and a

container for storing nanoparticles and liquid, when present) for

encapsulation and/or stuffing of macro-particles with nanoparticles.

c. A schematic illustration of an optional method (using vacuum and

nanoparticles and liquid stored in separate containers) for encapsulation

and/or stuffing of macro-particles with nanoparticles.

d. A schematic illustration of an optional method (using vacuum and a

container for storing nanoparticles and solid chemical reagents, when

present) for encapsulation and/or stuffing of macro-particles with

nanoparticles.

e. A summar of optional procedures for encapsulation and/or stuffing of

macro-particles with nanoparticles.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A specifically designed combination of >1 micron highly porous particle

and nanoparticles has been established for providing a particular particle

having a unique structure that is highly effective in managing and treating a wide range of animal waste pool types. Such combination comprising floatable, high porous (over 80% of the material

consisting of pores) >1 micron particles having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic

groups^' (hereinafter referred to as "particle B"). Such materials may be for

example, silica minerals (for example, perlite), alumina minerals, clay minerals

(for example, claydite), plant-material residues (wood pieces, wood pulp,

sawdust, straw, etc.). ^" Same porous particle filled either on its surface and/or

within its pores with (1) substantially hydrophobic nano-range particles having a

diameter of less than 100 nm, and preferably, l-40nm (hereinafter referred to as

"particle A")- Such . hydrophobic nano-range particles may be, for example,

modified silica (for example, alkyl-silica), modified minerals (such as, alkyl-

mineral materials), and others, and/or (2) substantially hydrophilic nano-range

particles (hereinafter referred to as "particle C") having a diameter of less than

100 nm, and preferably, l-40nm. Such nano-range hydrophilic particles may be,

for example, silica, alumina, and other oxygen-containing minerals. The

particles A and C have a huge outer convex surface per volume, or weight,

whereas the particle B has an outer convex surface and a huge inner

concave surface due to the internal pores and holes. Thus, a combination of

particles A (and or C) with particles B in which the nanoparticles are stuffed

within the pores of the particles B provides having huge areas of The

particles A and C have a huge outer convex surface per volume or weight, whereas the particle B has an outer convex surface and a huge inner

concave surface due to the internal pores and holes. Thus, a combination of particles A (and/or C) with particles B in which the nanoparticles are stuffed

within the pores of the particles B provides particles B both convex and

concave shapes, including various labyrinths. Fig. 1 demonstrates a

schematic illustration of a porous perhte spheroid particle adsorbing on its

external surface and on its pores surface hydrophobic silica nanno particles. Fig. 1A represents a porous perhte spheroid particle actively "stuffed" with

nanoparticles. Fig. B represents a porous perhte spheroid particle passively

"encapsulated" with nanoparticles.

Due to the presence of both, concave surfaces (for example, the pores' inner

surface) and convex surfaces (for example, the particle's outer surface) there are

many optional adsorption alternatives resulted in multiple of surface-particle and

particle-particle interactions. Fig. 2 depicts the principal adsorption options of

nanoparticles onto the adjacent surfaces of the porous particle. Fig. 2A represents

a state in which the two adjacent surfaces (a and b) are concave and the adsorbed

nanoparticles are either hydrophobic, hydrophilic or mixture thereof. Fig. 2B

represents a ich the two adjacent surfaces (a and b) are convex and the adsorbed

nanoparticles are either hydrophobic, hydrophilic or mixture thereof. Fig. 2C

represents a state in which one of the adjacent surfaces (a) is convex and the other

(b) is concave and the adsorbed nanoparticles are either hydrophobic, hydrophilic

or mixture thereof. It can be seen that the proximity of the nanoparticles adsorbed

on the (a) and (b) surfaces is dependent on the concave-convex configuration of

the adjacent surfaces. The extent of combination between the nanoparticles and particles B, from

just passive encapsulation (Fig. IB) to actively and extensively stuffing

(Fig. 1A), specifically determines the role of the designed structure of the

particle B in the managing and treating the waste pool. For example,

stuffed particles B are less permeable to light and to low mass components

and consequently the more of the heavy mass components are

accumulated and concentrated in the vicinity of the liquid layer boundary. Thus, the extent of "stuffing" of particles B with nanoparticles (particles A

and/or C) determines the permeability of the interface layer and

consequently, have a major role on both, the selectivity and time

dependent permeability of the interface layer. On the contrary, the less stuffed particles B may form a more permeable interface layer that allows

migration of the heavier mass components to the surface.

The specifically designed particles B coatd with particles A (and/or C)

determine the method of treatment and managing of different animal

waste pools and the products obtained from such treatments.

The specifically designed structure consists of two ways of coating of

particles A (and/or C) onto particles B: In the first way the particles A

(and/or C) are "passively" coated mainly on the outer surface of the particles B. In such case, there is no movement of nanoparticles through

the pores of the porous particle. Passive encapsulation is achieved for

example, by mixing the dry porous particles with the powdery nanoparticles. In the second way, the particles A (and/or B) are "actively"

coating (stuffing) the particles B, namely, simultaneously filling the

numerous pores and coating the outer surface of the particles B. This can

be done by moving the nanoparticles through the porous particles. In other words, the porous particle serves as a filter for the nanoparticles passing

through.

Basically, there are several options for designing a specific structure of

particle B coated with either particles A (and/or C), with or without

additional components. For example:

1. Stuffing particles B by particles A (and/or C) using means for flowing

the nanoparticles through the particles B. In this method, the

nanoparticles are contained within separate bellow(s) and they are pushed

into a container containing particles B. (Fig. 3a).

2. Coating (encapsulating and/or stuffing) particles B by particles A

(and/or C) using vacuum pump. In this method, the nanoparticles are

contained in a separate container and they are pushed (using a vacuum

pump) into a container containing particles B in which they are mixed

together (Fig. 3b). The same device is applicable for stuffing the

nanoparticles into the pores of the particles B by means of a liquid, in

which the nanoparticles are immersed.

3. Encapsulating and/or stuffing particles B by particles A (and/or C) using vacuum pump. In this method, the nanoparticles are contained in a

separate container and they are pushed (using a vacuum pump) into a container containing particles B. A liquid is contained in another

container to provide a stream of droplets that are mixed with the

nanoparticles before their arrival to the container of the particles B (Fig.

3c). The same device is applicable for coating nanoparticles with various

solid or liquid chemical reagents before they are transferred to the

container of the particles B.

4. Coating (encapsulating and/or stuffing) particles B by pre-coated

particles A (and/or C) using vacuum pump. In this method, the

nanoparticles are contained in a separate container with various solid or

liquid chemical reagents before they are pumped into the container of the

particles B (Fig. 3).

A scheme of the various encapsulating and stuffing procedures are

summarized in Fig. 3e.

In summary, there should be a wide scope of method and devices applicable for preparing any desired combination, according to the present

invention, between nanoparticles and >1 micron particles to form

specifically designed structures highly effective in managing and treating of animal waste pools.

The specifically designed structure which is basically consisted of a particular combination of particles A (and/or C) and a particle B, may be

optionally provided with further components and materials according to

the type of waste pool under treatment. Such additional components may be in a solid or a hquid form, for example, the liquids TiCl₄, AICI4 or SiCl₄

which release an acid upon getting in contact with water; glycerin or

glycerin-like material which avoids the formation of too-dusty product;

poly-siloxane which forms a degradable film over the surface of the designed particles B; non-posinous photocatalytic metal (or complex

thereof) selected from the group of Al, Fe, Cu, Ti, Co or Ni (such as, for

example, TiO₂ and AI2O3); conductive particles, such as graphite and

metals which create electrical contact between hydrophobic and

hydrophilic centers of said particles B and A (and/or C) to increase their catalytic activity and rate of oxidation/reduction reactions. Other added

materials may be, for example, spores of algae, seeds of water-plants, eggs

of snails and/or worms, pesticidal and/or herbicidal materials, and any

other component that may play a role in managing and treating the

animal waste pools.

It should be noted that in spite of the above differentiation between

particles A (or C) and B, either of the particles may be of the same or

different materials and they may be subjected to the same or different pre-

treatment procedures for rendering hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic properties. Examples

Particles A (and/or C) + B + algae spores and/or seed of water- plants

This product consists of a specifically designed combination of particles B

coated with particles A (and/or C) and it may further contain algae spores

and/or seed of water-plants. This product is intended for treating a flow-

less "open" (having light) waste pool by means of production of "interface layer" which layer provides a plant-based protein nutritionally foodstuff

for feeding animals following removal of the interface layer off the pool.

The process for preparing the mixture contains the step of encapsulation

of the particles B with particles A (and/or C), in a weight ratio of at least

95-99% B and 1-5% A and/or C, followed by the addition of 0.1 to 3% (by weight) of the algea spores or the seeds.

(b) Particles A (and/or C) + B + eggs of snails and/or worms

This product consists of a specifically designed combination of particles B co_ated with particles A (and/or C) and it may further contain eggs of snails

and/or worms. This product is intended for treating a flow-less "closed" (no

light is needed) waste pool by means of production of "interface layer"

which layer provides a non-plant rich protein-based nutritionally foodstuff

for feeding animals following removal of the interface layer off the pool. The process for preparing the mixture contains the step of encapsulation

of the particles B with particles A (and/or C), in a weight ratio of at least 95-99% B and 1-5% A and/or C, followed by the addition of 0.05 to 2% (by

weight) of the eggs.

It should be pointed out that a mixture containing particles A (and/or C)+

B+ eggs of snails and/or worms+algae spores and/or seed of water-plants,

is applicable for treating a flow-less "open" (light is needed) waste pool by

means of production of "interface layer" which layer provides a high rich

protein-based nutritionally foodstuff for feeding animals following removal

of the interface layer off the pool.

In such a case, the process for preparing the mixture contains the step of

encapsulation of the particles B with particles A (and/or C), in a weight

ratio of at least 95-99% B and 1-5% A and/or C, followed by the addition of

0.05 to 2% (by weight) of the eggs and 0.1 to 3% (by weight) of the spores

and seeds.

(c) Particles A (and/or C) + B + pesticide and/or herbicide

This product consists of a specifically designed combination of particles B

coated with particles A (and/or C) and it may further contain pesticidal

and/or herbicidal materials. This product is intended for treating a flow- less "closed" (no light is needed) and "open" waste pools by means of

production of "interface layer" which layer is applicable as a fertilizer for

various crops following removal of the interface layer off the pool.

The process for preparing the mixture contains the step of encapsulation

of the particles B with particles A (and or C), in a weight ratio of at least 95-99% B and 1-5% A and/or C, followed by the addition of 0.001 to 5% (by

weight) of the pesticide and/or herbicide.

(d) Particles A (and/or C) + B + Glycerin solution

This product consists of a specifically designed combination of particles B

coated with particles A (and/or C) following immersion of the combined

particles within a glycerin solution. This dust-free product is intended for

treating a flow -less "closed" and "open" waste pools by means of production

of "interface layer".

It should be emphasized that any of the above described products (a) to (c)

may be immersed in a glycerin solution to yield a dust-free product.

(e) Particles B + nano-size carbonated particles

This product consists of a specifically designed combination of particles B

coated with active nano-size carbonated particles. This product is intended

for treating a flow-less "closed" and "open" waste pools by means of

production of "interface layer".

The carbonated nano-size particles may be:

- A mixture of natural graphite mill with either particles A and/or C.

- A mixture of soot with either particles A and/or C.

- A mixture of natural graphite and soot.

The connection of carbon to the nanoparticles and/or particles B is by physical adsorption. The composition contains about 98-99% (by weight) particles B and 1-2%

(by weight) of carbonated particles A and/or C. When particle B consists of

microsilica particles, the composition contains 90-98% (by weight)

microsilica and 2-10% (by weight) carbonated particles A and/or C.

(f) Particles A (and/or C) + B consisting of carbon clustered particles

This product consists of a specifically designed combination of carbon

clustered particles B coated with particles A and/or C. This product is

intended for treating a flow-less "closed" and "open" waste pools by means

of production of "interface layer".

(g) Particles B + C and/or A (wherein particles A and/or C are stuffed into the pores of particles B).

This product consists of a specifically designed combination of particles B

actively stuffed with particles A and/or C. This product is intended for

treating a flow-less "closed" and "open" waste pools by means of production of "interface layer".

The stuffed particles B are optionally coated by carbon particles.

(h) Particles B + liquid(s) impregnated particles A (and/or C) + polv- siloxane

This product consists of a specifically designed combination of particles B

coated with liquid-impregnated nano-size particles, followed by treatment with poly-siloxane (slow mixing or rolhng the particles B on the layer of

low viscous poly-siloxane, 25-200 Pu, at room temperature) to provide

designed particles B coated with a poly-siloxane film. The hquid may be

for example, TiCl₄ which, in the presence of water, converts to the

photocatalytic Ti0₂.

The process for preparing the mixture contains the step of adding liquid- impregnated particles A (and or C) to particles B, in a weight ratio of at

least .95-99% B and 1-5% A (and or C). The amount of liquid may range

from 0.5 - 95% (by weight) of total product.

This product is intended for treating a flow-less "closed" and "open" waste - pools by means of production of "interface layer".

(i) Components B + A (and/or C) + conductive particles

This product consists of a specifically designed combination of particles B

passively or actively mixed with particles A and/or C in the presence of

conductive material (s), either in a solid or a liquid form, such as, for example, graphite, free metal, a metallic compound, and/or ionic roups.

This product is intended for treating a flow-less "closed" and "open" waste pools by means of production of "interface layer".

Claims

1. A specifically designed highly porous particle, having a size of >lmicron,

passively and/or actively filled with nano-size particles to form a new

coated or stuffed particle having desired properties in managing and

treating biodegradable waste.

2. A new designed particle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nano-size

particles are in the range of 1-40 nanometer.

3. A new designed particle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hquid is used

for filling the said porous particle with nanoparticles.

4. A new designed particle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said liquid

releases an acid upon contact with water.

5. A new designed particle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the liquid is a

suspension of TiCk, AICI4 or SiCLj.

6. A new designed particle as claimed in claims 1 and 3-5, wherein said

nanoparticles form a suspension with same liquid before actively or passively filled the highly porous particle.

7. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim 1,

wherein the nano-size particles are substantially hydrophobic (referred to

as particles A).

8. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim 1,

wherein the nano-size particles are substantially hydrophilic (referred to

as particles C).

9. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to any one

of the claims 1, 7 and 8, wherein the nano-size particles are a mixture of

particles A and C.

10. A composition for managing and treating a waste pool containing the

specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim 1, and at least additional component selected from the group comprising spores of

algae, seeds of water-plants, eggs of snails and/or worms.

11. A composition for managing and treating a waste pool containing the

specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim 1, and at

least additional component selected from the group comprising pesticidal and/or herbicidal materials.

12. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to any

one of the preceding claims, wherein said designed particle is treated with

an aqueous solution of glycerin or glycerin-like material, before use.

13. A new specifically designed highly porous, particle, according to claim

1, wherein said nanoparticles are carbon coated.

14. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

1, wherein said designed porous particle is carbon coated.

15. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

1, wherein said designed porous particle is coated by a film made of poly-

siloxane.

16. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

1, wherein said particle having at least 80% porosity.

17. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

1, wherein said particle containing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic

groups.

18. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

1, wherein said porous particle and nano-size particles are selected from the group of compounds named "oxide" and/or oxide grou (s) - containing

compounds.

19. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claims 1 and 18, wherein said group of compounds named "oxide" and/or oxide

group(s) — containing compounds, are selected from the group comprising

minerals and mineral— derived particles.

20. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

19, wherein said mineral particles are selected from the group comprising

silica minerals, alumina minerals and clay minerals.

21. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

20, wherein said silica mineral is perlite and said clay mineral is bentonite

or cla dite.

22. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claims

1 and 18, wherein said porous particle is selected from the group comprising perlite, bentonite and claydite.

23. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claims

1 and 18, wherein said porous particle is selected from the group

comprising plant material residues containing amorphous oxide.

24. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

23, wherein said plant residue is selected from the group comprising husk

straw, peat, dry stems and sawdust.

25. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claims

1 and 7, wherein said substantially hydrophobic nanoparticle (particle A) is alkylated-silica.

26. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

1, wherein at least part of said nanoparticles having photo-catalytic

activity.

27. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

26, wherein said nanoparticles being a heavy metal complex or an oxide of a metal.

28. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

27, wherein said heavy metal complex comprises a non-poisonous metal

selected from Al, Fe, Cu, Ti, Co or Ni.

29. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim 26, wherein said nanoparticles having photo-catalytic activity are

titanium metal and or titanium oxide (TiO₂).

30. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim

26, wherein said nanoparticle having photo-catalytic activity is AI2O3.

31. A new specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claims

1 and 8, wherein said substantially hydrophilic nanoparticle (particle C) is

selected from the group comprising Si0₂, AI2O3 or Tiθ2.

32. A specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim 1,

wherein said designed particle having a size of Iμm to 5 cm.

33. A specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim 1,

wherein the weight ratio of the porous particle to nanoparticles is 1-5% to

95-99%.

34. A specifically designed highly porous particle, according to claim 1, substantially as described in the specification.