Severn Trent Services and Apyron
Technologies Partner to Offer Advanced Solutions for Arsenic Removal
Fort Washington, Pa. - June 21, 2002 - Severn Trent Services, a supplier
of water and wastewater treatment solutions, and Apyron Technologies Inc., a developer of
advanced materials, today announced a partnership to develop and market innovative
products that remove arsenic from drinking water.
Severn Trent and Apyron are collaborating to provide a wide range of arsenic treatment
solutions for point-of-use (POU), point-of-entry (POE), and small water system
applications around the world. The partnership will address the growing need for
arsenic treatment and expand upon the expertise, products, and technologies currently
offered by each company. Presently, Severn Trent Services is marketing
its SORB 33' line of arsenic removal systems for large municipal and industrial
applications, while Apyron offers its Aqua-Bind' products for POU, POE, and small
community water system applications.
Vice President, Severn Trent Services, Dr. Hu Fleming stated, "Together with Apyron,
we will combine our market knowledge and technical expertise to offer the most
comprehensive and cost-effective arsenic treatment options available anywhere. This
is truly good news for all those affected by arsenic contamination."
An immediate result of the partnership is the availability of Aqua-Bind SP33', the first
in a series of new products that targets arsenic contamination using a proprietary new
media. This easy-to-use, advanced iron-based system removes 99% of total arsenic
from drinking water and has increased adsorption capacity over other iron-based media
systems.
Aqua-Bind SP33 is available exclusively through Apyron for use in POE, POU, and
remediation applications, as well as in small community water systems. The
partnership group has already begun development of a second product designed for POU
applications in India, Bangladesh, and throughout the U.S. Scheduled for release in
the third quarter of 2002, this product is expected to be an ideal option for small
communities affected by the new arsenic standard. The group will also support the
development and technical analysis of Severn Trent's SORB 33 products for municipal and
industrial applications.
"Severn Trent's knowledge of central water treatment is an ideal complement to
Apyron's international experience in POU and POE product development for arsenic removal
solutions," stated Rom Papadopoulos, chief executive officer of Apyron Technologies.
"This partnership will accelerate the development of products that are
required to meet the diverse needs of growing international markets and ultimately protect
public health. "
In November 2001, the allowable limit for the contaminant in drinking water was lowered
from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb. Public water systems must comply with the
law by January 2006.
A recent cost analysis, completed by the National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC)
and commissioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stated that POU
applications - filtration devices attached under a household's sink to treat the water
that comes from the faucet - should be given greater consideration as a method of tackling
arsenic contamination. The council's cost evaluations show that communities as large
as 10,000 can benefit financially from this approach. Almost 97 percent of the
public water systems affected by the new standard are small systems that serve less than
10,000 people.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical released into water supplies from the erosion of
rocks and soil. Health effects associated with long-term exposure to arsenic include
cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and reproductive/developmental problems.
Approximately 13 million Americans obtain their drinking water from public sources
that are out of compliance with the new federal standard. An additional 40 million
Americans obtain water from private wells, which are not regulated by the government.
About Severn Trent Services
Severn Trent Services (www.severntrentservices.com),
based in Fort Washington, Pa., is a leading supplier of water and wastewater treatment
solutions. The company's broad range of products and services is concentrated around
disinfection and filtration technologies, pipeline analysis, rehabilitation and repair
services, contract operating services, and state-of-the-art residential metering products.
About Apyron Technologies
Apyron develops, markets and licenses technology-based materials that enable customers to
achieve breakthroughs in product innovation, create new market opportunities and improve
the quality of life worldwide. Applications of Apyron's proprietary technologies
include solutions in the energy, transportation, chemical, medical and water industries.
Founded in 1994, the Atlanta-based private company has more than 40 employees,
including internationally respected chemists and scientists that manage projects in
multiple countries. For more information: www.apyron.com.
Contact Severn Trent:
nabboud@severntrentservices.com
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