By targeting excess phosphorus—the primary driver of water quality degradation—Phoslock provides a long-term remedy for restoring water bodies while ensuring safety for aquatic life, humans, and the environment.

How Phoslock Works: A Unique Approach to Phosphorus Management

Phoslock was developed by CSIRO (Australia’s national science agency) as an advanced in-lake treatment to bind and immobilise phosphorus. Its unique formulation combines lanthanum with bentonite clay to deliver unparalleled safety and effectiveness:

1. Phosphorus Binding:

Upon application, lanthanum reacts with soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in the water column or sediment to form lanthanum phosphate (LaPO₄), an inert and stable compound.

2. Bentonite Carrier:

The bentonite clay acts as a physical carrier for lanthanum, ensuring it remains immobilized until it reacts with phosphorus. This prevents the release of free lanthanum into the water column, even if excess product is applied.

3. Sediment Stability:

Once applied, Phoslock settles on the sediment layer, creating a barrier that prevents phosphorus from being released back into the water under anoxic or changing pH conditions.

3. Stable Water:

Phoslock does not significantly alter water chemistry, such as pH or conductivity, during or after its application. Unlike traditional treatments like iron or aluminium salts, it avoids the need for pH buffering and prevents stress on aquatic organisms caused by pH changes.

Why Phoslock is Safer Than Other Lanthanum Technologies

Not all lanthanum-based solutions share the same safety profile as Phoslock. Liquid lanthanum formulations or technologies without a carrier rely solely on precise dosing to avoid free lanthanum in the water column. In contrast:

• Free Lanthanum Prevention: Phoslock’s bentonite carrier ensures that any unreacted lanthanum remains bound within its structure, significantly reducing ecological risks.
• Environmental Protection: Free lanthanum ions () can be toxic to aquatic organisms if they accumulate in the water column. Phoslock eliminates this risk by immobilising lanthanum within its bentonite matrix.
  

• Regulatory Compliance: Phoslock is certified for use in drinking water reservoirs (e.g., NSF/ANSI 60), meeting strict international safety standards.

This built-in safety mechanism makes Phoslock a superior choice compared to other technologies that lack a carrier to prevent free lanthanum dispersal.

Commercial Value: Restoring Water Bodies and Driving Economic Benefits

Phoslock is not only an environmentally friendly solution but also a commercially viable & valuable tool for managing nutrient pollution:

1. Long-Term Effectiveness: By permanently locking phosphorus, Phoslock provides sustained improvements in water quality, reducing the need for repeated treatments.
2. Versatile Applications: It has been successfully applied to lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, and canals worldwide, including high-profile conservation areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and drinking water supplies.
3. Economic Impact: Cleaner water bodies enhance recreational opportunities, wellness, fisheries productivity, business and property values while reducing costs associated with reactive treatments or ecosystem collapse. 
   

Proven Results Across the Globe:

With over 300 successful projects in 20+ countries, Phoslock has demonstrated its ability to transform degraded water bodies into thriving ecosystems:

Phoslock: The Future of Water Remediation

Phoslock stands out as a clean, geo-engineered green solution for reversing eutrophication and restoring balance to aquatic ecosystems. Its innovative use of bentonite clay ensures unmatched safety by preventing free lanthanum release while delivering long-lasting results. For governments, industries, businesses, water managers and environmental organisations seeking safe sustainable water management tools, Phoslock offers both ecological benefits and commercial value.