AquaChar Receives Unanimous Approval in Coral Gables
The City of Coral Gables voted unanimously to approve the AquaChar + OASIS water restoration proposal.
Read the Story
The Technology
Not Standard Aquarium Charcoal.
AquaChar™ is a proprietary, graphene-related filtration media, not standard aquarium charcoal. It is engineered to filter aquarium, pond and hydroponic water while giving beneficial bacteria a place to live.
The Process
How AquaChar Works
1
Engineered Forging Process
Recycled hardwood goes through a proprietary, multi-stage forging process that produces a highly porous, graphene-related matrix. Conventional activated carbon is also porous. AquaChar adds engineered surface chemistry to that structure.
2
Long-Term pH Buffering and Clarity
AquaChar slowly releases hydroxides, which can help stabilize pH without added chemicals. Its porous structure captures clouding organics and fine particles, which helps keep water clear.
3
Selective Filtration
AquaChar is designed to adsorb dissolved toxins and tannins while leaving room for beneficial bacteria to colonize its surface.
The Material
Aqua Graphene: The Material Behind It
Aqua Graphene is our name for the graphene-related matrix at the core of AquaChar, a porous structure with engineered surface chemistry.
Amphiphilic Structure
The surface has both water-attracting and water-repelling regions, designed to interact with a range of dissolved contaminants.
Next-Level Surface Chemistry
Each particle goes through a surface treatment designed to support microbial survival and change how the material interacts with certain contaminants.
Tailored, Proprietary Composition
Our forging process and surface treatment are proprietary.
Adapts to Any Environment
Whether cleaning water, supporting soil health, or stabilizing chemical interactions, AquaChar works across liquid and solid phases with unmatched stability.
Regenerative and Circular
After use, simply add it to your garden. AquaChar becomes a nutrient-rich amendment, turning filtration waste into soil restoration.
The Breakthrough
B.A.M.S.™ Technology
Our graphene-related matrix is treated with B.A.M.S.™ (Biologically Active Microsites) to create charged zones on the surface. These are designed to attract certain dissolved contaminants and give microbes places to colonize. One that a lab has measured:
Glyphosate
AquaChar combines adsorption with a surface where beneficial bacteria can help break down waste.
Why It Works
- A surface treatment is designed to create charged zones on the surface.
- These zones are designed to attract certain dissolved contaminants.
- Beneficial bacteria colonize the surface, forming biofilms that can help break down waste under the right conditions.
- Adsorption and biological support work together.
The Proof
Research & Testing
Independent labs and universities have measured AquaChar's performance. Results come from lab conditions and may differ in your system.
State-Certified
Clean Water Testing LLC
- 100% removal of E. coli & coliform bacteria
- 97.67% lead reduction in just 45 minutes
- Significant reductions in glyphosate, arsenic, and phosphates
University Research
University of Miami, Mercury
- Removed Hg²⁺ ions in under 10 minutes
- No detectable mercury after treatment
University Research
University of Miami, Methane
- Confirmed methane adsorption under controlled lab conditions
- Potential to mitigate greenhouse gases alongside water purification
SEM Analysis
Iowa State University
- Electron microscopy of graphitic material from the AquaChar process, by Prof. L. Scott Chumbley, 2020
- Scanning electron microscope images of powder, flake and chunk samples
Peer-Reviewed
Nature Nanotechnology
- Double-blind, randomized, controlled human clinical trial
- Studied graphene oxide nanosheets, not AquaChar
- Reported no acute respiratory or cardiovascular harm
Beyond The Tank
Water & Environmental Science
AquaChar's work extends beyond individual tanks and ponds, into real waterways, restoration projects, and the broader fight against water pollution.
OASIS AQUABOT: Summary of Project Intentions, Process, and Goals
Our waterways may look clean, but beneath the surface they're quietly struggling with runoff pollution.
Read the StoryThe Invisible Threat in Our Waterways, and What AquaChar Is Doing About It
Microplastics, mercury, and pesticides are often hidden threats in the water around us.
Read the StoryAquaChar Pilot: Healing Our Rivers and Reefs, One Microbe at a Time
Using AquaChar to boost fish health, water quality, and ecosystem resilience in real-world pilot programs.
Read the StorySee What AquaChar Can Do In Your Tank.
Independent lab results are on this page. AquaChar is ready to work in your aquarium, pond or hydroponic system.
