Myth #1: SAPs are Expensive
It’s a common misconception that super absorbent polymers (SAPs) are costly. While SAPs do have a higher unit cost compared to traditional absorbents like sawdust, cement, or fluff, their superior absorbency makes them much more efficient. SAPs require only a small dosage (0.5% – 1.5% by weight) to solidify a liquid-bearing wastewater stream. In contrast, cement is used at much higher rates (10% – 25% by weight), and sawdust often requires 100% – 200% by weight. Therefore, SAPs can eliminate free liquid with 10-25 times less reagent than cement and up to 200 times less than sawdust. Moreover, adding sawdust to wastewater increases landfill disposal costs because the combined weight must be treated. High-efficiency SAPs reduce the volume of wastewater disposed of, ultimately lowering overall treatment costs. Thus, SAPs are cost-effective rather than expensive.
Myth #2: SAPs Create a Jelly-like Appearance When Hydrated
There is a misconception that SAP-treated wastewater has a jelly or slime-like appearance. While treating pure water with SAP can result in a gelatinous texture, most wastewater treatment processes involve slurries, high solids sludges, and muds. These solids give the SAP-treated wastewater a granular texture similar to dry, stackable dirt. Even when treating distilled water, the correct SAP product typically produces a cured material that can pass paint filter tests and be safely disposed of in landfills.
Myth #3: SAPs Are Effective Only on Their Own
SAPs are inert and do not chemically react with many substances. However, they can be tailored to meet specific performance needs. For instance, SAPs can be combined with cementitious materials to transform wet, sloppy soil or CCR (coal ash) into a dry solid with substantial compressive strength. In industrial and healthcare settings, SAPs with granular chlorine compounds are used to prevent microbial growth. SAPs can also be mixed with reactive mineral products like magnesium oxide to stabilize heavy metals. While SAPs are effective standalone technologies, they can also enhance or be enhanced by other materials.
Myth #4: SAPs Are Hazardous
This is one of the easiest myths to debunk. Sodium polyacrylate SAPs, the same materials used in modern diapers and personal hygiene products, are designed for intimate contact with human skin and tissues. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved sodium polyacrylate SAPs as indirect food additives. For example, absorbent pads used to remove excess fluid from meat surfaces are filled with SAPs. Not only are SAPs non-toxic, but they also help prevent the spread of foodborne pathogens by absorbing fluids that could otherwise spoil.
Myth #5: SAPs Are a Silver Bullet
While SAPs are versatile, effective, safe, and readily available, they are not a universal solution for all wastewater streams. High concentrations of salt or brine and extreme pH levels (below 2.0 or above 12.0) significantly reduce SAP absorbency. It’s essential to test the pH and salt concentration of a wastewater stream before attempting to solidify it with SAPs. SAPs have improved lives globally for decades, and ongoing advancements in SAP technology continue to expand their applications. Despite some misconceptions, SAPs remain highly economical and safe absorbents used in a broad range of liquid-absorption scenarios.