Bioreactor media maker Mutag expands range by buying microbes expert
Danish water treatment media producer Mutag has acquired a majority shareholding in Microbe Biosolutions ApS (MBS), a company specialised in biological solutions for water environments, odour control, biogas, and process optimisation.
Both companies offer solutions for land-based aquaculture, as well as other areas.
Mutag said the acquisition marks an important step in its continued development and strengthens its position within biological water and environmental technologies. The move significantly broadens its value chain and enables it to address a wider range of treatment processes, supporting customers with more complete and integrated biological solutions.
More surface area
Mutag’s flagship product is the BioChip, a “next-generation” polyethylene carrier media for moving bed bioreactor (MBBR) and integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) water treatment applications.
According to Ribe-based Mutag, the BioChip provides a protected surface area of up to 5,500 m2/m3 – far exceeding conventional carriers, which typically offer 500-800 m2/m3.
This high surface area is said to enable greater biofilm activity and higher removal rates per unit volume, allowing operators to achieve stringent effluent targets with less media and smaller tanks.
In the aquaculture field, Mutag’s BioChip has been used in an MBBR at AR Aqua’s recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) rainbow trout facility in Poland since 2021, keeping total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) levels to around 1mg per litre.
Mutag’s BioChip has also been used in the MBBR at Sande Settefisk’s RAS facility for 500g post-smolts in Gloppen, southwest Norway, since 2023.
Prevents geosmin
MBS uses natural bacterial cultures to improve water quality and stability in aquaculture systems. According to the company’s website, the bacteria break down organic waste, reduce hydrogen sulphide and ammonia, and eliminate conditions for the formation of geosmin, the compound that can give RAS-grown fish an earthy “off” taste.
MBS says its treatment enhances microbial balance, reduces sludge buildup, and lowers the need for water exchange, chemicals, and manual cleaning. It improves fish welfare, supports higher growth rates, and ensures more efficient operation in both recirculating (RAS) and pond-based systems.
Significant potential
“We see significant strategic potential in Microbe Biosolutions,” said Michael Bayer Thomsen, group chief executive of Mutag parent company Matters Group.
“The company has built strong competencies, proven solutions, and close customer relationships. Together, we can accelerate the development of new technologies and solutions for the water, environmental, and industrial sectors.”
MBS founder and technical specialist Klaus Westergaard Sørensen will continue as a minority shareholder and remain actively involved in the company.
“I am very pleased with the solution we have found. With Mutag as majority owner, we gain access to a strong organisation and new opportunities for growth, while continuing to develop our professional platform and the close collaboration we have with customers and partners,” said Sørensen.
MBS will continue to operate under its own name and brand. At the same time, the company will relocate from Esbjerg in Denamrk to Matters Group’s headquarters in Ribe, about 20 miles to the south.