Diatomaceous Earth and Recycling

Diatomaceous earth, or DE, also known as diatomite or kieselgur in Europe, is a chalky, silica-based sedimentary rock created by fossilization. Because of its silica base, it has strong absorbent qualities. Varieties of diatomaceous earth can be found worldwide.

General Use

• Diatomaceous earth is used as a filtering aid, a mild abrasive, a thermal insulator and an absorbent. There are two types of DE: freshwater, which is most often used for liquid absorption, and saltwater DE, most often used in filtration processes.

Absorption Properties

• The best-known, non-industrial use for DE is in cat litter, where it helps absorb excess liquid, particularly ammonia, and is considered safe for cats and humans because the freshwater DE used in cat litter contains a low percentage of crystalline silica.

Industrial Recycling

• In many industries, saltwater diatomaceous earth filters are used in wastewater treatment systems to remove fine, suspended solids from water that must be recycled.

Toxic Spills

• While diatomaceous earth is mainly used as a filtering aid, its properties of absorption also make it useful in filtering and safely absorbing chemical and industrial spills. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommend the use of diatomaceous earth to clean up many types of toxic liquid spills.

Crystalline Silica Hazard

• Saltwater DE that has been "calcined," or processed using high heat, is a fine white powder that contains sharp-edged, crystalline silica---hazardous particles if inhaled, according to safety information issued by the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). In the U.S., crystalline silica proportions in DE are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); dust masks are recommended for safe handling.