About Us

The Athena Environmental Sciences™ group specializes in the design and development of products and processes which are environmentally friendly and economically sound.

The Athena Environmental Sciences™ group is a division of Athena Environmental Sciences, Inc., a diversified biotechnology company with three divisions each utilizing cutting edge science and technology to achieve specific goals.

Athena Environmental Sciences™ provides a link between developments in scientific research and practical applications for industry and individual consumers. We envision a future where all products and processes are environmentally neutral and aim to contribute to this future by using our core competencies of microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology to improve the quality of life while lessening the impact on the environment.

Athena scientists have developed several environmentally responsible consumer products including: MagiGlue™, our natural, animal-product-free, water-reversible glue; Muck Puck™, the biodegradable grease cleaner; and a compost accelerator.

In addition to creating innovative products, Athena has participated in several large projects that were aimed at converting environmentally damaging processes into more responsible and sustainable practices. Examples of these projects are on the right.

Our parent company, Athena Environmental Sciences, Inc., was founded in 1994 and is located in Baltimore, MD. The other divisions of the company include Athena Enzyme Systems™ and Athena Exploratory Sciences™.

Athena Enzyme Systems™ offers a product line of over 150 products sold to scientists engaged in biological research in academic and commercial settings. To learn more, visit the Athena Enzyme Systems™ website.

Athena Exploratory Sciences™ has the mission to pursue research with the potential for significant commercial, environmental, and social impact. These projects are considered high-risk, high-value opportunities.

Athena Environmental Sciences™ Projects

  • Biodegradable Paint Removal System

    Working with the US Coast Guard, Athena developed an environmentally responsible paint removal system. Using a natural biopolymer as a blast medium, Athena devised a process that effectively removed the paint while not damaging the skin of the aircraft. This was coupled to a recycling process that converted the spent medium into a value-added biodegradable solvent and reduced the blast waste more than 100-fold. The result was an environmentally safe and cost effective aircraft maintenance process.

  • Evaluation Methods for Degreasing Products

    To reduce the environmental burden caused by the operation of military ships, U.S. Navy operational regulations call for the use of environmentally benign technologies where possible. Athena worked with the U.S. Navy to develop and validate stringent MIL SPEC tests to determine the efficacy of degreasing products likely to be used in Navy shipboard operations. These tests are currently being used by the U.S. Navy to evaluate cleaning products.

  • Study of Coliform Bacterial Loads in Water Ways

    The presence of fecal bacteria in recreational waterways in the Washington, D.C. area raised concern about the effect on human health. Working with federal and local scientists and citizens, Athena examined the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and Rock Creek to establish the seasonal levels of fecal coliforms in and around the Washington D.C. area. These studies found that the contamination was from the deer living in and dogs being walked in the Rock Creek recreational areas and not from waste treatment plants.