Grantee Research Project Results
Phosphorus Removal to Oligotrophic Levels: Innovating Three High-Flow Water Technologies using Reactive Filtration, Biochar Adsorption, and Nanobubble-Enhanced Biomimetic Separations
EPA Grant Number: R840087Title: Phosphorus Removal to Oligotrophic Levels: Innovating Three High-Flow Water Technologies using Reactive Filtration, Biochar Adsorption, and Nanobubble-Enhanced Biomimetic Separations
Investigators: Möller, Gregory , Strawn, Daniel , Baker, Martin
Institution: University of Idaho
EPA Project Officer: Ludwig-Monty, Sarah
Project Period: September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2023 (Extended to August 31, 2024)
Project Amount: $999,996
RFA: Approaches to Reduce Nutrient Loadings for Harmful Algal Blooms Management (2020) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Water , Harmful Algal Blooms , Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention , Water Quality
Description:
The overall research objective is to develop and accelerate three innovative high-flow water treatment technologies that can remove phosphorus to ultralow levels. Sub-objectives are to (a) analyze operations and performance of at-scale installations of low-P reactive filtration technology in North America, (b) accelerate and refine a novel carbon-negative biochar water treatment technology, and (c) advance the engineering of a nanobubble-enhanced biomimetic separations technology. We test the hypotheses that these water technologies can remove >99% of total P to nutrient levels low enough to heal algae impacted natural waters.
Approach:
We will perform a retrospective study of our emerging, low-P reactive filtration technology that is already installed in sixty sites across North America, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to identify the exemplary key characteristics and adoption criteria of an innovative nutrient technology that experienced rapid insertion into civil infrastructure. For three 0.5 to 12 MGD field installations in AL, MN and MA, we will conduct on-site comprehensive water quality, operations, and economic performance review to assess life cycle and to explore opportunities for process improvement. We will accelerate a novel carbon-negative biochar water treatment process by creating new knowledge on the molecular, engineering, and agronomic aspects of a process with potential to address water quality, food security, and climate change mitigation. We also seek to advance a new biomimetic filtration approach that integrates nano-bubbles and 3D filter media based on the structures and processes used in nature by filter feeders. We will perform a life cycle assessment, sustainability impact analysis, as well as an engineering performance and economics analyses on these new technologies. We deploy a 25-gpm mobile water treatment research trailer supporting these three emerging technologies to regional field targets of opportunity that include agricultural irrigation drains and municipal water reclamation plants, in addition to extended month-long field trials in two locations including Upper Klamath Lake and the St. Johns River watershed in South Central Florida.
Expected Results:
The outcomes include (a) a critical pathways analysis of innovative and emerging technology improvements, using reactive filtration as an example of recent rapid technology insertion currently treating billions of gallons of water and impacting the lives of millions of people, (b) two new technologies leveraging nature mimicry with biochar adsorption and nanobubble enhanced biomimetic separations, and (c) acceleration of cost-effective, high-flow water technology for nutrient reduction and the mitigation of HABs.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 10 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 6 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
renewable, global climate, environmental chemistry, agriculture, clean technologies, green chemistryProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.