Grantee Research Project Results
Zeolite Membranes for Removal of Contaminants in Drinking Water
EPA Contract Number: 68D50081Title: Zeolite Membranes for Removal of Contaminants in Drinking Water
Investigators: Romero, Cecily
Small Business: TDA Research Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1995 through March 1, 1996
Project Amount: $65,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Watersheds , SBIR - Water and Wastewater , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
As demands for drinking water quality become increasingly stringent, new methods for educing contaminant levels to the low ppb range are being sought. Of particular concern is the reduction of trihalomethanes (THM's), reaction products from chlorination of water in the presence of naturally occurring humic and fulvic acids. These compounds have been identified as probable carcinogens. Membrane filtration has demonstrated promising potential for removing the THM precursors from the water prior to chlorination. A "molecular sieve" membrane could either remove these precursors from the water or remove the THM's from the finished water stream.In Phase I, TDA Research will demonstrate that zeolite molecular sieve membrane can remove trihalomethanes and other impurities from water. The flux and retention characteristics of zeolite membranes are superior to the recently developed nanofiltration polymeric membranes. They will fabricated dense, crack-free zeolite films on porous ceramic discs and tubes. They will quantify water flux and retention of THM precursors and THMs and conduct an engineering analysis. In Phase II, TDA Research will design and fabricate a prototype of a zeolite film module and demonstrate its ability to remove THM contaminants. They will investigate the fouling behavior and optimize cleaning techniques.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, engineering, chemistry., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Toxics, Water, Chemical Engineering, National Recommended Water Quality, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Drinking Water, Environmental Engineering, alternative disinfection methods, public water systems, zeolite membranes, trihalomethane, chlorinated by products, chlorination, trihalomethanes, chemical byproducts, disinfection byproducts (DPBs), exposure, membrane filtration, chemical contaminants, chlorinated DBPs, community water system, fulric acids, cancer, carcinogenicity, chlorine-based disinfection, drinking water distribution system, treatment, humic acids, DBP risk management, contaminant removal, drinking water contaminants, drinking water treatment, water treatment, other - risk managementProgress 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.