Grantee Research Project Results
Biochar Filter for Philadelphia Water Pb Removal
EPA Grant Number: SU840168Title: Biochar Filter for Philadelphia Water Pb Removal
Investigators: McKenzie, Erica
Current Investigators: McKenzie, Erica , Attenborough, Ivy , Nataraj, Susha , Tran, Katherine , Wasch, Michael , Boyce-Davis, Nassier , Rodriguez, Gabrielle , Thomas, Sarah , Zenonos, Alexander , Al-Amin, Abdullah
Institution: Temple University
EPA Project Officer: Spatz, Kyle
Phase: I
Project Period: December 1, 2020 through November 30, 2021 (Extended to November 30, 2022)
Project Amount: $18,705
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2020) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Objective:
The main goal of the project is to produce a decentralized water filtration method with biochar to address lead contamination in household tap water. Lead can leach from distribution system and plumbing components; this project will evaluate biochar, produced from coffee grounds and common water hyacinth, to remove lead as a cheaper and more environmentally friendly approach.
Approach:
The project will include biochar material and a plastic-free filter for holding the biochar. This project will relate directly to P3’s approach of benefitting people as well as the planet as it seeks to remove chemicals harmful to people by converting potentially harmful environmental waste into a usable filter.
Expected Results:
The expected result of the filter is that it removes lead from household drinking water in households so that a quantifiable comparison of the water before and after filtration demonstrates a reduction in lead. It success will occur if the biochar is able to remove significant percentages, over 90 percent of lead from water. It can be demonstrated by measuring lead levels, pouring water through the filter, and measuring the lead levels again. Our design will utilize waste materials in order to reduce the amount of waste entering landfills, which will decompose and contribute to climate change. We will also attempt to utilize non-plastic sustainable materials in our pitcher filter design.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
drinking water, human health, metals, engineeringProgress 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.