Grantee Research Project Results

Enzymatic Nitrate Elimination Technology for Small Systems

EPA Contract Number: 68D40046
Title: Enzymatic Nitrate Elimination Technology for Small Systems
Investigators: Campbell, Ellen R.
Current Investigators: Campbell, Ellen R. , Campbell, Wilbur W.
Small Business: The Nitrate Elimination Company Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1994 through March 1, 1995
Project Amount: $54,735
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1994) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Water and Wastewater , Watersheds , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

Nitrate contamination of potable water supplies is a wide spread problem in the US. The Clean Water Act (1991) sets a limit of 10 mg nitrate-N per liter for all drinking water supplies, which is difficult to achieve with existing technologies, especially for small systems. To help small system owners meet the new standards, The Nitrate Elimination Company, Inc., propose to research and develop Enzymatic Nitrate Elimination Technology (EzNET). This unique approach uses three enzymes for converting nitrate to nitrogen gas, an environmentally safe and non-toxic gas, without adding anything to the water. Nitrate reductase (NaR), nitrite reductase (NiR) and nitrous oxide reductase (NoR) will be immobilized on electro-conductive material and powered by a low voltage direct current to drive reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas. Proposed objectives are to develop:

1. enabling technology for enzyme immobilization using NaR, which the proposers currently produce via a proprietary technology;
   
2. cost-effective methods of producting NiR and NoR from a bacterium; and
   
3. an effective EzNET system for nitrate elimination from small water systems.

When Phase I is completed, the proposers will have developed a prototype EzNET system, for which production methods can be developed in Phase II. Commercial applications of EzNET for small water systems will permit homeowners and many others to meet nitrate level requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 2 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

Nitrate, Enzymes, Immobilization, Small Systems., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Water, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Drinking Water, Environmental Engineering, Enzymatic Nitrate Elimination Technology (EzNET), treatment, nitrate contamination, nitrates, exposure, enzymatic nitrate , enzymes, small systems, potable water supplies, exposure and effects, nitrate elimination

Progress and Final Reports:

Final Report

SBIR Phase II:

Enzymatic Nitrate Elimination Technology for Small Systems  | 1994 Progress Report  | Final Report