Grantee Research Project Results

Use of Ozonation in Combination with Nanocrystalline Ceramic Membranes for Controlling Disinfection By-products

EPA Grant Number: R830908
Title: Use of Ozonation in Combination with Nanocrystalline Ceramic Membranes for Controlling Disinfection By-products
Investigators: Masten, Susan J. , Baumann, Melissa J.
Institution: Michigan State University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: May 15, 2003 through May 14, 2006
Project Amount: $353,959
RFA: Environmental Futures Research in Nanoscale Science Engineering and Technology (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Nanotechnology , Safer Chemicals

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of using a combined ozonation and membrane filtration system to control disinfection by-products (DBPs) precursors in drinking water treatment process. Conventional ceramic membranes and ceramic membranes coated with a nano-crystalline catalyst that decomposes ozone will be used in this study. The particular objectives are:

To develop methods for the preparation of a nano-crystalline ceramic membranes which catalyze the decomposition of ozone and foulants and to characterize these membranes.
To determine the effect of ozonation on membrane fouling in filtration systems using both conventional and catalytic membranes.
For the source waters studied, determine the effect of ozonation on the properties of natural organic matter and relate this information to the overall performance of the system.
To investigate the effect of control parameters on the fouling rate and product water quality using selected conventional and catalytic membranes.

The initial goal of this project is the development of a nano-crystalline ceramic membrane that catalyzes the decomposition of ozone and has the desired porosity, permeability and MWCO. Once a suitable membrane (or membranes) is (are) formed, we will evaluate the membrane(s) in combination with ozone for its ability to resist fouling, alter the NOM and control DBPs. The optimized membrane will be investigated to determine the effect of control parameters on the fouling rate and product water quality.

We expect to develop and demonstrate that treatment using catalytic nanocrystalline ceramic membranes in combination with ozonation is more effective than conventional methods, including ozonation, and other membrane processes in terms of operational performance and removal of DBPs.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 10 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 5 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

Groundwater, chemicals, oxidants, pathogens, viruses, bacteria, nanotechnology, disinfection, oxidation, RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Water, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Monitoring/Modeling, Environmental Monitoring, New/Innovative technologies, Drinking Water, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Environmental Engineering, health effects, disinfection by-products, nanotechnology, disinfection byproducts (DPBs), disinfection of waters, membrane filtration, analytical chemistry, analytical methods, nanocrystalline ceramic membranes, water quality, nanocrystals, DBP exposure, drinking water contaminants, drinking water treatment, nanoengineering

Progress 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.