Grantee Research Project Results
2020 Progress Report: Biochar-Geomedia Water Filter for the Colonias, South Texas
EPA Grant Number: SU839900Title: Biochar-Geomedia Water Filter for the Colonias, South Texas
Investigators: Kang, James Jihoon , Kim, Jomgmin
Institution: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (Extended to September 30, 2021)
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 2019 through September 30,2020
Project Amount: $24,875
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2019) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Urban Air Toxics , Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil/Water , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Objective:
The project objective is to develop and test a prototype of point-of-use treatment system as a pour-through filter for heavy metal (Pb) and organic contaminant (polychlorinated biphenyls). A low-cost filter made of locally sourced biomass (biochar) and geomaterial (pumice) in a mixed media will be developed, benefiting the colonia communities as an alternative to expensive commercial water filter systems.
Progress Summary:
A student team consisting of a graduate student and two undergraduate students was formed and the team began to collect and produce biochar materials. There has been delay due to complications from COVID-19 starting from March. Following tasks was completed during current project period (10/01/2019 - 9/30/2020). There has been delay due to complications from COVID-19 starting from March. Following tasks was completed during current project period (10/01/2019 - 9/30/2020).
- Biomass preparation and biochar production. A total of 9 biochar materials consisting of 3 biomasses and 3 pyrolysis (Fig 1)
- Characterization of biochar materials. The surface morphology on the biochar materials was examined through scanning electron microscopy (Fig 2)
- Batch adsorption experiment. The effect of pH on aqueous lead adsorption was tested in the pH range between 2 and 12 (Fig 3).
Fig 1. Biomass source materials and their respective produced biochar.
Fig 2. SEM Micrographs of selected biochar samples: (a) BE800 (b) AB800 (c) PT600 and (d) PT800 showing porous structures on biochar surface. BE800: Aspen bedding biochar pyrolyzed at 800°C, AB800: Avocado seed biochar pyrolyzed at 800°C, PT600: Palm tree biochar pyrolyzed at 600°C, PT80: Palm tree biochar pyrolyzed at 600°C.
Fig 3. Effect of pH on lead (Pb2+) adsorption. Note that Pb2+ removed (%) were calculated by [(C0–C)/C0] x 100 where C0 and C are the initial and final concentration of Pb2+ in solution (mg L-1). Note that AB400-600: Avocado seed biochar pyrolyzed at 400-800°C, BE400-800: Aspen bedding biochar pyrolyzed at 400-800°C, PT400-800: Palm tree biochar pyrolyzed at 400-800°C.
Future Activities:
The remaining tasks for next reporting period include 1) adsorption isotherm and column experiments for Pb2+, 2) PCB adsorption test using biochar materials, and 3) further biochar characterization such as surface functional group, and 4) data synthesis. For preliminary result dissemination, the project team submitted an abstract for UTRGV College of Sciences Annual Research Conference (Nov 2020).
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 4 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Biochar, Pumice, Water filter, Lead, PCBs, Adsorption, Breakthrough CurveProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe 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.