Grantee Research Project Results

2024 Progress Report: Developing surrogate-based crediting frameworks for virus control through water recycling facilities

EPA Grant Number: R840256
Title: Developing surrogate-based crediting frameworks for virus control through water recycling facilities
Investigators: Wigginton, Krista , Haas, Charles N. , Gerrity, Daniel , Pecson, Brian , Olivieri, Adam
Institution: University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
EPA Project Officer: Ludwig-Monty, Sarah
Project Period: August 1, 2021 through May 8, 2025
Project Period Covered by this Report: August 1, 2023 through July 31,2024
Project Amount: $1,239,980
RFA: Viral Pathogen and Surrogate Approaches for Assessing Treatment Performance in Water Reuse (2021) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Water Treatment

Objective:

This research aims to develop predictive models for virus removal (Log Removal Values, or LRV) in water treatment processes, focusing on common viral contaminants. The project objectives include: (1) gathering robust datasets through literature reviews and bench-scale experiments, (2) developing models to estimate LRV with key water quality and process parameters, and (3) exploring frameworks to apply these models in real-world water treatment systems.

Progress Summary:

Data Collection (Objective 1):

Systematic Reviews: Comprehensive literature reviews were conducted on coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation (C/F/S), biological treatment, and ozone-based processes. The C/F/S review covered 32 records and provided LRV data for use in model development. Data extraction for 65 records is ongoing for ozone processes, expected to complete by Q4 2025. A manuscript detailing the biological treatment literature review has been submitted.
Bench-Scale Experiments: To address gaps in literature, bench-scale experiments on secondary biological treatment were conducted at the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), benchscale ozone experiments were conducted at UM, and C/F/S experiments were conducted at Trussell Technologies. Comparative analyses involving human viruses (e.g., CVB5) and common phages were performed to improve understanding of virus removal across treatment stages.

2. Model Development (Objective 2):

The datasets from literature reviews and bench experiments are being integrated to construct predictive models. These models show promise in predicting LRV across different treatment parameters.

3. Framework Development (Objective 3):

The team is assessing various frameworks to implement these models effectively, with preliminary results presented at national conferences.

The next phase will complete the ozone literature review, finalize model validation, and refine frameworks for practical application in water treatment facilities. This project will provide water utilities and policymakers with valuable tools to predict virus removal efficiency, thus enhancing public health protection in drinking water systems.

Future Activities:

We will finalize our datasets, develop models capable of predicting LRVs with commonly measured parameters, and work with our Regulatory Advisory Committee to use the models into regulatory frameworks for the potable reuse industry.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 4 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

Carbon-based advanced treatment (CBAT), direct potable reuse, indirect potable reuse, virus log removal values, sub-residual ozone, biological treatment, coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation.

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

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.