Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Inexpensive Composite Materials for Arsenic (III/V) Removal From Drinking Water

EPA Contract Number: 68D02039
Title: Inexpensive Composite Materials for Arsenic (III/V) Removal From Drinking Water
Investigators: Hughes, Kenneth D.
Small Business: WaterVisions International Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: April 1, 2002 through September 1, 2002
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2002) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Water and Wastewater , Watersheds , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

Arsenic-contaminated drinking water is both a domestic and international problem. Source water testing has indicated that globally, more than 100 million people are affected. Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization require drinking water to contain less than 10 ppb of arsenic. Arsenic levels in drinking water in excess of 10 ppb have been linked to many types of cancers, diabetes, and heart disease.

Point-of-use (POU) devices in combination with central water utility treatment efforts can provide improvements in arsenic treatment economics. This Phase I research project involved the fabrication and testing of drinking water filter cartridges composed of a proprietary mixture of inexpensive, nontoxic water-treatment materials. Reduction of arsenic species and fabrication of a filter cartridge that simultaneously addresses multiple drinking water health and aesthetic issues were the primary targets of this Phase I proof-of-concept effort.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

This Phase I research project has involved the fabrication of prototype water filtration cartridges using readily available materials and standard thermoplastic binder technology. The primary objective of the project is to provide proof-of-principle that the manufacture of inexpensive arsenic treatment technology for use in POU and point-of-entry (POE) devices is possible, and that the 10 ppb concentration limit can be met with these devices. The prototype filters were tested using a National Science Foundation-proposed influent water product certification "cocktail." Filter cartridge function throughout the full drinking water pH range was investigated. An economic impact assessment and secondary market research report was completed with an independent consulting group. The market research generated discussions with strategic partners who will assist in the commercialization of this technology in the industrial and consumer markets.

Conclusions:

The main Phase I conclusions are:

• Using first-generation prototypes, As (III) species were reduced below the 10 ppb regulatory limit using standard flow rates.
• The capacity of a 10-inch unit to reduce As (III) species below the 10 ppb regulatory limit meets residential requirements.
• The capacity of a 10-inch unit for As (III) species reduction was not affected by pH in the "cocktail" solutions proposed for product certification.
• Independent economic analysis indicates that products based on this technology will be very cost-competitive with arsenic treatment products currently on the market.

Results from Phase I testing indicate that inexpensive arsenic treatment technology suitable for POU and POE devices is possible and that these devices will comply with proposed product certification requirements. Commercialization of products based on this composite technology will be in conjunction with strategic partners. These business partners will have in place the marketing and distribution channels required for rapidly disseminating products based on this technology. These strategic partners will be prepared to assist in a Phase II project in the areas noted. The market for low-cost arsenic treatment products is very large in the United States and abroad. The proposed technology provides opportunities for use in economically challenged locations. The majority of drinking water technologies targeting arsenic reduction are "stand-alone" products tailored for a specialized application. Consumer research is indicating that consumers desire simple, nontoxic, and inexpensive products that can simultaneously solve multiple drinking water contamination problems. WaterVisions International, Inc., has developed patented and patent pending technology that will provide the products that consumers are demanding.

Supplemental Keywords:

water purification, heavy metal, toxic, arsenic, drinking water, filter, point-of-use, POU, point-of-entry, POE, contamination, SBIR., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Water, Health Risk Assessment, Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Arsenic, Drinking Water, community water system, Safe Drinking Water, treatment, monitoring, kinetics, composite filters, drinking water system, drinking water contaminants, exposure, water treatment, disinfection byproducts (DPBs), human health effects, risk management, arsenic contaminated sediment, arsenic exposure, detection, exposure and effects, arsenic removal