Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Novel Bioterrorism Decontamination Systems

EPA Contract Number: 68D02081
Title: Novel Bioterrorism Decontamination Systems
Investigators: Nemser, Stuart
Small Business: Compact Membrane Systems Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 30, 2002 through March 31, 2003
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2002) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics

Description:

Under a Phase I grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS) has conducted a research project focused on the destruction of biological or chemical warfare agents (BWA or CWA). The ultimate goals of this project were the neutralization and decontamination of buildings and the environment as well as the protection of civilians and health care and military personnel. The focus of this project was the introduction of various additives to the CMS membrane that directly destroys BWAs or CWAs, thereby rendering them inactive.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

The major findings of the research project include:

· Destructive additives could be introduced into the membrane-free volume or deposited on the membrane surface.

· A membrane modified by the addition of this destructive agent was able to reduce surrogate organic compound (e.g., methylene blue, butane, heptane, propylene, methyl ethyl ketone) concentration by nominally 90 percent.

· Preliminary work has shown this novel technique to be more successful than current methods (e.g., ultraviolet light) for the destruction of Staphylococcus aureus, and that more work is needed to fully characterize the effects on BWA or CWA.

Conclusions:

The product concept resulting from the Phase I research project is the introduction of a destructive agent into the free volume or on the surface of the membrane. Test results using a membrane modified to contain these destructive agents showed the complete destruction of surrogate organic molecules, as well as a positive effect on the destruction of S. aureus. Therefore, it is believed that these agents will be successful in neutralizing much of the BWA or CWA that comes in contact with the membrane decontaminating the surrounding area. This clearly meets and exceeds program goals and the goals established by the EPA.

Supplemental Keywords:

biological warfare agents, BWA, chemical warfare agents, CWA, membrane, bioterrorism, decontamination, Staphylococcus aureus, SBIR., Air, Scientific Discipline, Environmental Chemistry, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, chemical treatment, microbial contaminants, homeland security, pathogenic microbes, decontamination, biological warfare agents, anthrax, chemical warfare agents, bioterrorism