Grantee Research Project Results

Fundamental Studies on Management of Industrial Sludges Enhanced Flocculation of Fine Particle Suspensions by Manipulation of Polymer Conformation.

EPA Grant Number: R823301
Title: Fundamental Studies on Management of Industrial Sludges Enhanced Flocculation of Fine Particle Suspensions by Manipulation of Polymer Conformation.
Investigators: Somasundaran, P.
Institution: Columbia University in the City of New York
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: October 1, 1995 through September 1, 1998
Project Amount: $300,000
RFA: Exploratory Research - Engineering (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Safer Chemicals , Land and Waste Management

Description:

Efficient treatment of industrial waste slimes involves rapid separation of ultrafine solids from liquid, followed by consolidation of the resultant sludge. Separation of ultrafine solids from liquid by filtration or sedimentation requires agglomeration of fines into relatively large flocs using polymeric reagents. The properties of flocs depends on the adsorbed layer microscopic characteristics such as conformation of the polymer and the number of attachment points between polymer and the surface. In our studies we will attempt to establish correlations between microscopic properties of the adsorbed layer and the structural properties of flocs and to appropriately manipulate the adsorbed layer characteristics to obtain desired flocculation/ consolidation response. Spectroscopic techniques of fluorescence, electron spin resonance and resonance Raman will be used to probe the adsorbed layer properties. Studies will be initially conducted with model systems to identify optimum parametric conditions and reagent schemes for obtaining the desired flocculation/consolidation. The results of these studies will then be used to test and optimize the flocculation/consolidation behavior of natural slimes.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 7 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

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

Supplemental Keywords:

waste management, environmental engineering, industrial waste slimes, industrial sledges, enhanced flocculation, polymer conformation, spectroscopic techniques of fluorescence, electron spin resonance, optimum parametric conditions for desired flocculation, consolidation., Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Hazardous, Environmental Chemistry, Hazardous Waste, New/Innovative technologies, Environmental Engineering, industrial waste, innovative technologies, hazardous waste management, hazardous waste treatment, enhanced flocculation, hazardous waste identification, optimum parametric conditions, waste management, electron spin resonance, polymer conformation, advanced treatment technologies, alternatives to incineration

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.