Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Commercialization of Kenaf-Based Biosorptive Process for Use in the Treatment of Contaminated Aqueous Streams

EPA Contract Number: EPD05050
Title: Commercialization of Kenaf-Based Biosorptive Process for Use in the Treatment of Contaminated Aqueous Streams
Investigators: Brasher, Brent
Small Business: KenGro Corporation
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: April 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006
Project Amount: $223,560
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (2005) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , SBIR - Waste , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

Much of the contaminated surface water and groundwater currently undergoing treatment, or scheduled for treatment, contains organic and/or inorganic contaminants at relatively low levels (sub 100 ppm levels); these levels, however, still are well above regulatory thresholds, requiring treatment prior to discharge. Within the southeastern United States, many industries are small businesses that already are stressed by today’s market environment. Additionally, regulations implemented in 1999 under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Phase II storm water regulations require management of contaminated runoff from industrial drainage zones. Current treatment technologies are expensive, and current treatment processes cannot handle the high levels of suspended solids and low-level secondary chemicals. A biosorptive process is under development, and commercialization of kenaf as an adsorbent for use in a continuous aqueous stream is envisioned. The objectives of this research were to: analyze the evaluation of washing techniques, additional isotherms, multiple adsorbates, and composting; the impact of surface oxidation; analyze the aging effect on product performance; and conduct onsite pilot research. This research will lead to the overall objective of completing a market assessment and an assessment of the commercial potential of the developed process.

The purpose of the research was to evaluate the kenaf biosorptive process for use in the treatment of contaminated aqueous streams. Conventional wastewater and groundwater cleanup technologies have inherit limitations associated with costs, performance, and operational protocols. The developed process would offer a cheaper alternative along with numerous technical benefits.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

The results demonstrate that there is no significant advantage to a specific washing technique; a freshwater prewash, therefore, will be advised before using kenaf in commercial applications. Surface oxidation did not significantly improve the adsorption capacity over freshwater washing. Kenaf aging is a factor in adsorption capacity, so proper storage is necessary. Kenaf performed well with additional adsorbates as well as multiple adsorbates and composting kenaf that is contaminated with lead can be used to concentrate heavy metals. The pilot systems provided an opportunity to evaluate kenaf and prove its potential application in full-scale systems for the treatment of contaminated wastewater. Kenaf is a stable column packing material, which can be used over extended periods without significant loss of structural integrity, and it has acceptable hydraulic conductivity.

Conclusions:

The findings of this research have answered several key concerns, which needed to be explored to pursue marketing kenaf for the treatment of aqueous streams. Eliminating the need for special washing techniques as well as oxidation treatments has greatly reduced the cost associated with each action, keeping it cost competitive. The need to evaluate additional isotherms is necessary to advance marketing opportunities. Composting spent fiber will allow companies to not only reduce disposal cost but also allows the opportunity to concentrate metals for reclamation. The results from this study will be used to market an innovative solution into a mature market.

Supplemental Keywords:

kenaf, bast fiber, adsorbents, adsorbates, activated carbon, resins, contaminated surface water, contaminated groundwater, composting, biosorptive process, zinc, lead, isotherm, SBIR, small business, oxidation, wastewater, cleanup technologies, packed columns, organic, inorganic, storm water, economic benefit, technical benefit, cellulose-based, natural adsorbents, biodegradation, petroleum, effluent concentration, freshwater, GAC, hydrocarbon,, Scientific Discipline, Waste, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Environmental Chemistry, Groundwater remediation, Chemicals, Environmental Engineering, heavy metals, kenaf based biosorptive process, adsorbable metals, lead, aquifer remediation, contaminated aquifers, groundwater contamination, contaminated groundwater, remediation technologies

SBIR Phase I:

Commercialization of Kenaf-Based Biosorptive Process for Use in the Treatment of Contaminated Aqueous Streams