Grantee Research Project Results
Evaluation of Chitosan Coagulation as a Sustainable Method for Point of Use Drinking Water Treatment in Developing Countries
EPA Grant Number: SU834295Title: Evaluation of Chitosan Coagulation as a Sustainable Method for Point of Use Drinking Water Treatment in Developing Countries
Investigators: Sobsey, Mark D. , Ligon, Grant C. , Hiser, Ashley F. , Clark, Lily P. , Kaufman, Amanda , Casanova, Lisa , Elliott, Mark
Current Investigators: Sobsey, Mark D. , Ligon, Grant C. , Soros, Ampai , Armstrong, Andrew , Knee, Jackie , Casanova, Lisa
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2009 through August 17, 2010
Project Amount: $9,990
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2009) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
We will evaluate the effectiveness of chitosan coagulation for drinking water treatment both alone and as an improvement for other POU methods.
Approach:
The experimental approach will measure the effectiveness of chitosan alone and in combination with a currently available POU ceramic filter to remove bacteria and viruses from water. Laboratory studies will determine if chitosan alone and chitosan+filtration can meet the EPA standards for POU devices of 6 log10 removal of bacteria and 4 log10 removal of viruses.
Expected Results:
The goal of point of use (POU) technology is to allow people who only have access to unsafe water sources to improve the quality of their water by treating it in the home. Available POU technologies, including chemical disinfectants and filters, hold great promise for households in the developing world. However, current technologies have effectiveness gaps. Not all POUs are effective against all three classes of pathogens that cause waterborne diarrheal disease: viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The technical challenge is to improve current POUs so that they are effective against all three classes of pathogens. Chitosan coagulation is a potential solution that has not been previously explored. Chitosan, a nontoxic biopolymer, is a widely available waste product of commercial crustacean harvesting. Chitosan coagulation offers a sustainable, low-cost method for water treatment and provides an alternative use for a common waste product.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectRelevant Websites:
Phase 2 AbstractProgress and Final Reports:
P3 Phase II:
Evaluation of Chitosan Coagulation as a Sustainable Method for Point of Use Drinking Water Treatment in Developing Countries | 2011 Progress Report | Final ReportThe 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.