Grantee Research Project Results
A Sustainable Approach to Nitrate Reduction Combining a Riparian Zone with a Stream Denitrifying Biofilm
EPA Grant Number: SU834336Title: A Sustainable Approach to Nitrate Reduction Combining a Riparian Zone with a Stream Denitrifying Biofilm
Investigators: Barone, Justin Robert
Current Investigators: Barone, Justin Robert , Tucker, Alex , Downs, Jennifer , Palazzolo, Jessica , Flickinger, Joshua , Breighner, Koren , Thies, Melissa , McAnulty, Mike , Kesecker, Scott
Institution: Virginia Tech
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2009 through August 14, 2010
Project Amount: $9,927
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 - Chemical Safety , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities , Nanotechnology
Objective:
We propose a holistic approach combining a biotechnological solution incorporated into a natural setting. We will design a sustainable stream denitrifying biofilm that can be incorporated into a uniquely designed section of a stream to biologically treat water.
Approach:
We intend to couple a student-designed riparian zone with a biofilm by culturing denitrifying bacteria collected from near the stream. We will then design controlled flows in a laboratory setting to assess the amount of nitrate reduced per square meter for a controlled volume of water at various flow rates based on our design. This can then be used to design full-scale riparian zone/biofilm systems that can be incorporated into the natural stream setting.
Expected Results:
1) an optimum riparian zone design based on native or non-invasive plants to Southern Virginia and expected flow conditions and 2) an optimum biofilm design based on the ability to augment the riparian zone during inefficient times at the same conditions.
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:
A Sustainable Approach to Nitrate Reduction Using a Stream Denitrifying Biofilm | 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.