Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/R007373/1
Exploring and imaging nano- to micro-scale graphite-organic interactions underpinning novel water treatments
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor BE van Dongen, The University of Manchester, Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
- Grant held at:
- The University of Manchester, Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
- Science Area:
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Freshwater
- ENRIs:
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Waste Management
- Pollution
- Water Quality
- Abstract:
- Although the United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 64/292, explicitly recognized the human right to water and acknowledged that clean drinking water is essential to the realisation of all human rights, still around 663 million people worldwide lack access to an improved water source, making this one of the biggest environmental problems of our time. In the UK water suppliers are required to comply with the requirements set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Any compounds that alter the colour, taste or content (at concentrations above limit set by the DWI) of water need to be removed before water is deemed to be fit for consumption. This represents a real challenge for the water industry as some organic compounds are persistent in water or cannot be removed by current technologies/treatment methods. Recently, Arvia technology Ltd (the case partner in this project) developed a novel water treatment technology that uses a low capacity, proprietary graphitic adsorbent material (Nyex TM) that can be electrochemically regenerated, to remove and completely oxidize organic contaminants from aqueous solutions. This technology has been successfully applied in the removal of acid violet and metaldehyde from water and has the potential to remove a wide range of other organic contaminants. Although, this technology might provide a simple, flexible and reliable solution to organic waste problems with significantly lower operating costs than traditional alternatives it remains unclear whether this is possible. This is because the fundamental molecular scale adsorption processes associated with this technology and the effectiveness of removing target contaminants in complex, natural, water samples, such as peat waters, are still poorly understood. In this project the effectiveness of this process for the destruction of a variety of organic/organometallic compounds (such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in synthetic and complex (natural) water matrices will be assessed. This will be done using, small/lab scale set ups as well as larger, industry size treatment units. A variety of state of the art analytical and imaging technologies, including techniques that allow detailed information about the organic composition and structure at the single and sub-particle level to be collected, will be used to examine the fundamental relationships behind the attachment, detachment and possible fragmentation reactions that occur on the adsorbent surface during the process. These will include experiments to characterise the starting material and to acquire snapshots of ex situ reacted surfaces. Modelling of adsorbate-organics interactions will be used to produce predictive models for different classes of contaminants. Critically, the synergy of the lab scale and larger scale experiments, the use of state of the art analytical/imaging techniques and modelling will allow the effectiveness of the destruction process to be deduced, providing a step change in our understanding of this potentially important novel water treatment method. It it is anticipated that there will be benefits to all parties within this collaboration. This project presents a research student with a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional development through the delivery of a strategic solution in an industrial environment. The project will foster exchange of ideas and knowledge both ways between academia and the water industry. Ultimately the transformation of fundamental science into industrial practice/process will benefit all, particularly those that currently have no or limited access to clean drinking water.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/R007373/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- NPIF Allocation
This training grant award has a total value of £88,293
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £17,295 | £11,000 | £59,998 |
If you need further help, please read the user guide.