Water Treatment

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) received funding from the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) in September 2013 to investigate a novel salt and organic removal technology. Using microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) technology and salt removal via capacitive deionization (CDI) to remove organic compounds present in produced water was investigated. This project was conducted in collaboration with CAP Holdings Company (CHC), which provided expertise in CDI technology. Converting soluble organic compounds via MEC was coupled to salt removal via CDI, providing a proof of principle for synergistic salt and organic removal. Hydrogen was generated by MEC from organic compounds and used to produce renewable electricity via a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell , which was then used to power the CDI cell to achieve deionization.

All over the world the presence of arsenic in water sources for human consumption has been raising great concern in terms of public health since many epidemiologic studies confirm the potential carcinogenic effect of arsenic. Because arsenic removal is the most frequent option for safe drinking water, the development of more efficient and sustainable technologies is extremely important. Membrane separation processes are suitable for water treatment because they can provide an absolute barrier for bacteria and viruses, besides removing turbidity and colour. Their application is a promising technology in arsenic removal since it does not require the addition of chemical reagents nor the preliminary oxidation of arsenite required in conventional treatment options. However, since membrane technologies such as reverse osmosis can be a very expensive and unsustainable treatment option for small water supply systems, it becomes crucial that alternative methods are developed. This work presents a few conclusions based on a laboratorial study performed to evaluate the efficiency of arsenic removal using ultrafiltration, microfiltration and solar oxidation processes under different experimental conditions for relevant parameters. The results showed removal efficiencies higher than 90%. Key-words: safe drinking water, arsenic removal, membranes, public health.

In this study water quality was indicated in terms of Water Quality Index that was determined through summarizing multiple parameters of water test results. This index offers a useful representation of the overall quality of water for public or any intended use as well as indicating pollution, which are useful in water quality management and decision making. The application of Water Quality Index (WQI) with ten physicochemical water quality parameters was performed to evaluate the quality of Euphrates River water for drinking usage. This was done by subjecting the water samples collected from seven stations within Al-Anbar province during the period 2004-2010 to comprehensive physicochemical analysis.

This is an introduction to water treatment systems and technology. It is not a design manual or an exhaustive treatise. It is intended for engineers who are not regularly involved in water treatment projects, but who are interested in learning some of the basics involved. Criteria to be followed in determining the necessity for and the extent of treatment are discussed here, as are procedures applicable to the planning of water treatment projects.