Publication Date

5-2012

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Dr. Cathleen Webb (Director), Dr. Bangbo Yan, Dr. Rui Zhang

Degree Program

Department of Chemistry

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Contamination of drinking water with metals is a major problem facing many areas of United States and the World. There is a need for an inexpensive remediation technology for the removal of metals in drinking water that can be applied to small rural water systems. This research will focus on the development of a process for removal of select metals from drinking water by limestone-based material. Metals in drinking water considered for this research include lead and selenium. Limestone-based material has demonstrated the potential to reduce select metals (lead, cadmium and arsenic) in drinking water, with the additional benefit of low-cost disposal of a stable waste product in ordinary landfills.

Earlier research by the principal investigators using limestone-based material for drinking water treatment has clearly shown that this material can achieve metals removal of greater than 90 percent. This project will investigate techniques to improve removal efficiency of limestone-based material through adsorption and precipitation. This research will assist in the development of a granular adsorbent product that will remove metals and that can be manufactured and sold for use at the drinking water source, at point-of-use, or at point-of entry.

Disciplines

Chemistry | Environmental Chemistry | Water Resource Management

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