New Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards have reduced the maximum concentration of arsenic in drinking water from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb, creating an expensive dilemma for 4,000 American municipalities and nearly 14 million homeowners.
Now, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) nanotechnology researchers have engineered a revolutionary and affordable material called Nano-Composite Arsenic Sorbent, or N-CAS, that is up to seven times more effective than the best material currently available.
This technology will aid millions of Americans, but also more than 70 million people around the globe, who are exposed to dangerous arsenic concentrations in their drinking water.
Because of the far-reaching impact N-CAS will have throughout the world, R&D magazine recently announced that INL will receive an R&D 100 Award.
N-CAS contains high concentrations of arsenic-adsorbing nano-particle metal oxides embedded in a strong composite polymer matrix. It excels in offering significant reaction kinetics, exceptional strength and an extreme surface area. In fact, one gram of N-CAS contains 40% more adsorbent surface area than the square footage of the average American home.
It is estimated that one gallon of N-CAS can treat 350-400,000 gallons of water compared to 50,000 for the next best material today.
N-CAS will also be recognized by Nanotech Briefs, a digital magazine from the publishers of NASA Tech Briefs — the country's largest-circulation design engineering magazine. Called the Nano 50 Award, this award in its second year recognizes the top 50 technology advancements conducted at the nanotechnology level.
N-CAS was selected for this award because this nano-engineered composite removes arsenic from drinking water effectively, efficiently and affordably.
Troy Tranter, research team leader, said, "We are hoping that our long-lasting, high-capacity nanocomposite polymer will help deliver safe drinking water to Americans and people around the world. The exceptional recognition for our team's success is very gratifying."
According to Nanotech Briefs, the winners are the "best of the best" — the innovative people and designs that will move nanotechnology to key mainstream markets.
Extending INL's consecutive award-winning streak to a full decade, N-CAS researchers, along with three other INL technologies, will be honored at Chicago's Navy Pier in October during the 2006 R&D 100 Award presentation. Nanotech Briefs will honor its Nano 50 awardees in November at the NASA Tech Briefs National Nano Engineering Conference in Boston.
INL researchers developed a long-lasting, high-capacity nanocomposite polymer particle engineered to remove arsenic concentrations from water, rendering it safe to drink and compliant with U.S. and world standards.
