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Nontoxic Exotic Species/Organic Compound Waterway Contamination Control

EPA Contract Number: 68D01017
Title: Nontoxic Exotic Species/Organic Compound Waterway Contamination Control
Investigators: James, Patrick I.
Small Business: Eltron Research Inc.
EPA Contact: Manager, SBIR Program
Phase: I
Project Period: April 1, 2001 through September 1, 2001
Project Amount: $69,994
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2000)
Research Category: SBIR - Water , Water and Watersheds

Description:

Eltron Research, Inc.'s program is directed towards the development and evaluation of an electrolytic technology for the onsite physiochemical treatment of vessel ballast and bilge water to control the waterway spread of biological infestations and chemical contamination. The technology relies on a split electrolytic cell that allows for the onsite electrolytic production of an environmentally gentle, noncorrosive sterilization/ purification solution containing hydrogen peroxide with consumables being restricted, in principal, to electricity, dissolved oxygen (derived from air sparging), and water. The resulting system will consist of an electrolytic cell employing a polymer electrolyte, a cathode electrocatalyst, and a platinum-coated anode employed in a split-electrolyte configuration. The resulting electrolyte on the cathode half of the cell that is generated during operation provides the treatment solution for the safe and cost-effective automated sterilization/purification of ballast/bilge water, while the anodic process allows neutralization of the treated ballast prior to discharge. The prototype system to be constructed and evaluated during the course of this program will be directed towards demonstrating the technology efficacy on small-sized vessels as a preliminary step to full-scale development.

The technology produced also would be of interest for application to general disinfection and water purification in the presence of low levels of organic contamination. Commercial applications for this technology would include industries requiring sterilization methods such as water treatment, hospitals, and biotechnology production facilities. The technology is expected to find general application for the noncorrosive, nonhazardous inhibition of biofouling in applications such as cooling towers, heat exchanger recirculation loops, and filtration systems. Water purification uses would include small-scale treatment of organic waste spills. Other private industries that would benefit from this advanced oxidation process include water purification, semiconductor processing, and the chemicals and pharmaceutical processing industries.

Supplemental Keywords:

small business, SBIR, water treatment, water, engineering, chemistry, EPA, noncorrosive sterilization, vessel ballast water, bilge water, disinfection, purification. , Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Water, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Wastewater, Ecosystem/Assessment/Indicators, Drinking Water, exploratory research environmental biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Ecological Indicators, Biochemistry, Environmental Engineering, Ecological Effects - Human Health, Environmental Chemistry, Ecological Effects - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Ecosystem Protection, Monitoring/Modeling, Engineering, bilge water, ballast water, waterway, other - risk management, disinfection, biological infestation
SBIR Phase II:

Nontoxic Exotic Species/Organic Compound Waterway Contamination Control

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The 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.

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