Novel Activated Carbon Nanofiber Biofilm Support for Enhanced Wastewater Treatment

University Of Connecticut, Storrs CT

Investigators

Abstract

0933553 McCutcheon Increasing aridity in already water scarce regions in the United States and around the world is being exacerbated with increased population combined with climate change. With dwindling freshwater resources in these areas, we are forced to turn to non-traditional water sources, such as reclaimed wastewater. Current wastewater reuse strategies involve the use of expensive and energy intensive membrane technology. These membrane systems, however, are cost prohibitive and require large amounts of energy thereby leading to carbon dioxide emissions which can further exacerbate climate change. There may be other, less energy intensive options that can be used in combination with, or in lieu of, these technologies. This project aims to have a profound impact on the sustainability of wastewater treatment through the incorporation of nanotechnology. By using a fixed electrogenic biofilm on an electrically conductive substrate, organic contaminants in wastewater can be anaerobically degraded. The proposed work considers the use of an activated carbon nanofiber nonwoven (ACNFN) as a novel biofilm substrate as it will facilitate the transfer of electrons from the biofilm during anaerobic degradation, increasing treatment efficiency. A typical platform for evaluating this method of wastewater treatment is the microbial fuel cell (MFC). This project, however, is not intended to maximize power production of the MFC system but instead focuses on elucidating the influence of biofilm substrate architecture, surface area, conductivity, and surface functionality on wastewater treatment efficiency during anaerobic biological treatment, here measured as a reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD). These novel materials, constructed from thermal treatment of polymeric nanofiber precursors offer many advantages over existing conductive biofilm substrates. This project uniquely combines a novel nanomaterial into a wastewater treatment platform. Combining materials science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and chemical engineering, the collaborative research team will use a multidisciplinary approach to integrating these disparate technologies. Carbon-based substrates for MFC treatment systems are common, but never before has a nanofibrous nonwoven carbon material been considered as a biofilm substrate. By using this extraordinary material with excellent electrical properties and an exceptionally high specific surface area, wastewater treatment efficiency of this emerging technology could vastly improve. The societal impacts of energy neutral (or possibly net energy positive) wastewater treatment would be significant given the significant energy allocation currently given to the practice (3% of total energy use in the U.S.). By greatly reducing, or even eliminating this energy requirement, we would improve the sustainability of wastewater treatment while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions which exacerbate climate change. This technology may also provide a low energy treatment option for the developing world, where electricity is not always available in remote areas. For direct potable reuse ever to be accepted, educating the public about various reuse technologies is essential. Both the PI and co-PI are full affiliates of the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, a research center which promotes multidisciplinary research, education, and outreach in environmental science, engineering, policy, and sustainability. Through this entity, The PI and co-PI will conduct a series of education programs, including Engineering 2000 and the da Vinci Project. Both programs specifically target high school students and teachers, respectively, from the Greater Hartford Area and give the PI and co-PI an opportunity to disseminate information about current and emerging water treatment technologies. Underrepresented groups will be specifically encouraged to take advantage of sustainable engineering education and research opportunities through university programs like the Science Engineering & Health Professions Collaborative Symposium at the University of Connecticut and an Environmental Issues Seminar at a local community college