I/UCRC FRP: Electrocoagulation for the Mitigation of Emerging Biological and Chemical Contaminants

本研究所/UCRC基础研究计划项目旨在通过阐明使用电凝（EC）作为饮用水处理的可持续替代方案来缓解环境保护局污染物候选清单（CCL）病毒和雌激素的机制，解决一些关键的知识空白。本研究首次通过EC对3种CCL病毒（腺病毒、杯状病毒和肠病毒）和4种CCL雌激素（E1、E2、E3和EE2）的治疗效果进行了基本评估。通过直接比较EC、常规混凝和使用氯和活性氧（ROS）的氧化，将进一步了解系统的能力。絮团吸附后的沉降或浮选的作用将被量化，电解产生的活性氯或活性氧的氧化潜力也将被量化。这些发现旨在为改进水处理工艺设计，环境监管框架，以及更深入地了解相关处理工艺的潜力提供科学依据，包括那些依赖于吸附以及传统和高级氧化的处理工艺。拟议的努力对改善水和废水基础设施（可能在市政、家庭和紧急饮用水使用情况下实施）、公共卫生、能源和相关的经济影响具有更广泛的影响。这项工作得到了行业咨询委员会以及该中心的个别行业成员的支持，并有可能扩大中心的投资组合，同时有可能吸引新成员。这项与行业相关的研究利用了三名具有不同专业领域的pi，两名研究生研究人员和行业导师的参与。通过将学生与该项目的研究以及行业联系起来，鼓励学生对STEM教育和职业的兴趣和参与。

This I/UCRC Fundamental Research Program project seeks to address some of the critical knowledge gaps by elucidating the mechanisms of mitigation of Environmental Protection Agency's Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) viruses and estrogens using electrocoagulation (EC) as a sustainable alternative for drinking water treatment. This research provides the first fundamental assessment of the treatment efficacy of 3 CCL viruses (adenovirus, calicivirus, and enteroviruses) and 4 CCL estrogens (E1, E2, E3, and EE2) via EC. Understanding of system capabilities will advance through direct comparisons of EC, conventional coagulation, and oxidation using chlorine and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The role of floc adsorption followed by sedimentation or flotation will be quantified, as will the potential for oxidation by electrolytically-generated active chlorine or ROS species. These findings are intended to provide the scientific basis for improved water treatment process design, environmental regulatory framework, and deeper understanding of the potential of related treatment processes, including those that rely on adsorption as well as conventional and advanced oxidation. The proposed effort effort has broader implications for improved water and wastewater infrastructure (with potential for implementation in municipal, household, and emergency potable use scenarios), public health, energy, and the associated economic implications. The work is supported by the Industry Advisory Board as well as individual industry members of the center and has the potential to extend the center's portfolio while potentially attracting new members. This industry-relevant research leverages participation of three PIs with diverse areas of expertise, two graduate student researchers, and industry mentors. Student interest and involvement in STEM education and careers is encouraged by connecting students with the effort's research as well as industry contacts.