Removal of biologically active micropollutants from wastewater using advanced water treatment technologies

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Technologies for the treatment of drinking water and wastewater have traditionally focused on controlling nutrients and pathogens. However, there is increasing interest in developing technologies that specifically remove contaminants from water; especially in areas of the world where water is scarce and there is recycling of domestic and industrial wastewater for other applications. The focus of this project is to determine whether water treatment technologies that involve oxidation with ultraviolet (UV) light in the presence of hydrogen peroxide are effective in removing priority contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting substances of domestic and industrial origin. We will also determine what byproducts are formed during these oxidative treatment processes. In addition, we will evaluate the removal of biological activity (e.g. estrogenicity)from water as a result of oxidative treatment. This work will contribute to an understanding of the rates and mechanisms by which contaminants in water are degraded through photo-oxidation. The project will be conducted as a collaborative venture between the Water Quality Centre at Trent University and Trojan Technologies Inc. of London, Ontario. The results of this research will enhance the capacity of Canadian companies, such as Trojan Technologies to develop and market technologies that have applications for the treatment of drinking water and wastewater.