Perchlorate Destruction and Potable Water Production Using Membrane Biofilm Reduction
ER-200541
Objective
The objective of this project is to demonstrate and validate that a membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) coupled with downstream media filtration is capable of destroying nitrate and perchlorate in extracted groundwater as well as producing water that is potable. Specific technical objectives are to (1) demonstrate the performance of the MBfR system to destroy perchlorate and nitrate in groundwater and produce potable water at a pilot scale, (2) estimate full-scale technology costs, (3) obtain a letter of conditional acceptance for the technology from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), (4) conduct a safe demonstration, and (5) have no permit violations. The demonstration will be conducted at a well located in the West Valley Water District in California.
Technology Description
The MBfR includes numerous hollow fiber membranes onto which anaerobic nitrate- and perchlorate-reducing bacteria grow as a biofilm. Hydrogen gas is delivered to the lumen of these hollow fibers and used by these bacteria as an electron donor. Carbon dioxide naturally present in groundwater is used as a carbon source by the nitrate- and perchlorate-reducing bacteria. The bacteria biologically reduce nitrate and perchlorate present in the groundwater to harmless nitrogen gas, water, and chloride ions. The MBfR is designed with two stages operated in series to promote flow and first-order kinetics to increase process efficiency. Aerobic stabilization and conventional media filtration are used downstream of the MBfR to remove residual dissolved organic carbon, suspended solids, and bacteria, thereby producing potable water.
Benefits
The MBfR technology is capable of nitrate and perchlorate destruction and does not generate a brine requiring further treatment. Use of hydrogen as an electron donor as opposed to carbon sources such as ethanol and acetic acid can result in less sludge production compared to conventional bioreactor technologies. Membrane technologies are being used extensively in drinking water plants across the United States, thus the MBfR is also more consistent with existing potable water production processes. The overall process is expected to be cost effective with operating costs anticipated at $100 per acre-foot. (Anticipated Project Completion – 2012)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr. Patrick Evans
CDM Smith
Phone: 206-351-0228
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.