Tech solutions and innovations are mainstays towards achieving a water-wise world. Water Tech Spotlight is a monthly blog that aims to highlight worldwide the latest technology developments in the water industry. Scroll down to find out more.

1. EMERGING SOLUTIONS FOR PFAS REMOVAL

Depiction of the system working mechanism: 1. Pollutants separation and confinement; 2. Oxidation of the detained pollutants; 3. Regeneration of the system. Image courtesy of Dr. Samapti Kundu

Two promising solutions for removing PFAS from water are prevailing in research: using oxidation processes and using targeted polymers adsorbing pollutants. Technion researchers have developed an innovative technology combining these two methods – extracting the pollutants with special polymers followed by advanced oxidation processes to remove them. This method was described and published in Chemical Engineering Journal.  Seven types of PFAS were tested and a removal efficiency as high as 90% can be achieved within a few minutes. Read more…

2. RAPID REMEDIATION OF HEAVY METAL-CONTAMINATED WATER THROUGH IRON-BASED PRIMARY BATTERY

Schematic illustration of removal mechanism. Image courtesy of GUO Xinyue

Recently, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) updated a fast and promising method for the removal of Cd(II) in water on the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. They have coated nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) with conductive carbon paint (CCP) to fabricate a primary battery nanosystem and investigated the performance of this new nanocomposite (CCP@NZVI) under different conditions. An enhanced removal efficiency was observed at 95% within 5 minutes. Additionally, the study evaluated the biosafety effectiveness of this new remedy, and the results demonstrated a great potential for widespread deployment in the environmental field. Read more…

3. FUTURISTIC CAMERAS TO SURVEY PIPES UNDERGROUND

The new camera compared to the traditional larger camera. Image courtesy of Welsh Water

Welsh Water and API (Advanced Pipe Inspection) are collaborating on a new innovative camera system to investigate the condition of water supply pipes. The project promises to enhance customer experience by reducing supply disruption. The  small cameras enter the water main through existing fire hydrants and generate a live video of the pipe’s condition. On top of this, Welsh Water is working with Kenton Pearce of AVK on the world’s first see-through 3D printed  model of the fire hydrants to understand how the equipment will work. Read more…

4. REWAISE AND THE “SMART WATER ECOSYSTEM”

The demonstration plant consisting of an anaerobic reactor connected to 3 membrane tanks. Image courtesy of Ángel Robles et al.

Funded through the H2020 programme, REWAISE is a major initiative led by four European water utilities to create a new smart water ecosystem, engaging 25 entities across Europe to test technological innovations in real water environments. After a successful pilot of an anaerobic bioreactor for treating 1 m3/day in Vigo, the design of a demo unit for sewer mining for treating 55 m3/day of wastewater from a local car factory has been completed. The unit is capable of repurposing water for cooling, washing and processing, transforming organic matter into biogas and recovering nutrients. New designs are also in the pipeline to create a large ultrafiltration plant for treating surface water following the successful pilot tests to compare membranes and define quality parameters. Read more… 

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