Researchers from the University of Delaware (UD), USA, have developed an inexpensive, nonchlorine-based technology that can remove both harmful microorganisms, including viruses, and disinfection byproducts, from drinking water. UD's patented technology, developed jointly by researchers in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Engineering, incorporates highly reactive elemental or "zero-valent" iron (Fe) in the filtering process. The technology was found to be effective in removing human pathogens including E. coli 0157:H7, hepatitis A, norovirus and rotavirus. Zero-valent iron is widely available as a byproduct of iron and steel production, and costs less than US$ 0.40 a pound (€ 0.66 per kg).

Zero-valent iron also removes organic material, such as humic acid, that naturally occurs in groundwater and other sources of drinking water. During the disinfection process, this natural organic material can react with chlorine to produce a variety of toxic disinfection byproducts.

Currently, the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) in Calgary, Canada, is exploring the use of UD technology in a portable water treatment unit for developing countries.

UD is pursuing commercialization opportunities for the research. Patents have been filed in the United States, Canada, France, Germany and Switzerland.

Contact: Bruce Morrissey, UD director of technology development, Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies, +1-302- 8314230, brucem@udel.edu ; Pei Chiu, Associate Professor, UD Dept. Of Civil and Environmental Engineering, USA, pei@ce.udel.edu, http://www.ce.udel.edu/~pei/

Related publication: You, Y. … [et al.] (2005). Removal and inactivation of waterborne viruses using zero-valent iron. Environmental science & technology ; vol. 39, no. 23 ; p. 9263-9269. DOI: 10.1021/es050829j

Source: Tracey Bryant, UDaily, 26 Feb 2007

Tags: water quality