Treatment Processes for Removal of Wastewater Contaminants

This research investigated the degree of association of two representative emerging contaminants, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and nonylphenols, with various colloidal sizes and to determine the removal efficiency of these colloids in wastewater treatment plants. One important implication of colloid-enhanced membrane removal of ARGs, nonylphenol, and other emerging contaminants is the potential for cost and energy savings. If emerging contaminants associate with wastewater colloids, they do not require membranes with the tightness necessary to remove them were the colloids absent. Thus, any potential public and environmental health risks may be reduced using looser membranes which have a lower energy demand. Published by WERF. 142 pages. Online PDF. (2012)

Originally funded as WERF project INFR8SG09.