University Park, Pa. -- Penn State environmental engineers have shown, for the first time, that a microbial fuel cell (MFC) can generate electricity while simultaneously cleaning the wastewater that you flush down the drain or toilet.

So far, the Penn State experiments have produced between 10 and 50 mW of power per square meter of electrode surface or about 5 percent of the amount needed to run one mini-Christmas tree light, while removing up to 78 percent of organic matter as measured by biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).

Dr. Bruce E. Logan, the Kappe professor of environmental engineering and director of the project, says, "MFCs may represent a completely new approach to wastewater treatment. If power generation in these systems can be increased, MFC technology may provide a new method to offset wastewater treatment plant operating costs, making advanced wastewater treatment more affordable for both developing and industrialized nations."

The project is described in a paper, “Production of Electricity During Wastewater Treatment Using a Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell,” released on-line and scheduled for a future issue of Environmental Science and Technology. The authors are Dr. Hong Liu, postdoctoral researcher in environmental engineering; Ramanathan Ramnarayanan, doctoral candidate in materials; and Logan.

Other researchers have shown that MFCs can be used to produce electricity from water containing pure chemicals including glucose, acetate or lactate. The Penn State researchers are the only ones, so far, to show that MFCs can produce electricity directly from wastewater skimmed from the settling pond of a treatment plant.

Microbial fuel cells work through the action of bacteria which can pass electrons to an anode, the negative electrode of a fuel cell. The electrons flow from the anode through a wire, producing a current, to a cathode, the positive electrode of a fuel cell, where they combine with hydrogen ions (protons) and oxygen to form water.

Logan notes that in MFCs currently under investigation in other laboratories, various kinds of bacteria are typically added to the system. However, in the Penn State approach, no special bacteria are added. The naturally occurring bacteria in wastewater drive power production via a reaction that allows them to transport electrons from the cell surface to the anode. In addition, a reaction (oxidation) that occurs in the interior of the bacterial cell lowers the biochemical oxygen demand, cleaning the water.

The current Penn State MFC is about six inches long and 2.5 inches in diameter. It contains eight anodes, composed of graphite, that supply about 36 square inches of surface area to which the bacteria can adhere and pass electrons. The cathode is a carbon/platinum catalyst/proton exchange membrane fused to a plastic support tube.

Logan said, "I'm optimistic that MFCs may be able to help reduce the $25 billion annual cost of wastewater treatment in the U.S. and provide access to sanitation technologies to countries throughout the world."

The project was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation to Logan and Dr. Tom Mallouk, professor of chemistry, who is Ramnarayanan's adviser.

Source:  http://www.psu.edu/

NRDC : Sewage Report Recognizes Need for Clean Water Trust Fund

Washington, DC -- In their report titled “Swimming in Sewage” the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has reached a pivotal conclusion: “The federal government should greatly increase its contribution to water infrastructure needs through a clean water trust fund. Just as a trust fund exists for highway and airport expenditures, the government should establish a trust fund for clean water.”

It is highly newsworthy that the NRDC’s top recommendation in its Executive Summary is for a clean water trust fund — an initiative the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) has touted for some time. This marks an important opportunity for both the activist community and the nation’s public servants to work together for national water quality progress and the public good.

Significantly, NRDC has echoed what the American people already overwhelmingly support, a national trust fund for clean water infrastructure. According to a nationwide survey conducted this month by prominent pollster and communications expert, Frank Luntz, on behalf of AMSA, the American public agrees and overwhelmingly supports the idea of a clean water trust fund. Regardless of political views, gender, race or religion, the message is the same – there is tremendous support for a federal recommitment to water infrastructure funding. Findings from the survey show that:

• 91% are concerned that America’s waterways will not be clean for future generations.

• 90% of the public support a dedicated funding source for clean and safe water.

• 80% support legislation that would create a national long-term sustainable funding source for clean water.

• 80% believe that if America can spend $87 billion to upgrade Iraqi and Afghan infrastructure, the same type of investment should be made at home.

The Congressional Budget Office, the Government Accounting Office and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency all agree there is a national funding gap estimated to be as high as $1 trillion for water infrastructure. The country requires dedicated national funding to help states and localities pay for the necessary sewerage and wastewater treatment systems that will guarantee clean water for future generations of Americans.

While AMSA strongly disagrees with the NRDC’s misleading statements regarding publicly owned treatment utility workers and on key environmental issues, namely overflows and blending, AMSA believes all stakeholders must continue to work together on this critical funding initiative. If you would like to speak further regarding these important clean water issues, please contact AMSA’s national office at the number above.

About the AMSA

AMSA is a national trade association representing hundreds of the nation's publicly owned wastewater treatment utilities. AMSA members serve the majority of the sewered population in the United States and collectively treat and reclaim over 18 billion gallons of wastewater every day. AMSA members are environmental practitioners dedicated to protecting and improving the nation's waters and public health.

Source:  http://www.amsa-cleanwater.org/

Beijing, China -- Good news for the companies, suppliers, service providers and others involved in membrane and water and wastewater. The organizers of former Water China and Membrane China exhibitions now decide to work together on one exhibition-Water & Membrane China 2004! The grand trade show will be held at China World Trade Center, Beijing, September 27-29, 2004.

Water & Membrane China 2004 will be the merge of two influential shows one, making it unparalleled in size and influence. Of the numerous exhibitions on membrane and water in China, now you only need to consider Water & Membrane China 2004 because that is where you will locate the right clients and partners and compete with your very competitors.

Other exciting news, there will be a special offer of 10% off on the booth fee till March 21, 2003. So please don't miss out the saving opportunity.

Join us at Water & Membrane China 2004 to explore cooperation or business opportunities with the following categories of Chinese organizations or companies:

• Ministry of Science and Technology
• Ministry of Construction
• State Environmental Protection Administration
• Water supply utilities
• Water treatment engineering companies
• Wastewater treatment plants
• Users with pharmaceutical, metallurgical, electrical and petrochemical industries
• Water resource departments
• Environmental protection agencies and companies
• Suppliers and distributors of water and wastewater technology and equipment
• Water related research institutes, associations and societies

For more information contact:
Mr. Julius Zhu
Grand Exhibition Services Co., Ltd.
Rm. 318, No. 21 Dongsi Shitiao
Beijing 100007, China
Telephone:  +86-10-8401-8151 / 6405-9097
Cell: +86-1390-104-8399
Fax: +86-10-8401-2838
Email: julius@grandexh.com
Web: http://www.grandexh.com/

People post their requests for help and offer their suggestions to others in our open forum.

Mr. Blabia wants to destroy biocides:

We have a wastewater coming from portable toilets and with a high content of biocides.  Before to send it to a biological treatment plant it must destroy biocides, otherwise, all bacteria's in the biological system will killed.  How can we do that destruction? (Click here to post a reply)

Thanks
Miquel Blabia
BLB Depuradoras S.L
blabia@filtecdepuracion.com

Mr. Rubbelke needs a clear span cover:

We are immediately seeking information on low-profile, light-weight, clear-span covers. This cover must be UV stable, capable of sustaining short term snow loads (prior to melting), moveable (erectable and disassembled) by man-power and cost effective.

The primary purpose for this cover is heat retention.  Please call Joe @ 651-484-5415  (Click here to post a reply)

Joseph Rubbelke
Arden Environmental Engineering
joe.rubbelke@ardenengineers.com

Help Forum:  Share your expertise with others in our Help Forum.

Environmental Resources Manager - WA

City of College Place, WA (pop. 8,800)
Environmental Services Director, Salary: $59,676 - $67,176 Plus excellent benefits.

Located in Walla Walla County nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains and just five miles from the Oregon border, College Place is steeped in history and natural beauty.   Variety is the key word to a bountiful lifestyle in these parts.

Reporting to the City Administrator as a department director, the Environmental Systems Director manages the operations and maintenance of the City's Wastewater Treatment Facility and the environmental and health programs.  The Environmental Systems Director also manages the City's certified water quality laboratory and the Department's six employees.

Candidates should have a BA Degree in engineering or related field and/or five to seven years of progressive experience with three years in a senior management role. Experience can substitute for education.  Candidates should have experience with activated sludge with an emphasis on Sequential Batch Reactor plants and a Washington State Water Pollution Control Plant Operator Certificate and a Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association Associate Certificate or be able to acquire within 6 month.

All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by March 28, 2004 (first review, open until filled).  Please send a letter of interest and resume to humanresources@prothman.com or by regular mail to:

Prothman Company
126 NW Canal St., Suite 210
Seattle, WA  98107  
Telephone:  206 368 0050
Fax:  206 368 0060
Web:  http://www.prothman.com/

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Do you have a position you need to fill?  Visit the Job Fair.

© 1999-2004 Water and Wastewater.com
Home page:  http://www.waterandwastewater.com

Joseph Taylor, Editor
Water and Wastewater Newsletter
3948 South Third Street, No. 121
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Phone: 904-280-4656
Fax: 904-273-1399

Email:  jtaylor@waterandwastewater.com

Water and Wastewater Newsletter is a 100% opt-in e-mail list of information for the water and wastewater treatment professional.  Do you have company news, a new product, new service or other information you would like to share with our subscribers?  Please submit articles via e-mail, only to:  news@waterandwastewater.com

How about making some sparks?  Seems researchers have with a bit a wastewater, check out our article on what the folks at Penn State University are up to.

With over 7,200+ subscribers, our goal is to provide information to improve your business by using the resources available on the Internet.

Thanks, 
Joe Taylor, Editor
jtaylor@waterandwastewater.com

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