| Nanotechnology
: A New, Voracious Tool for "Absorbing" Mercury
 RICHLAND,
Wash.-A nanostructured sorbent material developed by
scientists at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory has proven to be an effective and
voracious tool for "absorbing" mercury from
low-volume waste streams in a variety of real-life
situations.
Thiol-SAMMS is a simple,
inexpensive and easy-to-use technology that absorbs
mercury in liquids and can be easily disposed of
afterwards. "This technology will result in huge
savings to users who are faced with costly disposal of
mercury in the waste stream," said Shas Mattigod, a
staff scientist who manages the project for the
Laboratory.
Thiol-SAMMS, a derivative
of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Mesoporous Supports
integrates a nanoporous substrate with an innovative
method for attaching monolayers, or single layers of
densely packed molecules, to the pore surfaces throughout
the substrate. "It's like laying a carpet,"
Mattigod said. "Different carpet surfaces have
different properties. You can apply a different type of
monolayer to SAMMS depending on the contaminant you want
to remove. This monolayer will seek out and adsorb
specific contaminants."
Thiol-SAMMS has surpassed
developers' expectations in tests of its mercury-absorbing
capabilities at PNNL and at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(ORNL).
Scientists used thiol-SAMMS
powder on 10 liters of mercury-containing waste solution
generated in one of PNNL's labs, reducing mercury levels
in the waste from 145.8 parts per million of mercury to
0.04 parts per million, safely below U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and Washington state limits of 0.15
parts per million. "Because the solution was well
below regulatory limits, we were able to save almost
$2,000 in disposal costs," Mattigod said. "Our
tests have shown that mercury-laden thiol-SAMMS also
passes EPA requirements for land disposal."
At the Applied Process
Engineering Laboratory, a research and development
facility in Eastern Washington, PNNL scientists tested
thiol-SAMMS on 160 liters of waste solution containing
about 11 parts per million of mercury. Thiol-SAMMS reduced
mercury concentration in the solution to 0.06 parts per
million. "We estimate that it will cost about $200,
including material, analysis and labor, to treat similar
volumes of this waste solution," Mattigod said.
"That would save $3,200 over more traditional
disposal methods."
Scientists at ORNL also
tested thiol-SAMMS for its ability to remove mercury from
vacuum pump oil containing tritium. Mercury in the waste
oil was reduced to less than 0.15 parts per million, again
below EPA standards. "Using thiol-SAMMS on vacuum
pump oil shows that thiol-SAMMS works not just in water
solutions, but also in nonaqueous mediums," Mattigod
said.
Not only is thiol-SAMMS
inexpensive and easy to dispose of, but it is also fast
and effective. Ninety-nine percent of thiol-SAMMS'
mercury-absorbing action takes place in the first five
minutes. "There is no comparison with commercially
available sorbents in terms of how fast it works,"
Mattigod said. "Thiol-SAMMS can absorb 60 percent of
its weight in mercury, making it an efficient scavenger
for mercury."
The monolayer can be custom
designed to seek out a variety of contaminants. While
thiol-SAMMS has been tailored to absorb mercury, silver,
lead and cadmium, other SAMMS technology is being
developed and tested for removing toxic contaminants such
as arsenic, chromium and radionuclides. SAMMS technology,
including thiol-SAMMS, can be used in water and
non-aqueous solutions.
Thiol-SAMMS in powder form
is currently available for use on low-volume waste
streams. PNNL researchers are also working on industrial
applications for the technology. "In addition to the
powder form, we're developing an engineered version that
will be adaptable for small to large scale systems,"
said Rick Skaggs, who co-leads the engineering effort.
Business inquiries on PNNL
research and technologies should be directed to
1-888-375-PNNL or inquiry@pnl.gov
. PNNL is a DOE research facility and delivers
breakthrough science and technology in areas of
environment, energy, health, fundamental sciences and
national security. Battelle, based in Columbus, Ohio, has
operated PNNL for DOE since 1965.
Source: http://www.pnl.gov/ |
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This
newsletter is sponsored by:
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| Ammonia :
ThermoEnergy's Wastewater Process Wins Second Patent
 Little
Rock, Ark.-- ThermoEnergy Corporation announced today that
it has received notice from the U. S. Patent and Trademark
Office allowing all claims for a second patent related to
the Company's "Enhanced Biogas Production From
Nitrogen Bearing Feedstock's" process (or EnBP).
This second patent
completes the capture of intellectual property designed to
upgrade the process and economic performance of anaerobic
digestion - the key process component in a typical
municipal wastewater treatment plant. Among other things,
EnBP will provide wastewater treatment plant operators a
way to upgrade plant production from Class 'B' biosolids
to Class 'A' biosolids at less than half the cost of
conventional process technologies - a movement seriously
under consideration by many municipalities due to recent
federal government health warnings related to the handling
and disposal of Class 'B' biosolids.
Residuals left over from
the processing and treatment of human or animal wastes are
classified as "biomass" (sometimes referred to
in the industry as "biosolids"). Biomass
materials contain nitrogen in the form of proteins and
amino acids. When biomass is broken down during the
wastewater treatment process, methane and carbon dioxide
are produced along with ammonia. The methane and carbon
dioxide are gaseous and separate from the digestion
mixture while the ammonia remains. Over time, this causes
an imbalance in the carbon/nitrogen ratio, which inhibits
the biological process and results in a significant
increase in the total nitrogen load on the plant; greatly
reducing plant efficiency.
This excess ammonia is
highly toxic to marine life if not properly treated before
being discharged - especially in freshwater lakes, streams
and rivers, and/or saltwater estuaries such as the Long
Island Sound, Chesapeake Bay or Puget Sound. When combined
with the Company's patented Ammonia Recovery Process
(ARP), an EnBP system removes and reclaims this ammonia as
a useful and saleable commodity in the form of ammonium
sulfate - a commercial grade fertilizer used by
agriculture worldwide - while allowing treatment plant
operators to greatly reduce ammonia loading and optimize
overall plant performance for both new or existing plants.
EnBP not only enhances and
compliments the Company's existing clean water
technologies, but provides the Company with a strategic
economic and regulatory advantage in pursuing immediate
business opportunities in the U. S. and abroad -
especially in the area of energy production from the
anaerobic digestion of biosolids from municipal and
industrial wastewater treatment plants as well as similar
facilities associated with large confined animal farming
operations. All of which are coming under increasing
pressure from federal and state regulatory authorities to
put environmental controls in place that will eliminate
the many waste problems associated with the discharge of
nitrogen/ammonia that have plagued these industries over
the past decade.
About The Company
ThermoEnergy Corporation is
a publicly traded company established to engage in the
worldwide commercialization of technically advanced,
cutting-edge technologies providing cost-effective and
environmentally responsible solutions for air and water
pollution problems.
Source: www.thermoenergy.com |
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| Small Flows
Clearinghouse : Seven New Products Now Available
Morgantown, WV- Seven new
free and low-cost products are now available from the
National Small Flows Clearinghouse.
"Septic Systems
1-2-3," (Item #WWVTPE78), is a 12-minute video
that is a good tool for educating homeowners and others
who need to understand the basic components, purpose,
function, and maintenance of the conventional septic
system. In simple and easy-to-understand language, several
wastewater professionals, including a plumber, a pumper,
an excavator, and an inspector, explain what a septic
system is, what its components are, and what it does. This
video will be useful to the local officials, general
public, public health officials, and
contractors/developers. This video is free. Shipping
charges do apply.
"Guiding Principles
for Constructed Treatment Wetlands: Providing for Water
Quality and Wildlife Habitat," (Item # WWBLMG23),
is a user guide that promotes the development of
environmentally beneficial constructed wetlands for
wastewater treatment system by providing information on
the legal, policy, and technical issues associated with
these systems. It serves as a guide for those developing
and managing constructed treatment wetlands. The guide
provides information about the principles for planning,
siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and
monitoring of municipal wastewater treatment constructed
weltands. Information on current EPA policies, permits,
regulations, and resources is also included. This guide is
free. Shipping charges do apply.
"Understanding Your
Household Septic System," (Item # WWFSPE79), is
one in a series from the University of Arizona Cooperative
Extension concerning domestic wastewater treatment,
provides information, which helps the owners to understand
how to take care of the system to maximize its ability to
treat the household wastewater. The fact sheet gives
details about how the system works, what a soil absorption
system is, how it treats wastewater, and ways to manage
the system. This fact sheet is free. Shipping charges do
apply.
"Inspecting Your
Household Septic System," (Item # WWFSPE80), is
one in a series of fact sheets from the University of
Arizona Cooperative Extension, which emphasizes the need
for the proper inspection and maintenance of an onsite
septic system. It describes the importance of maintaining
the system and explains the steps included in a thorough
system inspection. Space and instructions for the system
are also included to help the owner sketch the location of
the system including the house, septic tank, soil
treatment, and well. This fact sheet is free. Shipping
charges do apply.
"Managing Your
Household Septic System," (Item #WWFSPE77), is
one in a series of fact sheets available from the
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. It gives the
owner an overview of management procedures to safeguard
the system, including controlling the volume of wastewater
sent to the tank, controlling the quality of the
wastewater, maintaining the septic tank, and maintaining
the drainfield. This fact sheet is free. Shipping charges
do apply.
"Maintaining Your
Septic System," (Item #WWFSPE81) This brief fact
sheet, one in a series from the University of Arizona
Cooperative Extension, gives the owner an overview of
maintenance procedures to safeguard the system. Tank
maintenance, measuring sludge and scum accumulation,
septic tank additives, and other additions to the tank are
discussed. Procedures for measuring the accumulation of
sludge and scum layers in a septic tank are illustrated,
and a frequency table notes the estimated number of people
in the household. This fact sheet is free. Shipping
charges do apply.
"Future Investment
in Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure,"
(Item #FMBKFN40) According to experts from the EPA and
various nonfederal groups, the nation's drinking water and
wastewater systems face increasing challenges over the
next several decades in maintaining and replacing their
pipes, treatment plants, and other infrastructure. But
there is neither a consensus on the size and timing of
future investment costs, nor an agreement on the impact of
those costs on households and other water ratepayers. The
cost of this report is $15.00. Shipping charges do apply.
To learn more about these
products, visit our New Products Page on the NSFC Web Site
www.nesc.wvu.edu/nsfc/nsfc_new_products.htm |
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|
Asia Pacific : Resource
Conservation Toward a Green Century
Singapore -- With the
continued growth of Asia Pacific’s diverse environmental
needs, EnvironmexAsia2003 & WatermexAsia2003 is poised
to address this exponential demand as it revisits us from
2-5 December 2003 at Suntec Singapore.
Showcasing the latest
developments in environmental technology and water
management solutions, Environmex/WatermexAsia has been
Singapore’s longest-running event in this field since
1992. Coming to its seventh showing, the event is slated
to be an industry gathering that will bring participants
business opportunities. More than 200 exhibiting companies
of which 80 percent coming from overseas are expected to
make its appearance at the show.
Identified as an important
sourcing tool for water and environmental technology,
eight country groups are expected at this year’s
exhibition, with strong participation from Germany and the
UK. World leaders in environmental technology and water
management solutions are also expected to congregate at
the show. With the previous event having attracted over
6,600 international buyers from 40 countries,
Environmex/WatermexAsia2003 looks set to surpass its
previous showing.
Environmex/WatermexAsia2003
will be held in conjunction with CIA2003 (comprising three
dedicated sub-shows - ChemAsia2001, InstrumentAsia2001 and
AnaLabAsia), which showcases chemical and process
engineering, controls, automation, testing, measurement,
instrumentation, analytical and laboratory technology. The
concurrence of the two exhibitions is set to offer trade
visitors a comprehensive and multi-faceted experience come
December.
Environmex/WatermexAsia2003
is supported by a number of organizations. They include
the Ministry of the Environment (Singapore), Public
Utilities Board (Singapore), National Environment Agency
(Singapore), International Enterprise Singapore, Union des
Foires Internationales, Instrumentation and Control
Society Singapore, Korea Environmental Preservation
Association, Regional Institute of Environmental
Technology, Singapore Association for Environmental
Companies, Singapore Environment Council and the
Environmental Engineering Society of Singapore.
For more information
visit: http://www.environmexasia.com/
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| Help Forum :
Hot Messages from the Help Forum
People post their requests
for help and offer their suggestions to others in our open
forum.
Mr. Kim wants to know
more about PfS:
I'm a principal researcher
of Korea Water Resources Corporation. I know, many
water utilities across US have been able to upgrade their
systems and water quality through CCP, Partnership for
Safe Water Program (PfS) coordinated by EPA, AWWA and
other groups.
I'd like to get more
information about how to evaluate and explain the
cost/economical benefits after PfS performed. Please
send me more detailed information. (Click
here to post a reply)
Thank you very much,
Jeong Hyun Kim
Korea Water Resources Corporation
jhkim@kowaco.or.kr
Mr. Hayes wants to
know if proprietary specs are legal:
The issue of whether or not
"or equals" are required in specifications seems
to still haunt Engineers, manufacturers and end users,
even 30 years after the Whitten Corp. vs. Paddock, Inc.
decision of 1974 was backed up by the U.S. Supreme Count,
which refused to hear further appeals in 1975.
This decision ruled that
proprietary specifications are NOT a violation of
anti-trust laws, and that the specifier has the full right
to determine whether or not "or equals" should
be allowed, even on publicly funded projects. The court
concluded "the burden is on the supplier or
manufacturer who has not been specified to convince the
specifier that their product is equal for the purpose of a
particular project."
Does anyone know what has
happened since this ruling, allowing contractors and
manufacturers alike to challenge Engineers with the legal
notion that "or equals" MUST be allowed? (Click
here to post a reply)
John Hayes
Vaughan Company, Inc.
john@chopperpumps.com
Help Forum:
Share your
expertise with others in our Help
Forum. |
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| From the Job
Fair :
Environmental
Professional Wanted - Houston, TX
National consulting
engineering firm seeks Environmental Professional for
Houston office. Both entry-level & experienced
candidates will be considered.
Will conduct Phase I
environmental site assessments and related services.
Requires BS in Environmental Science, Geology, or related
field, as well as good communication & writing skills.
Excellent
compensation/benefits package & opportunity for career
development.
Email resumes to newjobs@hhgroup.com
The Job Fair:
A free
service of Water and Wastewater.com. You can post job
opening for managers, engineers, sales, reps or other
talented people you need. ...Or one can post their resume
for companies who are looking to add talented people to
their staff.
Do you have a position
you need to fill? Visit the Job
Fair. |
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| About Us :
Water and Wastewater Newsletter
© 1999-2003 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 |
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::
Nanotechnology : A New, Voracious
Tool for "Absorbing" Mercury
:: Ammonia : ThermoEnergy's
Wastewater
Process Wins Second Patent
:: Small Flows Clearinghouse : Seven
New
Products Now Available
:: Asia Pacific : Resource
Conservation
Toward a Green Century
:: Help Forum
::
E-Classified Ad of the Week :
Air Stripper For Sale
:: The Job Fair
:: Top Picks at Amazon.com
:: Ask Tom! Column!
:: 54,000+ visitors in October !
:: Call For Photographs!
:: Subscribe, Unsubscribe
:: Archive Information
:: About Us
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| Hi Everyone,
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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"A comprehensive
guide..." |
|
Valve
Handbook
by Phillip Skousen
Hard Cover, 864 pages, January 1998
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| This
months Ask Tom! article |
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"Wyoming"
Bentonite Pond Liners and Sealants
Guest article by Charles R. Landis, Ph.D., Bentonite
Performance Minerals 
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 We
Need Your
Guest Articles!
Do you have an area of expertise in water and wastewater
treatment, have you solved a difficult problem? Share your
knowledge with others and promote yourself too, by contributing
an article to the Ask Tom! Column. For more
information, please contact Tom Keenan.
Click here for past
Ask Tom! Archived Articles
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| 54,000+
visitors in October ! |
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Strategic Advertising : Targeted
to Your Audience
How
can you reach the world's water and wastewater top
executives, engineers, managers and service personnel? By
placing a banner ad on the industry's most popular web
site.
Water and Wastewater.com is
your strategic link to the precise audience interested in
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more than satisfying!
Advertise with us!
Banner advertising
on Water and Wastewater.com is a great way to reach this
elite group of water and wastewater treatment
professionals - immediately!
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| Call For
Photographs
This
week's photo is of the floor of
a bolted-steel tank floor while aeration piping is being
installed. Columbian-TecTank manufacturers bolted
tanks coated carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel.
They serve markets around the world and have tanks in over
100 countries.
Submitted by
Tom Renich of Columbian-TecTank
Send us
your photos: We would love to have your photo of
a water or wastewater treatment "action shot" for
inclusion on our home page, free of charge. Send your
photograph and description to: news@waterandwastewater.com
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Water and Wastewater Newsletter was sent to 6,904 water and wastewater treatment professionals at the time of this
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