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Project title

Development of filtration technologies for effective, cost-efficient and robust water treatment

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Eoghan Clifford

Project Abstract

The provision of safe drinking water is vital to maintaining good public health. Furthermore clean potable water provides significant economic benefits as it is essential for commercial users. The identification of unsafe water supplies and the provision of remediation measures can incur significant costs. In some cases, problem identified are as a result of, or exacerbated by current water treatment systems which may be hydraulically overloaded. The EPA have published a Water Remedial Action List, which details the extent of actions necessary at drinking water facilities where elevated levels of contaminants have been identified. Contaminants particularly identified include trihalomethane, cryptosporidium, aluminium, and turbidity. Thus it is vital that treatment technologies, installed on site, are fit for purpose, flexible, well maintained, robust and energy efficient. Simplicity of upgrade and operation are also important factors. Filtration technologies remain a cost-effective and efficient solution. This project proposes the use of sand filtration technologies, with novel augmentations as solutions to enhance the removal of contaminants including aluminium, THMs and cryptosporidium. The novel designs will also be required to be effective in removing turbidity. Design and operational guidelines (including at above design capacity) will ensure these filters can provide consistent and cost effective treatment.

Grant Approved

�72,109.81

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems & Human Health (including Drinking Water)

Start Date

01/01/2013

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/01/2016