Search the EPA Research Database
Project Search Result
Project Code [2019-W-MS-41]
This information is correct as of today and is updated from time to time by the EPA to reflect changes in the management of the project. Please check back regularly for updates.
Project title
Sense and Purify: Detect, Destroy and Remove Water Contaminants
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
Dublin City University (DCU)
Lead Applicant
Robert Forster
Project Abstract
The �Sense and Purify� SPy technology allows organic molecules and pathogens, that cannot be destroyed using conventional wastewater treatments, to be mineralised to carbon dioxide, ammonia and water. It does this by generating a high concentration of the powerful oxidising agent, hydroxyl radicals, throughout a water sample volume with very high electrical efficiency. The active agent has no persistent toxicity (radical lifetime is ? 5 ?s), causes no residue and causes no secondary pollution. It can be implemented at source, is highly mobile/portable, is low cost, has a high throughput, ensures optimised water quality for a given application through sensing/analysis of the inlet and outlet streams, is energy efficient, environmentally friendly, broadly applicable to a wide range of waste streams (from microalgae farms to industry and municipal waste) and has low Capex and Opex Scientific �Novel wireless electrochemistry approach to oxidative electrocatalysis. �Insights into the rates and mechanism of organic pollutant oxidation. Economic �Prototype reactor for the purification of waste water streams generated by one of Ireland�s leading industries, (bio)pharma. Decreased waste water treatment costs. �Enhanced removal of recalcitrant organic pollutants from industrial waste water streams. Social �Enhanced public awareness of water resource issues. Education and Outreach �PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers with the necessary skills for future industrial, policy, academic and start-up employment. � Publications in international, peer-reviewed journals.
Grant Approved
�297,790.67
Research Hub
Natural Environment
Research Theme
Understanding, managing and conserving our water resources
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/03/2022