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Project Code [2011-W-MS-5]
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Project title
Development of a pulsed light approach as a novel solution in drinking water treatment
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT)
Lead Applicant
Neil J Rowan
Project Abstract
This frontier multidisciplinary AIT-NUIG project will investigate the development of pulsed UV light (PUV) as a novel solution to water treatment. It will specifically identify critical inter-related factors governing the reliable and repeatable destruction of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts and other waterborne microbial pathogens in water at the pilot scale waste-water treatment plant (WWTP) level (Tuam, NUIG). This project will also be extended to investigating PUV use for private water supplies. This constitutes a unique and timely project as it combines the complementary expertise of Prof Neil Rowan [co-ordinator] and Dr Andy Fograrty (ecotoxicologist) in AIT with leading experts in partnering NUIG comprising Dr Eoghan Clifford and Dr Edmond O'Reilly (civil engineers at NUIG with considerable experience in water treatment innovation), Prof Martin Cormican (Microbiologist, NUIG), and Dr Maeve Duffy (electical/power engineer at NUIG - who will assist with knowledge transfer and development/monitoring of PUV system in situ in pilot WWTP) and . If funded, this value-for-money project will recruit Dr Mary Garvey as lead-researcher who undertook her PhD studies funded by EPA Doctoral Scholarship programme under the co-supervision of Prof Rowan and Prof Cormican on the development of PUV for the destruction of Cryptosporidium oocysts in water at bench-scale level. The need and rationale/justification for undertaking this timely project is strongly aligned with core tenets of key strategy documents including EPA's Strategy 2020 Vision - Protecting and Improving Ireland's Environment document; SOE Report 2008; European Communities Drinking Water Regulations (SI No. 278, 2007 and SI 439, 2000). Funding will faciliate the formation of a formidable alliance between key experts from AIT and NUIG in cognate domains enabling development of PUV as a solution to water treatment, thus creating critical capacity and capabilities in this area. Outputs from this project will be published in peer-reviewed scientific and engineering journals.
Grant Approved
�171,921.70
Research Hub
Healthy Environment
Research Theme
Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems & Human Health (including Drinking Water)
Initial Projected Completion Date
09/01/2014