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Project Code [2019-W-MS-41]

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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

Start Date

01/04/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/03/2022