Waste Residuals & Distribution System Technology Advancements for Ion Exchange Processes in Drinking Water Treatment

Coagulation in conventional filtration systems remains the most commonly used process for the removal of natural organic matter (NOM) to reduce disinfection by-product (DBP) formation in water treatment. However, this process has been shown to have limitations when operating in cold water conditions, and results in the generation of large volumes of waste residual solids (i.e., sludge), which require further processing and ultimate disposal. IX technology with anionic exchange resin (AER) has been shown in recent bench- and pilot-scale studies to present optimal NOM removal capacity when compared to coagulation processes. However, our understanding of how IX treatment with AER will potentially impact disinfection efficacy of the finished water with chlorine and/or UV, and corrosion control strategies in the distribution system is limited. The management and disposal of the waste brine residuals produced when IX resins are regenerated also presents an area that requires advanced research to develop alternative process design solutions that are more sustainable. The overall goal of this research project will be to investigate the application of IX technology in terms of water quality and design options related to the main treatment train, distribution system and waste residuals management operations in drinking water treatment. The project will bring together professionals from academia, municipal and private sectors (consulting engineers, technology designers and manufacturing end-users) to provide direct benefits to the drinking water treatment industry through a three-year research program focused on ion exchange technology. New partnerships between researchers at Dalhousie University and the private sector through the NSERC Engage Grant program, and increased research capacity through the NSERC CREATE Grant program (STEWARD) at Dalhousie have greatly complemented the proposed research team and HQP development potential for this project. Overall, this study will focus on developing new design guidelines with advanced water treatment technologies to achieve high quality water targets for both municipal potable water supplies and the food and beverage manufacturing sector.