Quantum Dot Solar Panels for Water Treatment in Remote Settings
ABOUT THE PROJECT This research project seeks to develop innovative solar energy to support water treatment in remote and low resource settings. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS (November 2016) RESEARCH ABSTRACT This project will address an important challenge within the IC-IMPACTS strategic area of Integrated Water Management through the creation of a renewable energy source that can deliver the power needed for potable […]
An Innovative Green Technology for Treating Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Entering Rivers and Streams
ABOUT THE PROJECT This research project seeks to bring together biomass based biochars and hydrochars from rice husk waste product to remove heavy metals and other contaminants from industrial and domestic wastewater that makes its way untreated or only partially treated into rivers and streams. NOTABLE ACHIEVENEMTS (November 2016) PROJECT UPDATE (April 2016) A pilot-scale pyrolyzer has been designed and constructed […]
Development of Capacitive Deionization Technology for Point-of-Use Water Purification
ABOUT THE PROJECT This research project seeks to develop a new CDI (Capacitive Deionization Technology) water purification system for point-of-use applications and replace the widely used, but very inefficient Reverse Osmosis units. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS (November 2016) PROJECT UPDATE (April 2016) Researchers have procured electrode materials and the necessary equipment for electrode fabrication and characterization. A CDI unit has been […]
An Innovative Sustainable Biotechnology for Resource Recovery from Wastewater Streams Using Microwave Enhanced Advanced Oxidation with Algae
ABOUT THE PROJECT This research program will seek to develop an economically viable, technologically feasible process to improve and enhance resources and energy recovery from municipal wastewater and biosolids. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS (November 2016) PROJECT UPDATE (April 2016) The uniqueness of the University of British Columbia (UBC) patented microwave enhanced advanced oxidation process (MW-AOP) is that it can be […]
Biomonitoring of Water Quality in Relation to Human Health Using Biosensors and Improvements through Nanoparticle Based Purification Systems
ABOUT THE PROJECT This project strives to identify some of the key water borne pathogens in Indian and Canadian water bodies, and to deploy a novel nanoparticle-based water treatment system to eliminate toxins and micro-organizsms from water. The research further aims to develop a better understanding of the role of invasive acquatic plants and the overall relationship […]
Development of a Low-Cost Water Monitoring Kit for Multiplex Heavy Metal Detection Based on Aptamer Sensors
ABOUT THE PROJECT This project aims to develop a novel detection technology that is suitable for routine monitoring at low-resource setting. The project will focus on characterization of structure-switching properties of aptamers and development of analyte detection mechanisms together with the creation of visual signal detectors, combined into a user-friendly detection kit. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS (November 2016) PROJECT UPDATE (April […]
A Study of Technology and Financial Appropriateness of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Selected Cities of India
ABOUT THE PROJECT This project aims to study the type and appropriateness of water and waste water technologies available to cities and towns in India and to improve decision making within governments through technical education development of future planners and practitioners. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS (November 2016) PROJECT UPDATE (April 2016) Researchers have conducted work in two locations: Alibaug (Maharashtra) […]
Compact High-Rate Water Treatment Systems for Small Communities
ABOUT THE PROJECT This project aims to develop a high-rate water treatment system for rural and remote regions and communities. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS (November 2016) PROJECT UPDATE (April 2016) A lab-scale vacuum membrane distillation system has been constructed and used to treat several different source waters, including salt water, Lake Ontario water, and secondary wastewater effluent. In all […]
Direct Cryptosporidium Detection for Developed and Developing Nations
ABOUT THE PROJECT This project strives to develop a rapid and robust sensor technology to identify Cryptosporidium, a pathogen found in water in Canada and India. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS (November 2016) RESEARCH ABSTRACT Three to five million people die each year due to consequences of water-related diseases. Water treatment technologies have not been able to prevent such unfortunate events […]
Microfabricated, low-cost, high-sensitivity chlorine and pH sensor systems for water quality monitoring
ABOUT THE PROJECT This project will develop a low cost sensor that can easily determine the effect of chlorine as a disinfection strategy for highly contaminated water. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS (November 2016) PROJECT UPDATE (April 2016) Researchers developed a prototype pH sensing electrodes. The solution-processed Pd/PdO showed a repeatable pH sensitivity of ~65 mV/pH between pH=2 and 12, higher […]