Removal of PFAS from recycled water utilising ozone nanobubbles and GAC
IWN recently entered into an agreement with Monash University to investigate the removal of PFAS from recycled water and other source waters using Ozone nanobubbles and granular activated carbon. The collaboration partners in this project span the globe, giving IWN members access to thought and technology leaders that are actively working on solving this emerging issue. Early indications show that the Ozone nanobubbles attract and hold onto PFAS molecules which are then transferred to the GAC through a packed column. The GAC is then pyrolyzed to regenerate it and destroy the PFAS.
We are actively looking for a trial site to commence a trial later this year. Please drop me a line at Jason.cotton@iwn.org.au if you’d like to explore a trial of this technology.
PFAS – Where did you go?
IWN has been trialling pyrolysis technology for a number of years now. There is little doubt that PFAS is removed from biosolids during pyrolysis and does not appear in any of the phases or outputs we have tested. So that begs the question, what happens to it?
IWN, WaterRA and Eurofins have established a project to investigate the fate of PFAS through the pyrolysis of biosolids. WaterRA have prepared a project brief and is looking for Water Authorities from across Australia to join the project. For a copy of the Project Brief – RFF26, please contact Vincent Bianchini at WaterRA at Vincent.Bianchini@waterra.com.au.
IWN – emissions software pilot project
Westernport Water has identified an improvement opportunity to further enhance emissions reporting by trialling an emissions reporting tool to improve the accuracy of the data collected and efficiency of the reporting process. Small water authorities such as WPW don’t have the scale or resources to build, implement and maintain an internally developed system. The 12-month trial will test basic functionality of the emissions software, with a particular focus on its suitability for smaller regional water corporations and future additional emissions reporting requirements.
IWN and Westernport Water invite the involvement of other water sector SMEs to form a Project Reference Group (PRG) for regular updates and act as a think-tank for the trial. Expressions of interest can be sent to zgeyer@westernportwater.com.au or jason.cotton@iwn.org.au. The trial will also be presented at the IWA ‘Energy and Greenhouse’ Special Interest Group on 20th March 2025.
Enzyme based lagoon desludging
Desludging lagoons is expensive and disruptive to treatment processes. But, there may be an elegant alternative. At the WIOA Conference last year, Simon Robertson from NE Water came across an enzyme-based process that essentially eats sludge blankets in lagoons. Simon entered the idea to the IWN trial competition and we agreed to investigate it further.
After establishing the background conditions of the target lagoon in Benalla, we commenced the trial last week. We will update you on the results as they come to hand.
