Wastewater treatment using composite biofilm carriers
OwnerJohn KUHN, Sarina ERGAS +3inventors
InventorsJohn KUHN, Sarina ERGAS, Susieanna PERSAUD, Tione GRANT, Sheyla CHERO-OSORIO
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Abstract
The present disclosure provides composite material, reactors, and methods for wastewater treatment. In particular embodiments, a biofilm carrier with incorporated zeolites was prepared. The present composite material combines the ion exchange properties of zeolites with the surface advantages of biofilm carriers to provide increased ammonium removal rates in wastewater by encouraging microbial growth.
Claims31
A composite comprising a polymeric hydrogel and an ammonium exchange zeolite attached to the hydrogel, wherein the polymeric hydrogel comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a second polymer component selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate (SA), polyacrylamide (PAM), chitosan, gelatin, carrageenan, polyurethane, poly(lactic acid), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), polyethylene glycol, polyacrylic acid (PAA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).
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A reactor for removing ammonium ions from wastewater, comprising:
- a polymeric hydrogel carrier;
- an ammonium exchange zeolite attached to the polymeric hydrogel carrier;
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- an ammonium oxidizing biofilm attached to the polymeric hydrogel carrier.
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A method of preparing a composite comprising a polymeric hydrogel and an ammonium exchange zeolite attached to the polymeric hydrogel, wherein the polymeric hydrogel comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a second polymer component, the method comprising:
- mixing the polyvinyl alcohol, the second polymer component, and the ammonium exchange zeolite in water to form a mixture;
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- adding a crosslinking solution to the mixture, thereby forming the composite.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.