Novel porous material for removal of phosphorus from stormwater
Mentor 1
Marcia R. Silva, Ph.D.
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
27-4-2018 1:00 PM
Description
Novel porous material for removal of phosphorus from stormwater
Edwards, Byron, Freres, Eileen, Lecus, Alice, Kordijazi, Amir, Silva, Marcia*
*Corresponding author: msilva@uwm.edu
Most farming operations require nutrient fertilizers to maintain consistent production levels. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus seep into soil and bodies of water, making agriculture a primary cause of nutrient pollution in freshwater. A team at UWM WaTA Technology Accelerator has developed a novel approach to reducing the effects fertilizers have on freshwater bodies. An engineered natural porous material filters phosphorus from farm water runoff. This unique adsorbent material is inexpensive, accessible, and reusable, allowing farmers to effectively reduce water pollution without experiencing considerable loss of profit. To analyze performance, UV Spectroscopy tests were used to measure the change in concentration of the phosphorus before and after filtration. To optimize the model material, several variables have been tested and controlled, including the flow rate and phosphorus concentration of the subjected fluid. In addition, fabrication techniques for the optimized, functionalized filter have been perfected for large-scale production. Future tasks include the fabrication of a full-scale apparatus and the coordination with local farmers to test the system in the field, while addressing farmers' concerns. This new technology has shown to be an effective method of phosphorus removal and is well on the way to becoming a revolutionary approach to pollution control as it relates to agriculture.
Novel porous material for removal of phosphorus from stormwater
Union Wisconsin Room
Novel porous material for removal of phosphorus from stormwater
Edwards, Byron, Freres, Eileen, Lecus, Alice, Kordijazi, Amir, Silva, Marcia*
*Corresponding author: msilva@uwm.edu
Most farming operations require nutrient fertilizers to maintain consistent production levels. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus seep into soil and bodies of water, making agriculture a primary cause of nutrient pollution in freshwater. A team at UWM WaTA Technology Accelerator has developed a novel approach to reducing the effects fertilizers have on freshwater bodies. An engineered natural porous material filters phosphorus from farm water runoff. This unique adsorbent material is inexpensive, accessible, and reusable, allowing farmers to effectively reduce water pollution without experiencing considerable loss of profit. To analyze performance, UV Spectroscopy tests were used to measure the change in concentration of the phosphorus before and after filtration. To optimize the model material, several variables have been tested and controlled, including the flow rate and phosphorus concentration of the subjected fluid. In addition, fabrication techniques for the optimized, functionalized filter have been perfected for large-scale production. Future tasks include the fabrication of a full-scale apparatus and the coordination with local farmers to test the system in the field, while addressing farmers' concerns. This new technology has shown to be an effective method of phosphorus removal and is well on the way to becoming a revolutionary approach to pollution control as it relates to agriculture.
