Monitoring and treatment of surface water

There exist few technologies worldwide for the treatment of large areas of polluted salt and freshwaters. It is proposed to develop technology for in situ treatment of lakes, ponds, and rivers. The main objective is to develop a system for the in-situ restoration, management, and control of water quality to reduce incidences of cyanobacteria blooms through nutrient reduction to lower
than eutrophic levels. The short-term objectives are to determine factors that influence the suspended solids (SS), nutrient (P) and other contaminant removal efficiency and to determine the parameters for system scale-up over the seasonal variations. The initial concentration of TP in the lake water indicates poor water quality in a eutrophic state will be monitored. Then a filtration system will be used for removal of nutrients for on-site filtration. Various filters will be evaluated, in addition to various additives to enhance adsorption capability without clogging. It is proposed to install one or two pilot units on the shore of a small lake. The trials will determine the system efficiency in the conditions particular to Quebec (quality of water and climate). Filtration tests will determine removal of organic matter, SS, nutrients, cyanobacteria, bacteria and toxin levels. The protection and improvement of the water quality by nutrient reduction will improve the aesthetics of the water, health of the community and allow the water to be used for recreational purposes and will ensure the protection of the property values.

Faculty Supervisor:

Catherine Mulligan

Student:

GIRISH SRIDARAN

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

University:

Concordia University

Program:

Globalink