New Membrane Technology for Clean Drinking Water

Pharmaceuticals are considered intractable and easily transported into the water system. As a result, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are unsuccessful in completely removing these contaminants. The successful removal of these pharmaceuticals depends on the removal and purification technologies that are being used and the physiochemical properties exhibited by these pharmaceuticals. Recent research from Canada concludes that WWTPs are sources of contaminants in local water supplies and there is a defined impact on aquatic organisms. In addition, water quality in Canada’s North is an ongoing issue in Indigenous communities, which for too long has led to inequality in their access to clean drinking water. This research project aims to develop new, targeted membranes for the removal of classes of pharamaceuticals from wastewater to improve drinking water quality and protect aquatic organisms., many of which are sources of food and resources for local populations.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Mayer

Student:

Partner:

Durban University of Technology

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Clean Technology; Water; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: