Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Excessive nitrogen input to surface waters is a significant environmental concern in Canada and around the world. Wastewater and stormwater can be a major point source of nitrogen inputs to Canadian surface waters and are known, in part, to cause eutrophication. Eutrophication is linked to the depletion of oxygen in water, loss of aquatic biodiversity, potential toxicity in drinking water, and the loss of recreational use of water bodies. Currently, 150 billion litres of untreated and undertreated wastewater finds its way into Canadian waterways each year. The need for modernized treatment technologies is necessary to assure that effluent is meeting the minimum standards set by Canadian regulatory framework at all times of the year. Wastewater treatment processes in Canada need to anticipate and incorporate treatment methods in cold weather. The bacterial taxonomic groups responsible for nitrification in wastewater are the same at both high and low temperatures. During low temperatures however these bacteria multiply much slower, resulting in a decrease in colony density and in turn significantly limited rates of nitrification. Research has demonstrated that when provided with surfaces that promote bacteria agglomeration, these bacteria become sessile and attach to these substrates where they have shown to still provide some nitrification and denitrification services at temperatures as low as 1oC. Bishop Water Technologies is a Canadian company who have developed the BioCord system. These systems facilitate the attachment of bacteria and growth of natural biofilms that transform and remove nitrogen compounds from water. In addition to reducing nitrogen compounds the BioCord system has a large surface area for biofilm growth while occupying a small areal footprint, making it ideal for retrofitting in existing plants. The purpose of this applied research project is to validate the ability of the BioCord technology to effectively remove/reduce nitrogen from wastewater in cold temperatures (as low as 1oC), providing technical credibility to Bishop Water Technologies and improving their market position.