Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Based in Vancouver, BC, Viridis Research specializes in electrooxidation water treatment solutions, and their proprietary electrochemical technology addresses urgent global water pollution challenges. Viridis is developing an advanced process control system to manage the quantity of waste produced by paint manufacturers to improve water quality. Paint utilizes large volumes of water and contains various hazardous compounds released into the environment as wastewater when produced. Electrochemical oxidation (EO) has emerged as a promising technique for wastewater treatment, and Viridis seeks to collaborate with Lambton College's Lambton Water Centre to design and fabricate a laboratory-scale electrochemical reactor to determine the performance and efficacy of EO to treat paint wastewater. In collaboration, the Viridis Research team and Lambton College research team will review direct and indirect mechanisms in electrooxidation processes for treating pollutants in wastewater. The team will then design and fabricate the lab-scale electrochemical reactor. Once the design and fabrication of the electrochemical reactor are complete, the unit will be tested to ensure it meets safety and performance standards. The team will then evaluate the EO process's effectiveness for removing volatile organic compounds (VOC), among others, and determine optimal operating conditions for the EO process. Finally, the team will assess the efficiency of the EO process in comparison to other wastewater treatment technologies. The development of a laboratory-scale electrochemical reactor has the potential to revolutionize the treatment and reuse of paint wastewater. This technology will open new markets for Viridis Research and offer paint manufacturers a cost-effective, reliable, and efficient method to treat contaminants in paint wastewater over traditional methods. While also meeting environmental regulations for wastewater discharge, allowing these businesses to remain competitive and compliant. This innovative technology can further support the development of new partnerships for Viridis Researcher and lead to job creation, supporting economic opportunities in Canada that contribute to the economy's overall health. The results from this project will further support safe and effective ways to reduce negative environmental and health, ensuring clean and safe water for future generations.