Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Treated wastewater effluent and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) represent major contributions to water pollution in the United States and Canada. These discharges carry diverse contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, organic matter, nutrients, and various pollutants, posing substantial threats to both human health and the environment. Essential in the wastewater treatment process is the disinfection of treated wastewater and CSOs. To effectively address these challeneges, further exploration is needed to discover innovative and evironmentally sustainable technologies with optimal efficieny in mitigating all forms of pollutants, all while maintaining human health considerations and cost-effectiveness. Brown and Cladwell (B&C), located in British Columbia, Canada, have been pushing the boundaries of science and convention in pursuit of the best possible outcomes for more than 70 years. They are working towards a common goal to positively impact the environment and the world. B&C have identified the potetnial of using Performic Acid (PFA) as an innovative chemcial for the disinfection of wastewater effluent and CSOs in the contect of disinfection by-products and future ambient water quality criteria for viruses. PFA has recently emerged as a proising replacement for the traditional chemical disinfectants of sodium hypochlorit and peracetic acid (PAA). B&C have partnered with Lambton College to demonstrate PFA's efficacy, efficiency, and economics against PAA and sodium hypochlorite in treated wastewater effluent and CSOs. The proposed study on PFA efficiency as a disinfectant presents a qunique opportunity for B&C to expand its customer base and position itself as an industry leader. This research project aims to drive the adoption of chemical optimization strategies for all chemical disinfectants, enabling them to offer consulting services, engineering solutions, and technologies that support the integration of PFA and chemical optimization. As a result, utilities can achieve cost savings while also improving environmental outcomes, appealing to environmentally concious customers and stakeholders. New market opprotunities, establishing a competitive edge, and generating positive environmental impacts, can position B&C as a leader in the field. Implementing PFA in wastewater treatment systems can revolutionize disinfection processes in Canada by decreasing operational costs and environmental impacts, and maxmizing the safety for Canadian consumers.