Grant: Engage Grants Program

Petroleum contaminated wastewater is generated from oil spills in industrial, commercial and residential sites. These oily wastewaters are usually saturated with petroleum hydrocarbons and other contaminants. These chemicals have either acute or chronic toxicity, and unchecked discharges of oily wastewater could contaminate surface and ground water. Oily wastewater has attracted increasing public concerns. Currently the wastewater needs to be collected and then transported to special facilities for disposal at a considerable cost. In this proposed research, we will develop a more cost-effective, on-site solution for treatment of oily wastewater which would significantly reduce operating costs for the industrial partner. The innovative treatment method will be customized for oily wastewater. It will be developed and proven on a laboratory scale and then move onto an industrial scale, including pilot testing and installation.