Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Ultraviolet light (UV) disinfection is now an accepted technology for disinfection of drinking water and wastewater. To carry out laboratory research in UV disinfection, one needs to use calibrated UV lamps with known emission spectrum and intensity. The requested collimated beam apparatus is such equipment that is designed to expose water samples to UV light on a batch basis. The output from the UV lamp of the collimated beam device is generally uniformly distributed; therefore, it is possible to determine the UV dose response of a given microorganism in water.The requested equipment is essential for the applicants' research programs and training of highly qualified personnel at Lakehead University. The equipment will be used to: 1) investigate the response of the selected waterborne microorganisms to UV radiation after freezing, 2) study the optimum combined UV and chemical disinfection of microorganisms that are not only UV resistant but also can survive under cold temperature conditions, and 3) examine UV inactivation efficiency of selected microorganisms under cold temperature conditions.  The research is expected to have significant impacts on the proper operation of UV disinfection processes for water and wastewater treatment plants operating in cold climate, provide information for developing new UV systems, and better understanding of the impact of cold temperature on disinfection processes.There would be a significant reduction in both scope and the productivity of the applicants' research if the acquisition of the requested equipment is delayed and the students at Lakehead University will miss the opportunity of being trained in this advanced treatment technology.