Microbiological Water Purifiers for Rural Communities - Johnson Research & Development Co., Inc

Recipient Organization
Johnson Research & Development Co., Inc
(N/A)
Atlanta,GA 30312

Performing Department
(N/A)

Non Technical Summary
This proposal addresses the needs of the more than 25 million Americans dependant on the current supply of water from USEPA non-compliant community or private well sources for day-to-day drinking water. Rural communities have a need for a water purification technology that is superior in performance to currently available technology. Citizens risk disease and/or death when exposed to water that is unsafe to drink. Tap water may be unfit for consumption due to pathogenic organisms and high levels of suspended solids. An individual requires 1.5 to 3 gallons of drinking water per day to prevent dehydration depending on the environmental conditions. The company proposes a water purification technology that will protect citizens against pathogenic organisms, bacteria, viruses and protozoan cysts allowing them to take advantage of any locally available water source that may be at risk from these organic contaminants. The proposed technology will protect citizens without the addition of chemical disinfectants. It also provides a means of protecting citizens against natural, military, and terrorist waterborne threats to safety.

Animal Health Component

100%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

100%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
512	0210	2020	100%

Knowledge Area
512 - Quality Maintenance in Storing and Marketing Non-Food Products;

Subject Of Investigation
0210 - Water resources;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;

Keywords

performance evaluation

Goals / Objectives
The objectives of the Phase I work are to refurbish/modify three breadboard (water purification) models based on the proposed technology and to demonstrate proof of concept. These models will also provide the basis for the performance of laboratory studies to quantify performance characteristics. While preliminary experiments indicate that the objectives of the EPA guidelines for producing microbiologically pure water via the above described approach can be easily achieved, the performance characteristics of the system are not yet fully defined. More specifically it is planned to subject the model to the EPA/NSF evaluations of the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program. Assessments of the water purification technology would involve the introduction of microorganisms/bacteria/pathogens of specific types to the system and monitoring the output for purity of water.

Project Methods
The Phase I approach is to refurbish/modify a (water purification) system representative of the technical description presented in the proposal. Having a ten-year experience base in producing compressed water toys, the company has all the necessary facilities and equipment to construct/modify the proof of concept models. Based on preliminary analyses and experiments conducted to date, the feasibility of achieving the project test objectives is considered good. The technical objectives will be met by performing the following detailed tasks. Task 1: We will design and build 3 system models that can be used for proof of concept demonstration. Task 2 We will perform a market feasibility study. Task 3: We will test the systems under the expected operating conditions and profile the performance. Task 4: We will prepare the final report.

Progress 05/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Proof of concept was established for a new and unique type of microbiological water purifier. This microbiological water purifier was tested against various microorganisms and pathogens, and inactivated them all to within established EPA protocol parameters. Cleansed water was delivered at a rate of at least four gallons per minute. The microorganisms/pathogens included bacteriological, viral, and cyst-borne contaminants. The primary purpose of this Phase I SBIR was to test viability/technical feasibility of the technology and concept described in this report. Viability has been established, and a Phase II SBIR is now sought.

Impacts
Market studies support a growing demand for water purification equipment ($15billion in 2005 and growing to $41billion by 2011). It is clear that the market for water purification equipment exists and is significant and also worthy of attention by US inventors. Many of the reports express concern over the availability of any and all types of equipment needed to meet the anticipated demand. Many industries also report a need for equipment that does not utilize chemicals. Many others indicate a need for more effective means of treatment than currently available via UV, Ozone, filtration, and other commonly used methods. However, even more important are ever increasing terrorist threats to the U.S. homeland, and as such the need for such a device is even more pressing today than when the project was initiated. While the infrastructure exists to provide some protection to major metropolitan areas, this technology development addresses the needs of the more than 25 million Americans dependant on community or private well sources for day-to-day drinking water.

Publications

None in 2005.