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A Novel Technology for MTBE Removal from Drinking Water
Phone: (979) 693-0017
Email: CHARLES.TENNAKOON@LYNNTECH.COM
Phone: (979) 693-0017
Email: DUNCAN.HITCHENS@LYNNTECH.COM
DESCRIPTION (Applicant?s abstract): Some 18 billion pounds of MTBE was produced
in 1995, making it the second most widely produced organic chemical in the
United States. Despite its advantages in reducing air pollution, it has now
been found that both ground water surface water sources are being contaminated
with MTBE. The most serious contamination to date occurred in ground ware
supplies in California, where 20 production wells are closed due to high MTBE
contamination. USEPA currently classifies MTBE as a possible carcinogen in its
largest directive this year and has decided to phase out the use of MTBE in
gasoline. In the coming years, this nation faces a formidable task of ensuring
that our drinking water supplies are free of MTBE. MTBE is not readily amenable
to treatment by conventional techniques. It is high solubility in water (50g/L)
limits adsorption on to activated carbon. Other oxidative techniques produce
bromate ions far exceeding the allowed maximum concentration level (MCL) of
10mg/L in drinking water. Hence, efficient non-oxidative alternatives to remove
MTBE from water are highly desirable and are urgently needed.
The aim of this proposal is to develop a cartridge filter using a remarkably
effective separation technology developed at Lynntech. Based upon the Phase I
results, this technology would lead to the development of a cartridge that
could supply MTBE safe drinking water for more than six months to household of
four. Projected sale price of such a cartridge is about $25.00. During the
Phase II, practical issues related to long-term stability, regenerability and
reusability of the absorbent, large scale manufacturing, and production will be
addressed. Phase II will also include designing and assembling prototype
cartridges for further evaluation and demonstration to potential industrial
partners.
* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *