Water. desalination + reuse

RESEARCH Nanotube research could lead to point-of-use desalination Membrane filtration using plasma-modified ultralong carbon nanotubes may lead to next-generation rechargeable point-of-use potable water purification appliances with superior desalination, disinfection and filtration properties according to a paper published in Nature Communications (4, Article number: 2220) on 13 August 2013. An international team of researchers worked on the project, initiated by associate professor Hui Ying Yang from Singapore University of Technology & Design and Rohit Karnik of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The team included Dr Zhaojun Han and Professor Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov from CSIRO's worldleading Plasma Nanoscience Laboratories. Their paper reports that plasma-modified ultralong carbon nanotubes exhibit an ultrahigh specific adsorption capacity for salt (exceeding 400% by weight) which is two orders of magnitude higher than that found in the best current activated-carbon water treatment systems. Professor Ostrikov attributes the success of the new membranes to the unique properties of plasma-treated carbon nanotubes: "Firstly, ultralong nanotubes have a very large surface area that is ideal for filtration. Secondly, nanotubes are easy to modify, which allows us to tailor their surface properties through localised nanoscale plasma treatment." Dr Han acknowledges that some smaller portable devices do already exist. However, because they rely on reverse osmosis and thermal processes, they are able to remove salt ions but are unable to filter out organic contaminants from the briny water found in some river and lake systems. According to Dr Han, the project's membranes could be integrated into portable water purification devices the size of a teapot that would be rechargeable, inexpensive and more effective than many existing filtration methods. Now that the researchers have proven the effectiveness of the method, they plan to extend their research to investigate the filtration properties of other nanomaterials. They will begin by looking at graphene, which has similar properties to carbon nanotubes, but could be made considerably denser and stronger. WateReuse RfP seeks to establish failsafe DPR plants The WateReuse Research Foundation (WRRF) has issued a request for proposals to develop design, operational and responses practices to work towards a fail-safe operation for a direct potable reuse (DPR) wastewater plant. The WRRF conducts and promotes applied research on water recycling and desalination, and this project, Critical Control Point Assessment to Quantify Robustness and Reliability of Multiple Treatment Barriers of a DPR Scheme (WateReuse-13-03) comes under its Solicited Research Program and Feasibility Studies Program. Proposals are due by 26 September 2013. Further info at: www. watereuse.org/node/2395. Australia spends US$ 2¼ million on new desalination research Four new desalination research projects have been selected for funding under the fifth funding round announced by the National Centre of Excellence in Desalination Australia (NCEDA). Researchers at the universities of Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales and Edith Cowan University in Western Australia will work with international research partners Stanford University (USA), Dow Water & Process Solutions and Ghent University (Belgium) in projects valued at over Aus$ 2.5 million (US$ 2.27 million), including cash and inkind contributions. Their new projects will replicate nature's filters to create bio-organic water filters for use in desalination plants, further develop a prototype fibre-optic sensor measuring water treatment temperatures that does not corrode, and find alternative recycling and reuse options for used desalination plant membranes. Researchers will also use nanotechnology to test an assisted forward osmosis nanofiltration concept. NCEDA research into desalination and its application to help drought-proof communities is currently worth more than Aus$ 80 million (US$ 72.5 million), with nearly 50 projects under way across Australia. The newly funded projects are: Applying A Fibre-Optic Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor Prototype In Desalination,
Edith Cowan University. Principal Investigator: Professor Kamal Alameh. Project value: Aus$ 844,540 (US$ 765,728) Alternative Disposal Methods For End-Of-Life Desalination Membrane Elements, Victoria University
 | 44 | Desalination & Water Reuse | August-September 2013 Principal Investigator: Dr Marlene Cran. Other research participants: The University of New South Wales and Dow Water & Process Solutions. Project value: Aus$ 324,444 (US$ 294,055) Validation Of A Forward Osmosis Concept, The University Of New South Wales. Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Pierre Le-Clech.
 Other research participants: Ghent University (Belgium)
Project value: Aus$ 381,500 (US$ 345,782) Highly Productive And Selective BioOrganic Hybrid Membrane Water Filters, The University Of Queensland. Principal Investigator: Professor Michael Monteiro. Other research participants: Stanford University (USA). Project value: Aus$ 953,718 (US$ 864,242).

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