Overview of solar detoxification activities in the United States

Mehos, Mark; Williams, Todd O.; Turchi, Craig

doi:10.2172/10108567

Cited by 1 publication

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“…The feasibility of using sunlight in conjunction with the photocatalytic process to destroy organic water pollutants was demonstrated in the mid-1980s. Later, the U.S. DOE, through NREL and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) made efforts to develop the solar detoxification technology for commercial application in the early 1990s, and NREL completed negotiations and signed an agreement with International Technology Corporation (ITC) (Mehos et al 1994). This process has demonstrated its effectiveness against organic chemical pollutants, including agricultural pesticides.…”

Section: Photocatalysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Renewable Energy in Water and Wastewater Treatment Applications; Period of Performance: April 1, 2001--September 1, 2001

Argaw¹

2003

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The availability of clean drinking water is a development issue faced by billions of people in the developing and near-developed world. Development organizations continually site the lack of access to clean water and sanitation as the leading cause of death amongst children in rural areas. The scale of this problem is immense, as are its solutions. The global nature of this issue opens the door for the application of communal solutions, as was demonstrated by the discussions surrounding the Johannesburg global climate meeting where water issues were a key concern that all nations could come together to support. Like energy, the need for clean water is increasing rapidly as supplies of traditional resources continue to diminish due to overuse, waste, and pollution. Unlike energy, the ability to harness local resources to produce water is not possible. However, we do have the capability to use local energy resources to gain access to water supplies that would otherwise be unavailable and then ensure that this water is safe for human consumption. Most water is located underground in deep aquifers, in surface lakes, rivers, and streams or in the ocean. Technologies exist to make use of all of these water sources but in many cases, the absence of available, inexpensive energy makes their use expensive, time consuming, and potentially dangerous. The proper application of any number of energy options available today can make gaining access to this water a reality in many areas not previously considered. This report, one of three written by the author, provides insight into providing water to people in rural areas. By considering all aspects of water systems from assessing availability, accessibility, treatment, supply systems, and post use treatment, this document provides insight into all aspects of the water system. The document also discusses a variety of energy sources available to rural and remote areas to provide power for any proposed water systems. The report is unique as it provides a very evenhanded approach to the selection of different technologies and power choices. The purpose of this document is to provide insight into the different options that are available and methods to understand which technology may be the best for specific needs, conditions, and locations. We also hope to dispel some of the misconceptions about appropriate or inappropriate technologies through the publication of this document. Because the access to clean water is such a large and encompassing issue, all solutions have their place. The difficulty is determining which technologies are most appropriate for each user's specific need. This book is one in a series of guidebooks that NREL produced, with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy, to couple commercial renewable energy systems with rural applications, including other water issues, rural schools, health posts, and micro-enterprise. Other water related publications in this series describe the technical aspects of water pumping technology and provide insight to issues of wat...

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Section: Photocatalysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Renewable Energy in Water and Wastewater Treatment Applications; Period of Performance: April 1, 2001--September 1, 2001

Argaw¹

2003

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Overview of solar detoxification activities in the United States

Cited by 1 publication

References 1 publication

Renewable Energy in Water and Wastewater Treatment Applications; Period of Performance: April 1, 2001--September 1, 2001

Renewable Energy in Water and Wastewater Treatment Applications; Period of Performance: April 1, 2001--September 1, 2001

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