From nano to macro: A sustainable and holistic approach to improve water quality in changing environment

Abstract

The increasing human population and associated demands for natural resources presents a direct challenge to the quality and quantity of potable water. Anthropogenic activities such as industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization are paving the road towards a reduction in water quality and availability. Adding to the anthropogenic factor, the improper management of point catchment areas exacerbates the problem, leading to waterborne disease outbreaks and the deterioration of public health. In an urban environment such as cities and countryside areas, the expansion of impervious surfaces is adding non-point source (NPS) pollutants to the watershed and groundwater catchment areas, which alter the quality and quantity of available potable water. Biocompatible applications of nano materials have been an active research area as water treatment alternative in recent years because of their unique structure and physicochemical properties. Moreover, Water Membrane Filtration has emerged as a critical technology to reduce waterborne diseases caused by poor water quality. Filtration technology presents key challenges, such as membrane selectivity, permeability, and biofouling. Nanomaterials can offer solutions to these challenges by varying the membranes’ mechanical and bactericidal properties. This research uses a holistic approach to improve water quality using Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis to point out NPS source and development stormwater strategies to prevent and reduce water quality deterioration and detonation nano diamond particles with facile surface functionality and biocompatibility properties that are added into membranes used for water filtration treatments. GIS analysis performed pointed out anthropogenic land use area that significantly affected water quality deterioration. Stormwater best management strategies were implemented depending on the geographical and hydrological characteristics such as topography, water flow direction and water accumulation around the watershed catchment area. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to study the membrane surface. FTIR spectra confirm an increase of oxygen functional groups onto the Ultra Dispersed Diamond’s (UDD) surface following acid treatment. SEM images show particle deagglomeration of functionalized UDD at the membrane surface. Tensile strength tests were done to measure the UDD mechanical properties and Coliscan membrane filtration characterization was performed to determine the filter effectiveness. PES and PDVF membranes expressed a change in their yield point when UDD was incorporated into the porous matrix. Significant microorganism reduction was obtained and confirmed using t-test analysis at a 95% level of confidence. UDD embedded membranes exhibit a significant bactericidal reduction compared to commercial membranes suggesting these membranes have the potential to enhance and improve current water membrane filtration systems.