Innovative Removal of Nitrate and Nitrites from Contaminated Well Water

Micronic Technologies has developed a patent pending low-pressure, low-temperature, rapid evaporation technology to treat contaminated water. This technology uses no chemicals, filters, or membranes in a low-pressure system a blower and a chambered cylinder to produce a tornado effect that creates micro-droplets of water for rapid evaporation and recapture after dissolved solids are shed. It is low cost and highly efficient while producing minimal waste volume for disposal. Preliminary testing has indicated effective removal of heavy metals and other contaminants, including nitrates, phosphorous and bacteria. The proposed research will determine the reliability and reproducibility of removing nitrates from well water. These contaminants create significant issues for water resources impacted by agricultural operations. Preliminary results have shown the removal of nitrates and nitrites below 0.4 mg/L. A goal of the research is to conduct more robust testing from a variety of wells in an agricultural setting located in Southern Delaware that are known to be contaminated with nitrates. Phase I of this SBIR will involve the treatment of water samples on the bench prototype unit in the lab. Phase II will site a pilot system in the field and test for a wider suite of contaminants at a client site. This research will be conducted in cooperation with Tidewater Utilities and the State of Delawares Office of Drinking Water. This research will benefit the agricultural community by providing a low cost, highly efficient technology to remove pollutants commonly associated with agricultural operations. This aids in meeting increased regulatory requirements on Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) as well as demonstrating the agricultural industrys commitment to reduce nutrient pollution.