Abstract: An electrolysis electrode having an array of nanotubes is disclosed. The electrode may provide high chlorine evolution and hydroxyl radical production activity for electrochemical wastewater treatment. The electrode includes a substrate and a nanotube array contacting the substrate. A semiconductor material overlays the top surface of the nanotube array. The nanotube array may be a stabilized blue-black TiO2 nanotube array, and the overlying semiconductor material may include TiO2. Several other improvements may enhance the service life of the electrode. For example, the electrode may be subjected to secondary anodization to enhance the binding between the nanotube array and substrate. During manufacture the electrode may be processed with ethanol to reduce cracks in the nanotube array. Additionally, during electrolysis the voltage polarity applied the electrode may be periodically switched so that the electrode operates alternatively as an anode or a cathode depending on the voltage polarity.

Abstract: A heterojunction anode for electrolysis is disclosed. The anode has a first conductive metal oxide (FCMO) layer, a second semiconductor layer contacting the FCMO layer, and one or more islands of a third semiconductor contacting the second semiconductor layer. The FCMO layer may be formed on a metallic base, such as titanium. The FCMO layer may include iridium, the second semiconductor layer may include titanium oxide, and the third semiconductor may include tin oxide. The anode may be manufactured using spray pyrolysis to apply each semiconductor material. The anode may be configured such that when placed in an electrolyte at least a portion of the second semiconductor layer and the islands are in direct physical contact with the electrolyte. The second semiconductor interlayer and third semiconductor islands enhance the production of reactive chlorine in chlorinated water. A water treatment system and method using the anode are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic maintenance system for wastewater treatment employs unique environmental sensor configurations to link operational states of a water treatment system with unique failure modes of the system. Upon detection of failure modes, the maintenance system alerts users and operators via a short messaging service (SMS) of the problem, and can display step-by-step pictorial repair instructions for the operator to replace broken or malfunctioning parts, without the operator needing to diagnosis the problem or understand the detailed workings of the wastewater treatment system.

Abstract: A water purification anode has a first semiconductor contacting a second semiconductor at a heterojunction. The second semiconductor includes TiO2 and excludes bismuth and niobium. The first semiconductor includes iridium. In some instances, the anode includes a current collector in direct physical contact with the first semiconductor. The anode can be arranged in water such that at least one face of the second semiconductor is in direct physical contact with the water.

Abstract: A method of forming a liquid handling device includes forming a device precursor having a containment structure with a surface that surrounds a containment gap that is occupied by a solid sacrificial layer. The method also includes removing the solid sacrificial layer from the containment gap. In some instances, removing the solid sacrificial layer includes thermally decomposing the solid sacrificial layer.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method for remediating wastewater and human waste that is self-contained and that has no connection to a municipal wastewater system and no connection to an electrical grid. The domestic toilet and wastewater treatment system can be powered by a photovoltaic panel as a source of electricity. The system includes an electrochemical cell that allows a waste stream to be disinfected in a few hours to a condition where no viable bacterial colonies can be cultured. The system produces a liquid stream that is suitable for system flushing or for uses in which non-potable water is acceptable. The system can generate hydrogen as a product that can be used to generate power. The system can generate nitrate, urea, ammonia and phosphate for use as fertilizer. The disinfected residual organic solids are also completely disinfected for potential use as an organic soil amendment for agriculture.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of groundwater is described, the system including: a first component for placement into a groundwater table, the first component having a first end and a second end and an interior space defined by an inner wall and extending between the first end and the second end; at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned with the interior space of the first component to provide ultrasonically induced cavitation to a volume of water within the interior space; a pump associated with the first end of the first component to draw water from the groundwater table into the interior space of the first component; an outlet associated with the second end of the first component, the outlet positioned to direct a volume of water away from the first component after the water has passed therethrough; a power supply; and a radio frequency generator capable of providing a radio frequency within the range from about 15 kHz to about 1100 kHz.

Abstract: A process is described for the treatment of fluorochemicals in an aqueous environment, the process including the steps of (1) ultrasonically inducing cavitation in an aqueous system at a frequency within the range from about 15 kHz to about 1100 kHz, the aqueous system comprising fluorochemicals; and (2) breaking down the fluorochemicals into constituent components by the application of the cavitation. The ultrasonically induced cavitation is performed at a frequency within the range from greater than 200 kHz to about 1100 kHz. The process can be used to facilitate the degradation of any of a variety of fluorochemicals having a carbon chain length of C2 and higher.

Abstract: An automated system for upstream, chemical disinfection of wet and dry weather water flows. The system combines chemical disinfection with a sophisticated feed-back control model for efficient disinfection rates and optimized consumables usage without the generation of environmentally-damaging residues. The model is steered by inputs from an array of sensors measuring key physiochemical and biological parameters. The system is designed to optionally permit remote access via computer networks such as the Internet or telemetry.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel electrode which is capable of operation at sufficiently positive anodic potential to produce hydroxyl free radicals and release them into solution, and a process for producing these electrodes. It also provides electrochemical cells utilizing these electrodes, and a novel material included in these electrodes. The electrode consists of titanium metal or a titanium alloy, with an oxide coating that includes titanium dioxide and also includes niobium(IV) oxide or tantalum(IV) oxide, sufficient to impart adequate electrical conductivity to the titanium dioxide under the necessary anodic polarization. An electrode preparation process is described, which allows niobium or tantalum in the oxide coating to be reduced to the +4 valence state, and causes the coating to assume a very stable and insoluble crystal structure. A process for manufacturing ammonium niobate, which is the preferred source compound for niobium in the electrode manufacturing process, is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides electrochemical methods for producing hydroxyl free radicals and decomposing by oxidation chemical substances dissolved in water. It utilizes a novel electrode which is capable of operation at sufficiently positive anodic potential to produce hydroxyl radicals. A complete device for oxidizing chemical substances dissolved in water is described, and operating conditions favorable to the method are discussed. Examples of oxidation reactions are presented, including oxidation of an herbicide, an insecticide, toluene, cresol, and a fluoroalkyl surfactant.

Abstract: A process is provided for reducing iron ore by treatment with microorganisms which comprises forming an aqueous mixture of iron ore, microorganisms operable for reducing the ferric iron of the iron ore to ferrous iron, and a substrate operable as an energy source for the microbial reduction; and maintaining the aqueous mixture for a period of time and under conditions operable to effect the reduction of the ore. Preferably the microorganism is Pseudomonas sp. 200 and the reduction conducted anaerobically with a domestic wastewater as the substrate. An aqueous solution containing soluble ferrous iron can be separated from the reacted mixture, treated with a base to precipitate ferrous hydroxide which can then be recovered as a concentrated slurry.

Abstract: A cloud water collector is disclosed comprised of a sampler duct having a plurality of spaced Teflon strands, in the form of screens, mounted across the conduit at an acute angle facing the open inlet of the conduit. Droplets in a cloud sample are drawn into the conduit by a fan located at the back end of the conduit, impact upon the Teflon strands and are drawn down to the lower ends of the strands, where they drop and the accumulated droplets are diverted to a sample bottle for collection. The cloud water collector can be automated to collect a plurality of successive cloud water samples by an automated sampler containing a reservoir into which cloud water obtained in the cloud water collector is discharged. A motor-driven turntable is provided which holds a plurality of sample bottles.