Leveraging the City of Ann Arbor’s Water Treatment Pilot Plant to Inform Treatment of Emerging Contaminants Across the State of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

This project evaluated the impact of ozone (O3) and ozone/hydrogen peroxide (O3/H2O2) treatment on the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by activated carbon based filtration and the formation potential of regulated and unregulated disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The team sought to improve our understanding of the impact of (1) variable source water quality (e.g., total organic carbon concentrations) and (2) operational changes during O3/H2O2 treatment (e.g., the O3 and H2O2 dose) on PFAS and DBP precursor removal efficiency. To aid the practical implementation of our findings, we used a newly built pilot scale facility at the City of Ann Arbor Drinking Water Treatment Plant (AADWTP), leveraging a collaboration between the University of Michigan (UM) and the AADWTP. Research outcomes were shared with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and initial steps were taken to develop partnerships with utilities across the state of Michigan working with EGLE. These partnerships will help facilitate the use of AADWTP pilot facilities to explore emerging water quality issues.

Health Theme Infrastructure Theme Social Theme Water Theme

Overview and Research Motivation

The University of Michigan (UM) conducted a comprehensive research project in collaboration with the City of Ann Arbor Drinking Water Treatment Plant (AADWTP) to address emerging contaminants in drinking water. The project, titled "Leveraging City of Ann Arbor's Water Treatment Pilot Plant to inform treatment of emerging contaminants across the state of Michigan," focused on evaluating the impact of ozone (O3) and ozone/hydrogen peroxide (O3/H2O2) treatment on the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the formation potential of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The research aimed to improve understanding of how changes in treatment affect contaminant removal and formation, with a specific focus on informing the re-design of the Ann Arbor water treatment plant. This project was particularly significant because the Ann Arbor system is representative of other systems around the state that obtain their drinking water from river and groundwater sources. As such, the findings from this study have broader implications for water treatment facilities across Michigan.

Methodology and Tasks

The research team utilized a newly built pilot scale facility at the AADWTP to investigate the effects of variable source water quality and operational changes during O3/H2O2 treatment on PFAS and DBP precursor removal efficiency. Two main tasks were completed:

1. Evaluation of O3-GAC and O3/H2O2-GAC impact on DBP formation potential
2. Assessment of O3 and O3/H2O2 effects on PFAS removal by GAC filters

These experiments were conducted in both winter and summer to account for variations in water quality, providing a comprehensive understanding of treatment efficacy across different conditions.

Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer

Throughout the project, the research team established a data sharing framework between UM, the AADWTP, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Regular reports were submitted to EGLE, and meetings were held to discuss project progress and adjust the research plan according to their suggestions.

Implications for Water Treatment in Michigan

The project's findings are expected to have significant implications for water treatment practices not only in Ann Arbor but also across Michigan. By using the Ann Arbor system as a representative model, the research provides valuable insights that can be applied to other water treatment facilities facing similar challenges with emerging contaminants.
The team worked with EGLE to develop a protocol for mapping research questions from utilities across the state to the UM research team. This initiative aimed to address challenges faced by Michigan water utilities and create a multi-year program to provide actionable recommendations and innovative solutions for water treatment emerging contaminant challenges.

Related Projects

Improving-Water-Quality-1
Water Theme

Improving Water Quality in Ox Creek

Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA

Using wireless sensors to monitor water quality and flow conditions and to control drains to Ox Creek in Benton Harbor.

Learn More
Real-Time-Watershed-Control-1
Water Theme

Real-Time Watershed Control

Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Using autonomous sensors and valves to create “smart” stormwater systems to reduce flooding forecasting, and improve water quality.

Learn More
Removing-Phosphorus-Discharge-1
Water Theme

Optimizing Phosphorus Removal at Detroit’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

Optimizing phosphorus removal at Detroit’s water treatment facility, to keep it out of lakes and rivers.

Learn More
Using-Technology-Keep-Seniors-Safe-1
Health Theme Social Theme Infrastructure Theme

Using Technology to Keep Seniors Safe

Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA

Using wearable-based technology to help seniors stay mobile and age in place, while avoiding exposure to falls and environmental risks or hazards.

Learn More
The-Power-Microorganisms-Treat-Water-1
Water Theme

The Power of Microorganisms to Treat Water

Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Investigating the use of cutting-edge molecular tools that characterize and optimize water quality process performance.

Learn More
Improving-Public-Transportation-1
Social Theme Mobility Theme

Improving Public Transportation

Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA

Collecting travel data to help Benton Harbor improve travel options for residents, with the goal of increased employment participation and retention.

Learn More
Protecting-Public-Health-Improved-Water--Service-1
Water Theme Health Theme

Protecting Public Health with Improved Water Service

Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA

Improving Benton Harbor’s aging water system using risk assessment and risk analysis techniques, as well as mobile sensors.

Learn More
Transforming-Shipping-Containers-Chronic-Care-Clinics-1
Health Theme Social Theme

Transforming Shipping Containers into Chronic Care Clinics

Sandy Bay, Hanover Parish, Jamaica

The first in a series of health clinic prototypes that bring technology-enabled chronic health care monitoring to remote, underserved global populations.

Learn More
Liquid-Planning-Detroit-1
Water Theme

Liquid Planning Detroit

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

Limiting the volume of stormwater in the Detroit system to prevent untreated sewage from being released into the Detroit and Rouge Rivers.

Learn More
Connecting-Mobility-Social-Access-1
Social Theme Mobility Theme

Connecting Mobility and Social Access

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Rethinking how transit infrastructure can expand access to food, health, learning, and mobility services by creating multimodal hubs.

Learn More
Artificial-Intelligence-and-Water-Resource-Recovery-Facilities-1
Water Theme

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRF)

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Using big data, data mining, and artificial intelligence to improve performance of the highly advanced Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facilities.

Learn More
Enhancing-Decision-1
Health Theme Infrastructure Theme Social Theme

Enhancing Decision Making along the Detroit Riverfront using Remote Sensing and Computer Vision Tools

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

Using remote sensing and security camera data to better understand how people are using the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy public spaces.

Learn More
Remote-Sensing-1
Infrastructure Theme

Remote Sensing Techniques for Highway Retaining Walls

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

Structural monitoring of highway retaining walls using remote sensing techniques to assess performance and prioritize infrastructure investments.

Learn More
GLWA-Real-Time-1
Water Theme Infrastructure Theme

Demonstration Project for Real-Time Stormwater Control in Southeast Michigan

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

Application of real-time sensing and dynamic control on existing wastewater infrastructure to reduce the frequency and volume of Combined Sewer Overflows.

Learn More
Point-Use-Water-Filters-1
Water Theme Social Theme

Point of Use Water Filters: A Grassroots Train-the-Trainer Program

Flint and Flint, Michigan, USA

A grassroots train-the-trainer program on how to install, operate and maintain faucet-mounted point-of-use filters to protect for lead in drinking water.

Learn More
Sensors-Shoebox-01
Health Theme Social Theme

Sensors in a Shoebox

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

The Sensors in a Shoebox project focuses on empowering Detroit youth as agents of change for their city.

Learn More
Energy-Savings-01
Energy Theme Social Theme Mobility Theme

Energy Savings through Integrated Personalized, Real-time Traveler Information and Incentive Scheme

Washington DC-Baltimore, Metropolitan Downtown Area, USA

The project aims to reduce energy use of vehicular travels by incentivizing individual travelers to adjust travel choices and driving behaviors.

Learn More
Bendable-Concrete-Utilized-01
Mobility Theme Infrastructure Theme

Bendable Concrete Utilized on a Bridge Deck (Engineered Cementitious Composite or ECC)

Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA

A major source of bridge deterioration requiring constant maintenance is mechanical expansion joints installed between adjacent simple span bridge decks.

Learn More
Mapping Detroit’s Digital Divide
Infrastructure Theme Mobility Theme Social Theme

Mapping Detroit’s Digital Divide

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

Mapping detailed geographies of digital access and exclusion across Detroit’s neighborhoods.

Learn More
Infrastructure Theme Water Theme Health Theme

In-Place Structural Monitoring of Cast Iron Water Main Renewal

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

The Great Lakes Water Authority is looking for ways to rehabilitate large diameter water mains without actually having to dig up city streets.

Learn More
Water Theme Health Theme

Treating PFAS Impacted Groundwater using Plasma

Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA

A PFAS treatment approach for groundwater using low-temperature plasma with a concentration phase

Learn More
Infrastructure Theme Water Theme Health Theme

Assessment of Risk for Southeast Michigan’s Drinking Water Transmission System

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

The University of Michigan is developing a structural reliability framework to quantify the probability of failure of pipe segments throughout the GLWA system.

Learn More
Finance Theme Infrastructure Theme Water Theme

Data-Driven Decision-Making Framework for Risk Management of the GLWA Water Transmission System

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

The goal of this project is to develop a data-driven asset management framework that quantifies risk in the water distribution network for southeast Michigan.

Learn More
Health Theme Mobility Theme Social Theme Infrastructure Theme Water Theme

Ox Creek Corridor Visioning Project

Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA

The city of Benton Harbor wishes to transform Ox Creek into a residential, recreational and commercial centerpiece linking important segments of the community.

Learn More
Health Theme Social Theme Infrastructure Theme

Campus Martius & Cadillac Square – Enhancing the Benefits Of Community Parks

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

While parks are designed and managed to generate community benefits, there remains a need for tools that can more rigorously measure how communities use parks.

Learn More
Social Theme Infrastructure Theme

Partnering Workers with Interactive Robot Assistants to Usher Transformation in Future Construction Work

Ann Arbor and Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

Robots are anticipated to make the global construction industry safer and more attractive to workers, easing a worker shortage in the United States.

Learn More
Water Theme

Michigan Center for Freshwater Innovation (MCFI)

The State of Michigan, Michigan, USA

The MCFI will leverage research in water technology and work with stakeholders to translate research into practice, stimulate business growth and job creation.

Learn More
Water Theme Finance Theme Health Theme Social Theme Infrastructure Theme

State of Michigan Water Infrastructure Regional Planning

The State of Michigan, Michigan, USA

Recommendations were developed to promote regional planning to ensure infrastructure investments are equitable and result in high-quality drinking water.

Learn More
Water Theme Health Theme Social Theme

Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) Restoration of the Rouge River

Detroit & Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA

The Urban Collaboratory is working with the USEPA and the Great Lakes Water Authority to remediate and restore the Rouge River.

Learn More
Mobility Theme Health Theme

Enabling Independent Mobility in People with Physical Disabilities by Advancing Human-Centered Social and Technological Research

Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA

The goal of this project is to explore seamless and independent mobility for people with physical disabilities.

Learn More