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.
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.
Using wireless sensors to monitor water quality and flow conditions and to control drains to Ox Creek in Benton Harbor.
Learn MoreUsing autonomous sensors and valves to create “smart” stormwater systems to reduce flooding forecasting, and improve water quality.
Learn MoreOptimizing phosphorus removal at Detroit’s water treatment facility, to keep it out of lakes and rivers.
Learn MoreUsing wearable-based technology to help seniors stay mobile and age in place, while avoiding exposure to falls and environmental risks or hazards.
Learn MoreInvestigating the use of cutting-edge molecular tools that characterize and optimize water quality process performance.
Learn MoreCollecting travel data to help Benton Harbor improve travel options for residents, with the goal of increased employment participation and retention.
Learn MoreImproving Benton Harbor’s aging water system using risk assessment and risk analysis techniques, as well as mobile sensors.
Learn MoreThe first in a series of health clinic prototypes that bring technology-enabled chronic health care monitoring to remote, underserved global populations.
Learn MoreLimiting the volume of stormwater in the Detroit system to prevent untreated sewage from being released into the Detroit and Rouge Rivers.
Learn MoreRethinking how transit infrastructure can expand access to food, health, learning, and mobility services by creating multimodal hubs.
Learn MoreUsing big data, data mining, and artificial intelligence to improve performance of the highly advanced Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facilities.
Learn MoreUsing remote sensing and security camera data to better understand how people are using the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy public spaces.
Learn MoreStructural monitoring of highway retaining walls using remote sensing techniques to assess performance and prioritize infrastructure investments.
Learn MoreApplication of real-time sensing and dynamic control on existing wastewater infrastructure to reduce the frequency and volume of Combined Sewer Overflows.
Learn MoreA 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 MoreThe Sensors in a Shoebox project focuses on empowering Detroit youth as agents of change for their city.
Learn MoreThe project aims to reduce energy use of vehicular travels by incentivizing individual travelers to adjust travel choices and driving behaviors.
Learn MoreA major source of bridge deterioration requiring constant maintenance is mechanical expansion joints installed between adjacent simple span bridge decks.
Learn MoreMapping detailed geographies of digital access and exclusion across Detroit’s neighborhoods.
Learn MoreThe Great Lakes Water Authority is looking for ways to rehabilitate large diameter water mains without actually having to dig up city streets.
Learn MoreA PFAS treatment approach for groundwater using low-temperature plasma with a concentration phase
Learn MoreThe University of Michigan is developing a structural reliability framework to quantify the probability of failure of pipe segments throughout the GLWA system.
Learn MoreThe 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 MoreThe city of Benton Harbor wishes to transform Ox Creek into a residential, recreational and commercial centerpiece linking important segments of the community.
Learn MoreWhile 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 MoreRobots are anticipated to make the global construction industry safer and more attractive to workers, easing a worker shortage in the United States.
Learn MoreThe MCFI will leverage research in water technology and work with stakeholders to translate research into practice, stimulate business growth and job creation.
Learn MoreRecommendations were developed to promote regional planning to ensure infrastructure investments are equitable and result in high-quality drinking water.
Learn MoreThe Urban Collaboratory is working with the USEPA and the Great Lakes Water Authority to remediate and restore the Rouge River.
Learn MoreThe goal of this project is to explore seamless and independent mobility for people with physical disabilities.
Learn MoreAltarum/ERIM Russell O'Neal Professor of Engineering
Professor Lutgarde Raskin is the Altarum/ERIM Russell O’Neal Professor of Engineering at the University of Michigan, where she has been a professor of Environmental Engineering since 2005. Before this, she was a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) for 12 years. She received a BS/MS degree in Bioscience Engineering and a BS/MS degree in Economics from the University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium). Her PhD degree is in Environmental Engineering from UIUC. Raskin is globally recognized as an expert in microbial aspects of anaerobic waste treatment and drinking water treatment technologies.
Professor Raskin has a strong service record. She co-organized the 2013 IWA Microbial Ecology and Water Engineering (MEWE) conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She currently serves on the Leadership Committees of the IWA Anaerobic Digestion and MEWE Specialist Groups. She has served on the Program Committees for numerous IWA’s Specialist Group Conferences, including the Anaerobic Digestion, Biofilm, and Leading Edge Technology Conferences. She is an Associate Editor for Environmental Science & Technology and serves on the Editorial Board/Advisory Board of five other journals. She has served on various committees of other professional societies, including the AEESP, for which she currently serves on the Board of Directors.
+ The Power of Microorganisms to Treat Water
Assistant Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Dr. Szczuka is an Assistant Professor in the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Michigan. She completed her B.S.E. in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University, where she worked in the Trace Metals group in the Geosciences department. Dr. Szczuka earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University, where she investigated how we can use emerging technologies to improve water reuse treatment in the Organic Chemistry at the Nexus (Mitch) lab. Prior to starting as a principal investigator, Dr. Szczuka completed a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Wigginton lab at U-M.