A Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering is researching innovative solutions to address taste and odor issues in drinking water treatment.
The student, Maeva Che, is particularly interested in extending the lifespan of granular activated carbon filters used in water treatment facilities. GAC filtration is an effective process, but replacing the filters after three years is inconvenient and expensive.
The research focuses on promoting biodegradation of contaminants within the GAC filters. By encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria on the GAC, the filters may not need replacing as often, reducing costs for treatment plants.
The project is in its initial phase and involves collaboration with the Peterborough Utilities Group's drinking water treatment plant. The research team plans to expand its collaboration with other water treatment plants across Ontario to assess the effectiveness of GAC filters in removing a wider range of taste and odor-causing compounds.
