Adams Research Group Research Thrusts
The following projects are conducted collaboratively with researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology and elsewhere.
Cyanotoxins and Harmful Algal Blooms
(USU - Shadi Eghrary; MS&T - Honglan Shi, Haiting Zhang, Yinfa Ma; Hazen and Sawyer - Ben Stanford, Elisa Arevalo) (Sponsor: AWWA and others)
In a series of projects, we are looking at many aspects of the issue of harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxins. We are studying the effects of oxidants on the release of cyanotoxins during water treatment. We have recently developed a computer model (CyanoTOX) for predicting the oxidation rates of microcystins, cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin a by six oxidants under varied pH and temperature. Version 2 of Cyanotox is currently under development. We develop guidance to utilities in the form of standard operating procedures and testing protocol for oxidation and PAC treatments.We have also conducted and published risk analyses for cyanotoxins in drinking water based on prevalence, magnitude and potency.
(USU - Shadi Eghrary; MS&T - Honglan Shi, Haiting Zhang, Yinfa Ma; Hazen and Sawyer - Ben Stanford, Elisa Arevalo) (Sponsor: AWWA and others)
In a series of projects, we are looking at many aspects of the issue of harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxins. We are studying the effects of oxidants on the release of cyanotoxins during water treatment. We have recently developed a computer model (CyanoTOX) for predicting the oxidation rates of microcystins, cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin a by six oxidants under varied pH and temperature. Version 2 of Cyanotox is currently under development. We develop guidance to utilities in the form of standard operating procedures and testing protocol for oxidation and PAC treatments.We have also conducted and published risk analyses for cyanotoxins in drinking water based on prevalence, magnitude and potency.
Occurrence, Analysis and Control of Nitrosamines and their Precursors in Drinking Water
(MS&T - Honglan Shi, Daniel West, Qihua Wu, Yinfa Ma) This work is focused on the use of novel sorbents to control and remove nitrosamines and their precursors in drinking water treatment. |
Control of Nanoparticles in Drinking Water Treatment
(MS&T - Honglan Shi, Ariel Donovan, Yinfa Ma) In this work, we are investigating the fate of natural and/or antropogenic Au, Ag, TiO2, ZnO, and CeO2 nanoparticles conventional drinking water treatment processes including coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation; softening; filtration and oxidation/disinfection. We are working at both in laboratory experimentation to simulate water treatment processes, and in full-scale utilities. |
Evaluation of Lead Service Line Lining and Coating Technologies
(PI: Stephen Randtke; co-PIs: Craig Adams, Ted Peltier, Ray Carter, Alan Roberson; Graduate Research Assistant: Rachael Lane (PhD Chemistry) (Sponsor: EPA and Water Research Foundation)
This research project is examining leaching or organic and inorganic chemicals from service line coatings and linings. Our group is examining organic leachates (e.g., bisphenols, phthalates) from conventional and new types of coatings and liners, and examining oxidation byproducts formed during chlorination and chloramination. Properties, stability, occurrence, and estimated health implications of parent and degradates will be assessed.
(PI: Stephen Randtke; co-PIs: Craig Adams, Ted Peltier, Ray Carter, Alan Roberson; Graduate Research Assistant: Rachael Lane (PhD Chemistry) (Sponsor: EPA and Water Research Foundation)
This research project is examining leaching or organic and inorganic chemicals from service line coatings and linings. Our group is examining organic leachates (e.g., bisphenols, phthalates) from conventional and new types of coatings and liners, and examining oxidation byproducts formed during chlorination and chloramination. Properties, stability, occurrence, and estimated health implications of parent and degradates will be assessed.
Development of an Alternative Contaminant Candidate List 4 (CCL4)
(USU - Ryan Bench; AWWA - Alan Roberson; Jeff Rosen - Corona Engineers
The purpose of this study is to assess risk based on occurrence and toxicity of 130 compounds that may be considered within the EPA regulatory process.
(USU - Ryan Bench; AWWA - Alan Roberson; Jeff Rosen - Corona Engineers
The purpose of this study is to assess risk based on occurrence and toxicity of 130 compounds that may be considered within the EPA regulatory process.
Formation of Disinfection Byproducts in Brackish and Saltwater Systems
(USU - Shadi Eghrary; MS&T - Honglan Shi; Chinese Academy of Science - Zhimin Qiang) This research is focused on examination disinfection byproducts (e.g. nitrosamines, iodo-DBPs, etc), degradation products of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides in drinking water. |
Sustainable use of Activated Carbon: Selection of Appropriate Activated Carbons based on Mechanistic Considerations
(USU - Jimmy Schneider; Bobby Duersch) This research is focused on reducing costs and energy associated with powdered activated carbon selection based on mechanistic considerations with respect to adsorbate and adsorbent chemistries, water quality, and other factors. |
Development of Arsenic Removal Technology using Ceramic Filtration
(USU - Kaisa Forsythe)
We are testing a full-scale our surface modified ceramic removed arsenic from very high levels to below the World Health Organization (WHO) guidance level of 10 µg/L. The filter provides simultaneous filtrative disinfection for bacteria and parasites. The clay filter is first manufactured based on the Potters For Peace guidelines and the surface is modified and refired with an adsorptive coating. We plan to field test the filters abroad in 2016.
(USU - Kaisa Forsythe)
We are testing a full-scale our surface modified ceramic removed arsenic from very high levels to below the World Health Organization (WHO) guidance level of 10 µg/L. The filter provides simultaneous filtrative disinfection for bacteria and parasites. The clay filter is first manufactured based on the Potters For Peace guidelines and the surface is modified and refired with an adsorptive coating. We plan to field test the filters abroad in 2016.