AWWA ACE68711

This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of perchlorate detection in water sources and ion exchange resins used for perchlorate removal. The objective of this research was to use microbial reduction to regenerate resins contaminated with perchlorate and nitrate, an environmentally sustainable alternative to resin "load and burn". Process description and experimental approach are provided, along with bioregeneration of perchlorate-selective resin, Bioregeneration of Nitrate-selective Resin, and Fouling Removal after Bioregeneration. Presentation conclusions indicate that: nitrate-selective ion exchange resin loaded with nitrate and/or perchlorate can be regenerated using a microbial enrichment culture; similar to nitrate-selective resin, spent perchlorate-selective resin can also be regenerated, thereby preventing "load and burn" of resins; and, resin fouling can be removed by several fouling removal agents. Resin bioregeneration has several advantages, including: converts perchlorate and nitrate to innocuous chloride and nitrogen gas; makes reuse of perchlorate/nitrate contaminated ion exchange resin possible; has the potential to reduce the cost of ion exchange for water utilities; technology is environmentally sustainable and minimizes carbon dioxide emissions; and, carbon credit can potentially be awarded to water utilities that do not incineratee resin. Includes table, figures.