Date of Last Revision
2023-05-03 12:52:53
Major
Civil Engineering
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2020
Abstract
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are a devastating ecological and economic consequence of the abundance of nutrient-rich agricultural runoff entering aquatic ecosystems (Baker et al. 2014). Bioavailable phosphorus from synthetic fertilizers is one of the major nutrients contributing to this global issue. Preliminary studies indicate that dissolved phosphorus can be removed from an aqueous environment when passed through a composite mixture of granular steel wool particles and activated carbon (Erickson, Gulliver, and Weiss (2007). Further research was conducted using higher quality concentration measurements to determine what grades of steel wool (0000, 000, 00) and types of activated carbon (GAC, PAC, EAC) and in what combinations are most effective at removing phosphorus, and to determine longevity of filter materials in terms of percent phosphorus removed over time, and percent iron-oxide byproducts produced over time. The feasibility of scaling up the proportions of materials was also assessed to determine the safety, health, and environmental regulations of filter implementation as well as to produce an economic analysis and design matrix. From the experimental and existing data, a prototypical filtration device was designed and analyzed with regard for materials needed, longevity, regulation, cost, and potential future implementation in two Ohio locations: the Maumee River and the Cuyahoga River.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Stephen Duirk
First Reader
Dr. Hunter King
Second Reader
Dr. Ala Abbas
Recommended Citation
Zidd, Samantha; Kidd, Sara; and Simpson, Ronald, "Prevention of Harmful Algal Blooms by the Mitigation of Phosphorus Nutrient Loading via Filtration by Steel Wool and Activated Carbon" (2020). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 877.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/877