Nanotechnology Approach for Removing Hydrocarbons and Other Contaminants From Utility Vault and Substructure Wastewater

The feasibility of a nanotechnology‐based hydrocarbon and other contaminants removal pressure filtration device has been demonstrated for dewatering industrial utility vaults and substructures for discharge to local storm drains. The use of the filter device facilitated compliance of utility companies with the General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Discharges from Utility Vaults and Substructures to Waters of the United States. The filter device, employing agglomerated oleophilic nanomaterials demonstrated the removal of dissolved priority pollutants, total suspended solids, and hexane extractable materials below U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criteria with an overall efficiency of 97.4 percent. Overall reduction per contaminant averaged 90 percent. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.