These are the researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, who have achieved remarkable success. They are addressing a thorny challenge, the removal of selenium from water. Daniel Giammar, the Walter E. Browne Professor of Environmental Engineering, heads the team at the university’s Center for the Environment. They employed a novel, low-cost technique known as iron electrocoagulation to accomplish amazing outcomes. Selenium is another essential trace element that serves as an important antioxidant, regulates thyroid function and helps boost the immune system. Both too high and too low of levels can present serious health hazards.
Selenium is very difficult to remove from water chiefly because of its high water solubility. Since both humans and wildlife are harmed by elevated selenium levels, efficient remedial measures are most critical. Thanks to Giammar’s lab, they’ve created an amazing approach. It set records for removal efficiency of selenium, over 98% in as little as 11 seconds as it passed through an iron reactor. This invention might open doors to more environmentally friendly ways to treat water in both industrial and municipal applications.
Research Findings and Methodology
Using model water samples, the research team conducted a number of experiments to test iron electrocoagulation for removing selenium from water. Master’s graduate Xicheng He was instrumental in this research. First off, he successfully used a novel flow-through reactor that was manufactured through the great collaborative work of our research partner WaterTectonics. This new technology allowed rapid selenium removal, removing up to 90% of it in less than a minute. The element binds strongly to solids, which are classified as nonhazardous after sitting for an hour.
In parallel, graduate student Yihang Yuan investigated various combinations of water chemistry and electrochemical conditions. It was their job to work through 15 different combinations in batch reactors to test their synergistic potential on selenium removal. Yuan’s study shook up the public consciousness when it was first published in the journal ACS ES&T Engineering. At the same time, He’s research caught fire in Environmental Science & Technology.
These studies do need to be viewed in context. Iron electrocoagulation may prove to be a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly treatment of selenium-laden waters, offering a much safer alternative than existing methods.
Publication and Recognition
The research results have been a sensation in the scientific community. They highlight the exciting potential uses of iron electrocoagulation in environmental engineering. Xicheng He’s study was published under the title “Rapid Removal of Selenium from Water Using Iron Electrocoagulation” in Environmental Science & Technology, identified by DOI 10.1021/acs.est.4c12305. Meanwhile, Yihang Yuan’s investigation, titled “Effects of Electrochemical Operating Conditions on Selenium Removal,” was documented in ACS ES&T Engineering with DOI 10.1021/acsestengg.5c00068.
These published studies provide important guidelines to further fine-tune selenium removal processes. They additionally pave the way for future research on alternate, similar contaminants.
Future Directions
Looking forward, Daniel Giammar’s lab wants to broaden their research beyond selenium removal. Having proven its success with iron electrocoagulation, the team’s next step is to explore the removal of additional contaminants found in water sources. This proactive, anticipatory approach to planning and production development marks a strong commitment to address monumental environmental issues and expand water quality improvements at a greater, more impactful scale.