A new Maine invention could change how wastewater is treated

BIDDEFORD POOL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PILOTS NEW TECHNOLOGY TO REPLACE CHLORINE BLEACH

Location: Biddeford, Maine

Introduction

A small-scale revolution is taking place at the Biddeford Pool wastewater treatment plant in Maine. A new technology, called DiriGoH20, has been developed to replace the use of chlorine bleach with a nontoxic disinfectant made from wastewater, salt, and electricity. The innovative process also produces hydrogen gas, which could potentially be used for heating or generating electricity. This article explores the success of the small-scale pilot project and the potential benefits of implementing this technology on a larger scale.

Background

The DiriGoH20 technology was invented by Craig Cunningham, a native of Caribou and the managing director of Maine Manufacturing Partners. He approached the city of Biddeford with the idea of testing the technology at their wastewater treatment plant in Biddeford Pool. After three months of testing, the pilot project has been deemed a success.

Benefits of DiriGoH20

1. Elimination of chlorine bleach: The use of DiriGoH20 technology eliminates the need for chlorine bleach in wastewater treatment plants. This not only saves municipalities thousands of dollars but also reduces the environmental impact associated with the use of chlorine bleach.
2. Nontoxic disinfectant: The new process produces a nontoxic disinfectant called hypochlorous acid, which is as effective as sodium hypochlorite in killing bacteria and pathogens. Unlike bleach, hypochlorous acid dissipates on its own, eliminating the need for additional chemicals to neutralize it.
3. Potential for energy generation: The DiriGoH20 technology also produces hydrogen gas as a byproduct. Although currently being vented out of the building, there are plans to capture and utilize this gas for generating heat or electricity in the future.

Success of the Pilot Project

Alex Buechner, the wastewater superintendent of Biddeford, confirms the success of the pilot project. Since the implementation of the DiriGoH20 system, no chlorine bleach has been used at the Biddeford Pool facility. The technology has proven to be just as effective, if not more, in disinfecting the wastewater. Buechner emphasizes the importance of exploring safer and more sustainable options for wastewater treatment.

Scaling Up the Technology

The next step for the DiriGoH20 technology is to scale it up for larger wastewater treatment facilities. Cunningham suggests testing the technology at a facility that treats approximately 100,000 gallons of wastewater per day. This scalability will further demonstrate the potential of the technology and its impact on cost savings and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

The DiriGoH20 technology offers a promising solution for wastewater treatment plants to replace chlorine bleach with a nontoxic disinfectant. By utilizing wastewater, salt, and electricity, this innovative process not only eliminates the need for harmful chemicals but also has the potential to generate energy. The success of the pilot project in Biddeford Pool highlights the importance of exploring sustainable alternatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Implementing this technology on a larger scale could have significant economic and environmental benefits for municipalities.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article discusses a new technology called DiriGoH20 that uses wastewater, salt, and electricity to produce a nontoxic disinfectant, eliminating the need for chlorine bleach in wastewater treatment plants. This technology addresses the goal of clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) by providing a safer and more environmentally friendly method of treating wastewater. Additionally, the production of hydrogen gas through this process connects to the goal of affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) as it has the potential to generate heat or electricity. The invention of this new technology also aligns with the goals of industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9) and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) by promoting innovative solutions and reducing the use of harmful chemicals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• SDG 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• SDG 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
• SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

The targets identified above are relevant to the content of the article. The use of DiriGoH20 technology in wastewater treatment contributes to improving water quality (SDG 6.3) by reducing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials. The potential utilization of hydrogen gas for heat or electricity generation aligns with the target of increasing the share of renewable energy (SDG 7.2). The development and implementation of this innovative technology also contribute to upgrading infrastructure and adopting clean technologies (SDG 9.4) and achieving environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes (SDG 12.4).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Reduction in the use of chlorine bleach in wastewater treatment plants
• Increase in the production and utilization of hydrogen gas
• Cost savings for municipalities
• Improvement in water quality
• Adoption and implementation of innovative technologies

The article mentions the elimination of chlorine bleach usage in the wastewater treatment plant as a result of implementing the DiriGoH20 technology. This reduction in the use of hazardous chemicals can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards the target of improving water quality (SDG 6.3) and achieving environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes (SDG 12.4). The potential capture and utilization of hydrogen gas can be an indicator of progress towards the target of increasing the share of renewable energy (SDG 7.2). The cost savings for municipalities can be an indicator of the economic benefits of adopting sustainable technologies. The adoption and implementation of the DiriGoH20 technology itself can be an indicator of progress towards the target of upgrading infrastructure and adopting clean technologies (SDG 9.4).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bangordailynews.com