Frequently Asked Questions . . .

about the Purdue University Calumet Water Institute/Argonne National Laboratory Emerging Technologies Project

What is the Emerging Technologies Project?

- Scientists and engineers at the Purdue University Calumet Water Institute (PWI) and Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) are studying emerging technologies for their potential to reduce wastewater discharges into Lake Michigan.

- Energy company BP is underwriting the research. The research is expected to provide BP with a database of emerging technologies and processes that, compared to currently available alternatives, might improve wastewater treatment options as BP expands its Whiting, Ind., refinery over the next several years to process more Canadian crude oil. These potential technologies also could have applications for other industries around the Great Lakes.

- The project will provide scientifically based, peer-reviewed information about discharges to Lake Michigan, and technologies that might improve wastewater quality. The project includes two major tasks:

Emerging Technologies

The initial phase of the study will screen new and emerging technologies to remove total suspended solids (TSS) and ammonia. Screening information will be provided to BP, which will then make further decisions on the applicability of these technologies to meeting future discharge permit limits at the Whiting Refinery.

In addition, BP’s Whiting Refinery permit includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new standard for mercury emissions. Researchers will investigate and test emerging technologies for removing mercury and other metals. Technologies will be evaluated for their performance, reliability, sustainability and applicability to meet the performance goals mandated by new, stringent regulatory limits.

Comparative Discharges

Researchers also will conduct a comparative analysis of overall discharges into Lake Michigan by industry, municipalities and others – and examine their environmental implications. This will facilitate a broader understanding of discharges to Lake Michigan, which may in turn improve public information and policy making, and highlight technology development needs.

Why were the Purdue Calumet Water Institute and Argonne selected to conduct this research?

-Both teams are multidisciplinary and have a diverse background of expertise encompassing academia, industry and government-sponsored research. This ensures scientific/engineering creativity and, at the same time, a scientifically sound analytical process.
-The PWI and Argonne teams have different but complementary testing capabilities.
-Their local bases in Northwest Indiana and suburban Chicago, and proximity to each other, ensure prompt coordination and knowledge of the regional issues surrounding this study.


How will the two organizations work together on this study?

-The Purdue Calumet Water Institute and Argonne have worked together in the past and are jointly conducting this research. Individual members of the team are working on specific aspects of the project based on their expertise.
-Periodic meetings to coordinate research, findings and progress ensure that the process is sound and that any gaps are addressed.
-A Panel review will further ensure the final product is thoroughly scrutinized for scientific rigor.


What about existing water treatment technologies being used at other places?

There are a number of existing technologies being used by industries, municipalities and others to treat wastewater and to control emissions. The charge of this project is to look at technologies that are not yet proven, that are in early phases of development, or that have been developed for other applications. The research will evaluate those technologies for their potential effectiveness in improving wastewater quality.


How will the study be conducted?

PWI and Argonne have developed a screening methodology to ensure an “apples-to-apples” evaluation of emerging technologies. The methodology includes a number of evaluation factors such as performance, reliability and sustainability. Each evaluation factor is clearly defined to ensure consistent application through the scientific analysis process.


What will the study produce?

The researchers will provide BP with a list of emerging technologies and processes that, compared to currently available alternatives, might improve wastewater treatment options as the Whiting, Ind., refinery is expanded to process more Canadian crude oil over the next several years. These potential technologies also could have applications for other industries around the Great Lakes.
Over the longer term, some of these technologies will be tested, and comparative analyses of related discharge issues will be completed that may help policymakers better understand and address environmental concerns. These tests and analyses also may help developers of new technology identify the most pressing needs. In addition, the outcomes of the research are to be presented at seminars, lectures and other forums to help disseminate information on emerging technologies for sustainable wastewater treatment. For a more detailed explanation of the study, see the project’s scope on this Web site.

What is the schedule for the project?

The project began in November 2007. The first phase was completed in June 2008. The final report on screened emerging technologies for total suspended solids and ammonia was provided to BP at that time, and can be viewed via this Web site. In addition, the comparative analysis of discharges into southern Lake Michigan was completed, and the repot can be found on this Web site.

The second, longer-term phase began in February 2009. During this phase, researchers are conducting a search for and screening emerging technologies that may address wastewater discharges of mercury, vanadium and heavy metals. A summary of Phase II is available on this Website.


How is study information be shared with the public?

-The project team held two Community Briefings during the Phase I study period, in January and June 2008, at Purdue Calumet facilities. These meetings were open to the public, promoted to local media, and invitations were sent to hundreds of individuals who indicated interest. The presentations from these meetings, along with the Phase I report, Fact Sheet and other materials, are available via this Web site.

This Web site will be periodically updated with new information, progress reports on the project, and research reports as appropriate.

To join the mailing list, contact waterinstitute@calumet.purdue.edu.

-Questions or technology inquiries should be directed to waterinstitute@calumet.purdue.edu.

-Media inquiries should be directed to Purdue University Calumet’s Office of University Relations at 219/989-2217 or lukoshus@calumet.purdue.edu.

-The Purdue Calumet Water Institute and Argonne, as part of the research agreement with BP, have committed to an education and outreach effort. Researchers will share the outcomes of the Emerging Technologies project through opportunities such as seminars and lecture series at participating institutions, publications, technical conferences, wastewater summits and conference proceedings.