HR: 0830h
AN: H51C-1057    [PDF]
TI: Filtration of Pathogenic Parasites Using Surfactant-Modified Zeolites
AU: * Lehner, T
EM: tjlehner@utep.edu
AF: Department of Geosciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968 United States
AU: Schulze-Makuch, D
EM: dirksm@geo.utep.edu
AF: Department of Geosciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968 United States
AU: Bowman, R
EM: bowman@nmt.edu
AF: Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Soccoro, NM 87801 United States
AB: Migration of pathogenic microorganisms, specifically Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia, in groundwater due to sewage effluent and mismanaged wastewater has become an increased concern for human health in many regions. Cryptosporididosis and Giardiasis produces moderate to severe intestinal illness for many weeks and is a serious threat for immunodeficient persons. Previous studies by Schulze-Makuch et al. (2002) indicated that surfactant-modified zeolites (SMZ) removed all of the bacteria and most viruses in laboratory experiments. This study focuses on the efficiency of the SMZ to prevent migration of the protozoan spores in groundwater. Adsorption of the spores involves interactions between the surface properties of the spores and the SMZ. The efficiency of removal is tested simulating natural conditions. Laboratory experiments are conducted in a plexiglass model aquifer and pathogen removal is measured by taking water samples from strategically placed piezometers in the model. Since C. parvum and G. lamblia are hazardous to humans and move primarily in spore state through groundwater, polystyrene microspheres of similar sizes and Bacillus subtilis, a sporulating bacterium, are used as analogues for the protozoa. Preliminary results show a significant decrease in concentration of the B. subtilis spores down-gradient of the barrier.
DE: 0400 Biogeosciences
DE: 1831 Groundwater quality
DE: 1832 Groundwater transport
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting