roadmap applying nanotechnology to water...

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Roadmap "Applying Nanotechnology to Water Treatment"

The roadmap "Applying nanotechnology to water treatment" (further — Roadmap)

summarizes the expert opinion on the key nanotech applications and nano-intermediates

(further — Nanocomponents) which are used or have potential to be used in water

treatment and water purification.

The given roadmap discusses the capability of nanotechnology to improve efficiency of

water treatment and water purification in different market segments, such as centralized

and decentralized purification of public-use water, and related areas of water treatment for

industrial use, municipal and industrial water purification.

Applications of nanotechnology in water purification

The roadmap describes membrane-based and traditional processes and supporting

technologies which have potential nanotechnological application.

According to the experts, one of the most promising areas for the development of

nanotechnology in water treatment and water purification is membrane technology including

Baromembrane processes,

Electromembrane processes,

Membrane bioreactors, and

Membrane degassing.

Efficiency of some traditional water treatment technologies such as coagulation, sorption,

and flotation, can be substantially enhanced by the use of nanotechnology.

Another group of the technologies described here includes the following nanoproducts:

carbon nanotubes and fullerenes,

dendrimers,

zeolites, and

catalysts.

2

Demand for nanotechnological developments in water treatment and purification and its drivers.

Key drivers for the development of nanotechnological applications in water treatment and

water purification are listed in the Fig. 1. Experts point to the following main problems of

this area:

contamination of surface and ground water sources;

main water and sewerage facilities are worn-out;

growing requirements of drinking water quality.

Fig. 1. Rationale for the introduction of innovative solutions

in water treatment and water purification

As of March 2011, about 37% of surface sources of the centralized water supply did not

comply with the sanitary regulations.1 According to the Sysin Institute of Human Ecology

and Environmental Health, only 1% of surface water sources in Russia meet hygienic

requirements ensuring the safety of public drinking water.

1 Information Letter Head of the Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Protection of Consumer

Rights and Human Welfare GG Onishchenko # 01/2175-1-32 dated March 1, 2011

3

The wear of water and sewerage facilities varies from 50% to 70%2 which causes secondary

contamination of water, and consequently over-chlorination.

According to the WHO, poor water quality leads to death of 12 000 people annually3. Worn-

out equipment of water supply systems increases the risk of accidents resulting in water

loss, soil erosion, damage to roads and foundations.

Tables 1 and 2 and Fig. 2 describe water sources and methods of water purification.

Public survey shows that

Development of centralized water supply system is considered as the main problem;

The biggest public concern is purification of drinking water;

population has a high demand for water treatment products and supplies.

Table 1

Methods of public drinking water purification

% Total No

purification

Methods

Sedimentation Boiling Pitcher or

faucet filter Under-sink water filtration systems

Other

100 31.8 25.3 44.9 20.6 5.5 0.3

Only tap water 66.8 18.1 16.7 32.5 13.9 3.1 0.2

Tap water and spring/river water 2.8 0.4 1.1 1.8 1.0 0.3 --

Tap water and commercial bottled water 7.9 0.9 2.7 4.0 3.5 0.8 0.1

Outdoor water-supply line 6.2 3.6 1.3 1.9 0.4 0.2 --

Well water 7.7 4.6 1.1 2.2 0.6 0.1 --

Only spring/river water 2.5 1.5 0.4 0.5 0.1 0.2 --

Only bottled 3.8 2.1 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.5 --

Miscellaneous 2.6 0.6 1.4 1.6 0.7 0.3 --

Source: Study conducted by the National Research University Higher School of Economics "Determinants of

domestic demand for nanoproducts"

Fig. 2. Most common public concerns in Russia

Source: Study conducted by the National Research University Higher School of Economics "Determinants of


2 http://www.rosvodokanal.ru/ru/branch/present/

3 Mortality and burden of disease from water and sanitation, World Health Organization, 2009:

http://www.who.int/gho/phe/water_sanitation/burden/en/index.html

http://www.rosvodokanal.ru/ru/branch/present/

http://www.who.int/gho/phe/water_sanitation/burden/en/index.html

4

Table 2

Demand for supplies (materials) used for health maintenance

Would you buy the following supplies

(materials)? Most common answers

No Yes

Don't know Total

Including next reasons:

Total

Including next reasons:

Unnecessary Concerns about

side actions Only cheap

Even expensive

Drinking water filter which remove heavy metals,

microbes and other harmful components usually contained

in water

28 11 6 66 53 11 7

Paste for fast healing of wounds and burns (up to one

day) 30 14 7 64 51 13 6

Band aid which quickly stops bleeding, disinfect the wound

and accelerate healing. 29 14 6 64 51 12 7

Source: Study of the National Research University Higher School of Economics "The study of the determinants of


A study conducted by the National Research University Higher School of Economics

identifies topical public concerns, where the first one is drinking water quality.

According to the experts, application of nanotechnology in water treatment and water

purification will help improve quality of drinking water and cut the rate of diseases caused

by the contamination of water sources and water supply systems.

Main areas of the application of nanotechnology are shown in the Fig. 3.

Fig. 3. Main areas of the application of nanotechnology in water purification and

water treatment

International experience shows that membrane-based solutions which use nanomaterials,

such as baromembrane and electromembrane processes, membrane bioreactor technology,

5

and membrane degassing, being combined with traditional technologies which are enhanced

with innovative components may significantly improve water treatment and purification

efficiency.

Membrane nanotechnology has wide prospects in the industrial water treatment such as

thermal and nuclear power engineering, radio engineering and microelectronics, food

industry and biotechnology, chemical engineering, and housing and public utilities. (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4. Application of nanotechnology in the industrial water treatment

Many industrial sectors require water of a specific quality and composition, which leads to

strong demand for membrane technology.

Development prospects of various nano-based technologies in water treatment and

purification are shown in the Fig. 5.

6

Fig. 5. Main potential applications of nanotechnology in water purification and

water treatment

According to experts, membrane technologies are one of the most important areas of

development of nanotechnology in water treatment and purification.

Figures 6 and 7 present a forecast of the development of nanotechnology in water

purification in Russia and abroad. The forecast includes three scenarios: optimistic,

moderate and pessimistic.

Fig. 6. Current and expected global market size dynamics, $mln

Optimistic scenario for global market assumes that the growth rate is about 10-11%.

Main driving forces of market will include growing shortage of potable water,

development of market for membrane technology, and a significant increase in the

supply of membrane technology-based products from China (substantial growth in

production of membrane elements). The optimistic scenario is supported by the

7

distribution of technological progress in natural water and wastewater purification under

growing water shortages. Development of competitive closed-cycle technologies and

promotion of public awareness in USA and Europe may push the optimistic scenario in

the near future.

Pessimistic scenario assumes that global market grows slowly, and the annual rate

does not exceed 5-6%.

Moderate scenario suggests long-term annual growth rate to be about 7-8%.

Russia’s share of the global market is rather small (according to various estimates, about

3% in terms of volume and less than 1% in terms of value). This fact is associated with the

low price of water and some systemic problems leading to the technological gap in Russia.

The forecast of the Russian market development has three scenarios as well: optimistic,

moderate and pessimistic.

Fig. 7. Current and expected Russian market size dynamics, $mln

Optimistic scenario assumes that the market generally grows fast (industrial

wastewater treatment, public-use water purification).This scenario suggests

continuous federal support and active promotion of new technologies. The Russian

share is expected to reach 6% by 2015 and grow up to 7%, or 1.3 $bln, by 2012.

Pessimistic scenario suggests that there is no federal support and annual growth

rate does not exceed 4%. The main barrier to the development of nanotechnology is

traditional methods of water purification, which efficiency may be improved by using

novel solutions not related to nanotechnology.

According to moderate scenario, the government provides fixed financial support

promoting limited development of the market. In this case, expected growth rate is

about 11%.

8

Segmentation of the water treatment and purification

market

In order to determine development strategies and measures of federal support, we describe

the next market segments:

Table 3

Water treatment market segmentation

Segment Symbol

Purification of water for public use

Centralized water purification

Decentralized water purification

Industrial water treatment

For general industrial use

For special industrial use

Wastewater purification

Municipal wastewater

Industrial wastewater

9

Key and promising nanoproducts for water treatment and purification

Our experts name the following groups of nanoproducts which have high potential in this

area:

1) Microfiltration membranes (in filter units with tubular elements).

Microfiltration separates fine suspensions, finely dispersed and colloidal impurities,

algae, and protists larger than 0.1 microns. This method is an effective tool for primary

purification in initial steps in drinking water production. Microfiltration is widely used in

medicine; production of spirits and soft drinks, wine, beer, oil, other food products;

water purification in water treatment systems, etc.

Table 4

Nanofiltration membranes

Description

Expected start of large-scale production in Russia: in the short-term

Market segments

Advantages

(superior features of nanoproduct)

Disadvantages

(inferior features of nanoproduct)

Compact

Easy-to-scale technological process

Allows automation of the process

Short life cycle

Removes limited set of contaminants

and acts only in a certain range

Requires periodic washing and cleaning

Capabilities

(promoting external factors)

Risks

(affecting external factors)

Requires modernization of existing

equipment

Increased requirements to the quality of

water treatment

Dramatic growth of water consumption

Development of water treatment for

special use

Major consumers (water services

companies) are conservative

Budgetary limitations

Alternative processes and products

Bulk filters, aeration, chemical treatment, disinfection

10

2) Ultrafiltration membranes (in filter units based on hollow fiber, flat, roll-fed or tubular

elements).

Ultrafiltration is a process of separating solutions from colloidal systems using semi-

permeable membranes.

Applications of ultrafiltration:

purification of surface water in the intake facilities,

post-treatment of water from municipal supply line,

removal of iron and ground water quality improvement;

production of water for industrial use.

Table 5

Ultrafiltration membranes

Description


Market segments

Advantages Disadvantages

Effectively removes large organic

molecules, colloidal particles, bacteria

and viruses, does not retain dissolved salts

Allows to avoid primary chlorination

Improves efficiency of coagulation and

sedimentation and purifies water at low

concentrations of coagulant and under

incomplete coagulation

Needs to be combined with other

membrane-based methods for

efficient elimination of all contaminants

Membrane requires washing for

decontamination

Capabilities Risks

Post-purification of water at the faucet

outlet

Can be used in households





Sand granular filters

11

3) Nanofiltration membranes (in filter units based on roll-fed elements).

Nanofiltration is a fractionating membrane process. It does not remove salts completely;

nanofiltration membrane eliminates only multiply charged ions such as calcium,

magnesium, iron, etc. In addition, it efficiently removes organic low-molecular

compounds.

Comparing to reverse osmosis, nanofiltration requires lower power consumption. In this

regard, nanofiltration is the basic process used abroad for production of drinking water

from surface water sources. Nanofiltration provides ultra-pure water which has a wide

range of applications in medicine and pharmaceuticals, electronics, glass and food

industry, etc.

Membrane filter clears water from harmful bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, colloidal

particles, organic compounds (including pesticides), heavy metal salts, nitrates, nitrites

and other contaminants.

Table 6


Description


Market segments


Highly efficient purification

Produces physiologically complete

drinking water with good organoleptic

properties

Requires extensive pretreatment from

chlorine and some other materials

Low reliability of nanofiltration

membrane roll-fed modules

Capabilities Risks

Local household water post-treatment

High export potential





Ion exchange softening units

12

4) Reverse osmosis membranes (in filter units with flat and roll-fed elements)

Reverse osmosis is a method of filtration through a semi-permeable membrane, which

lets molecules of solvent pass through while completely or partially blocks molecules and

ions of dissolved substances. This type of membranes is used in various industries that

require ultrapure water (galvanic production, manufacture of printed circuit boards,

instrument engineering and electronics, noble metal coatings, production of bottled

water and beverages, food industry, pharmaceuticals, etc.).

Table 7

Reverse osmosis membranes

Description


Market segments


Selectivity up to 99.9%

Outstanding quality of purified water

Removes low-molecular humic

compounds

All-purpose method, effectively

removes such contaminants as heavy

metal ions, calcium and magnesium

ions, phosphates, sulfates and

chlorides

No secondary contamination

Convenient transportation and

installation

Long life cycle membrane if

periodically back-washed

Reliable and easy to operate

Automated operation mode

High environmental safety

Expensive

High power consumption

Over-purification of drinking water;

removes some healthy compounds

Capabilities Risks

High export potential; technological

solutions for desalting are extremely important in a number of countries

Tightening of environmental

requirements (reverse osmosis

systems are highly safe for the

environmental safety)

No need for desalting in most parts of

Russia




Distillers and evaporators

13

5) Ion exchange membranes (in electrodialysis units, or membrane bipolar

electrolysers).

Method of ion exchange refers to a particular class of compounds, natural or synthetic

ionites. Synthetic ionite (ion exchange resin) is a cross-linked polymer with varying

degree of crosslinking of gel micro- or macroporous structure which are covalently

bound to ionic groups.

There are two methods of water treatment and water purification based on ion

exchange. The first one engages ion exchange resins (ionites), and the second - ion

exchange membranes for use in electrodialysis and electodeionization. Unlike

baromembrane processes, electromembrane separation is driven by electric field.

Electrodialysis has a wider range of application than reverse osmosis; it can be used for

desalination, including seawater desalination. Its main advantage over reverse osmosis

is suitability for high salt water treatment, where reverse osmosis is unfavorable

because of the low rate of conversion. Electrodeionization is used in the final step of

production of deeply desalted water.

According to experts, main applications of ion exchange-based separation are electronics

and thermal power engineering. Also, electromembrane processes are used in

membrane bipolar electrolysis for the preparation of chlorine water.

Table 8

Ion exchange membranes

Description


Market segments


High-quality water treatment with

minimal consumption of chemicals

Stable performance

Some types of membranes have

low hydrophilicity

Regeneration required for

restoration of ion exchange

capacity

Capabilities Risks

Provides deep purification removing ions of calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese (dissolved)

No limitations on scaling performance of separation units with ion exchange membranes

Narrow scope of application (desalting, elimination of iron)

Inability to remove some chemicals and wider range of contaminants

Ion exchange membranes are sensible to organic contamination

Requires washing for regeneration; ion exchange membranes are good medium for potential growth of bacteria


Distillation, common oxidation, catalytic oxidation

14

6) Membrane bioreactors (MBR)(combination of membrane and biological treatment).

One of the most promising types of wastewater treatment is separation by membrane

bioreactors (MBR) which can recycle and dispose large amounts of contaminants. MBR is

a bioreactor with activated sludge combined with an ultra- or microfiltration membrane

element.

Membrane bioreactor can be used at various stages of water purification (e.g. pre-

treatment prior to nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, final purification before

disinfection, etc.); however, it is used mostly for wastewater treatment.

Table 9

Membrane bioreactors

Description

Expected start of large-scale production in Russia: in the mid-term

Market segments


Prolonged life cycle of activated sludge

Provides conditions for growth of component-specific bacteria

No leakage of sediments

Provides high-quality treatment of final wastewater

In the presence of coarse suspended particles, requires pre-treatment of wastewater before it enters the bioreactor

Capabilities Risks

No need for additional filtering or disinfection

Membrane bioreactor has higher efficiency of wastewater treatment than traditional bioreactor

So far, MBR applications are limited to the pre-treatment of water and purification of municipal and industrial wastewater


Mechanical filtration and sedimentation, coagulation and flocculation

15

7) Innovative coagulants. Major innovative coagulants currently include partially

hydrolyzed salts such as aluminum dihydroxysulfate (ADHS), aluminum

dihydroxychloride (ADHC), aluminium pentaoxychloride (APOC), and aluminium

oxychlorosulphates (AOCS). This method provides:

efficient and cost-effective process of coagulation;

low consumption of chemicals;

high environmental qualities;

mild effect;

allows obtaining sediments with desired properties.

Table 10

Innovative coagulants

Description


Market segments


Easy to use

Has wide range of industrial applications

Can be used in a wide range of pH and

alkalinity, does not alter pH of purified

water

Some coagulant elements remain in

the water after treatment

(aluminium)

Applies only to specific types of

contamination

Suitable for pretreatment step only,

requires after-purification

Capabilities Risks

Progress in physics and chemistry

stimulates development of novel

coagulants with higher efficiency

Development of alternative water

treatment methods

Requires purification from other

types of contaminants (e.g.

radiation)


Pressure flotation, flocculation, filtration

16

8) Innovative sorbents (including carbon-based)

New generation of sorbents has improved performance compared to conventional

solutions. Innovative sorbents, most of which fall into the field of nanotechnology, are

divided in non-carbon and carbon ones.

Sorbents of new generation have the following applications: elimination of cations

(copper, iron, ammonia, vanadium, manganese, aluminum, lead, zinc, copper,

phosphates) and anions (sulfides, fluorides, nitrates) from water; absorption of

petroleum products and ether-soluble compounds; deep water purification from various

microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses (including purification of swamp water to

the grade of drinking water).

In addition to the described new-generation materials, there are novel sorbents which

can eliminate arsenic, cadmium and zinc from water and wastewater.

Table 11

Innovative sorbents

Description


Market segments


Comparing to other types of carbon sorbents:

Suitable for a wide range of industries

Abrasion-resistant

Active carbon (AC) can be replaced or

regenerated by chemical, thermal or

biological methods

Comparing to alternatives:

Convenient for loading and unloading,

packing and transportation; does not

generate dust

Fire-proof

Inhibits bacterial growth

Wood-based AC are inferior to the

carbons based on other raw materials

in mechanical strength

Coal coke, pitch, electrode pitch coke,

and petroleum coke are superior to the

AC due to low ash content

AC has lower hardness than listed

materials

AC is more expensive than listed

materials

Capabilities Risks

Suitable for absorption of synthetic

organic substances

Widely used in chemical and food

industry, pharmaceuticals, fuel and

Risk of environmental contamination

due to AC high ash content

17

energy sector, metallurgy, oil and gas

industry


Mechanical filtration, sedimentation, coagulation and flocculation, flotation, chlorination

and ozonation, and baromembrane methods of purification (depending on the type and

severity of contamination)

18

Information on potential market segments for advanced technologies and expected start of

large-scale production in Russia is given in the Table 12.

Table 12

Innovative products in water treatment

Key and promising

products

Expected start of large-scale

production in Russia Market segment

Membranes

Microfiltration membranes

Short-term

Ultrafiltration membranes


Reverse osmosis membranes

Ion exchange membranes

Membrane bioreactors Mid-term

Dendrimer-based membranes Long-term

Fullerene-based membranes Long-term

Nanoreactive membranes Mid-term

Nanocomposite membranes Mid-term

Zeolite molecular sieve-based membranes

Long-term

Nanocomponents in traditional technology

Innovative sorbents Mid-term

Innovative coagulants Mid-term

Active nanocatalysts embedded in the membrane systems

Long-term

Nanobiopolymers with

adjustable properties for decontamination

Long-term

Note. This table uses the following symbols:

— price reduction — improvement of chemical and thermal resistance

— reduction of power consumption — increase in production capacity

19

Development strategies for nanotechnology in water purification and water treatment

Fig. 8 shows estimation of demand for membrane technologies in different market segments

and, for each segment, structure of supply of products used in baromembrane membrane

processes.

Fig. 8. Prospects of nanotechnology implementation in various market segments

The most popular nanoproducts will include membranes and units for microfiltration,

ultrafiltration, membrane bioreactors combined with non-membrane technological solutions.

The roadmap demonstrates possible development strategies for nanotechnology in water

treatment and purification.

Aggressive strategy suggests that market segments with the maximum potential are

supported and promotes the optimistic scenario. Need for an aggressive strategy is caused

by the current situation in the industry and awareness of the strategic importance of high-

quality water treatment for nation's health and environmental balance.

Aggressive strategy is based on the following assumptions:

market of membrane technologies is very promising based on the fact that

nanotechnological solutions for water purification can be applied in various fields

from household water purification to water treatment for public and industrial use

and purification of wastewater;

demand for membrane technologies will grow around the world and Russia will

become an exporter of nanomembranes and one of the 'controllers' in this area.

This strategy covers the following market segments:

centralized and decentralized water treatment;

20

industrial water treatment.

To implement the aggressive strategy, a combination of several measures is needed.

First, the government should support of the industry in the following directions:

direct funding in the initial stage of modernization of technology and equipment;

development of adequate regulatory documentation (including Russian National

Standards, technical requirements, specifications for end-products, ,where

nanomembranes can be/are applied);

support of demand by giving preferences to consumers using innovative products;

improvement of industrial customs regulation;

support of participation of Russian membrane manufacturers in technological chains

involving leading companies and countries.

Purchase of advanced technological solutions and equipment for production of membranes

is of great importance for reaching the competitive level in quality and price of products.

Creation of a high-tech plant for manufacturing of nanomembranes could be a serious

breakthrough, however, it is possible only under the federal support.

Second, market players should follow more aggressive politics in several directions:

active promotion of products based on nanomembranes (many potential customers

at the moment are not planning to switch to the new product because they have no

information about its efficiency);

promotion of nanotechnologies for water purification among end consumers;

expansion of cooperation between Russian manufacturers and researchers and

establishment of international cooperation (in particular, active search for potential

customers).

Implementation of active strategy fits moderate scenario and is possible under the

following conditions:

federal support for this sector, specifically within the framework of the Federal Target

Program "Pure Water";

active involvement of some participants (OJSC RUSNANO, State Corporation

Rostechnologies, etc.) providing increase of production and consumption of

nanoproducts;

Maintenance of existing scientific and human resources and training of highly

qualified experts;

promotion of use of nanomembranes;

world-wide cooperation with manufacturers and consumers including foundation of

joint ventures with industry leaders.

21

Regional promotion strategies for nanotechnology in water purification and water treatment in various market

segments

Promotion strategies for innovative methods of water treatment in various market segments

are determined by the implementation capability in centralized and decentralized water

supply. It depends on the development of water use segments, their balance in the market,

modernization or replacement of worn-out water supply networks, and compliance of water

treatment facilities with the adopted water quality standards for water sources in regions of

Russia.

In order to determine favorable promotion strategies, regions were classified based on

similar problems in water treatment and purification. According to the extent of centralized

water supply distribution, regions were separated in two groups: group A of regions with

well-developed water supply network, and group B of regions with poorly-developed water

supply network. Classification of regions based on the extent of centralized supply

distribution, quality of water sources for centralized and decentralized supply and water

quality on output shown in Fig. 9 .

Fig. 9. Regional promotion strategies for nanotechnology in water purification and

water treatment

A-1 A-3 B-1 B-3

A-2 A-4 B-2 B-4

Table 13 describes strategies for industry development for various types of regions.

22

Table 13

Regional development strategies for nanotechnology in water purification and

water treatment

Group Description Strategy

A - 1

‘Healthy’ regions which have high-

quality centralized supply water

sources and provide end consumer

with high-quality water.

Seven of the seventeen regions

have well-managed centralized

water supply while providing poor-

quality water from decentralized

supply sources.

Scheduled modernization of water

purification facilities and distribution

networks. Situation allows implementation

of novel technologies, as most regions are

well economically developed.

Low quality of water from decentralized

supply sources in a number of regions

pushes the distribution of personal- and

public-use water purification technologies.

A - 2

High-quality water in centralized

water supply sources, but poor-

quality water on output. Six of the

nine regions have low-quality

decentralized supply water sources.

If problems are associated with wear of

distribution systems, their replacement is

required in the first place. Implementation

of new technologies, including membrane-

based, won't have any economic and social

effects without upgrade of distribution

networks. If problems are caused by

equipment obsolescence in water treatment

facilities, application of novel technologies

may be feasible. High level of economic

development of regions with low-quality

decentralized supply water sources

promotes new personal- and public-use

water purification technologies.

A - 3

Poor-quality water in water sources

and high-quality water delivered to

end consumers. It positively

describes distribution networks and

centralized water supply facilities.

Membrane bioreactors and other

nanotechnological solutions can be applied

to the industrial and municipal wastewater

treatment. It will positively affect on quality

of water from water sources. Wastewater

treatment market has a very promising

demand for nanotechnology.

A - 4

Poor-quality water in water sources

and on the output as well.

Five of ten regions are poorly

economically developed. Remaining

five regions have low-quality

decentralized supply water

together with high level of

economic development.

The priority task is modernization of water

purification facilities and distribution

networks. This strategy requires active

participation of the federal government in

order to solve problems of poorly developed

regions. Possible future directions for

promotion of nanotechnology include

personal- and public-use water purification

in economically developed regions with low-

quality water from decentralized supply

sources.

B - 1

‘Healthy’ regions which have high-

quality centralized supply water

and high-quality water in

decentralized supply sources. Most

regions from this group have poor

level of economic development.

Requires scheduled replacement of

equipment for water purification.

Nanotechnology can be promoted for use

both in centralized and decentralized water

supply and wastewater treatment.

Depending on the duration (mid-term or

long-term period), these strategies can be

considered ether as supportive or

23

Group Description Strategy

alternative.

B - 2

High-quality decentralized water

supply sources and unfavorable

centralized water supply

conditions. Nine of the twelve

regions belong to the group with

poor level of economic

development

There are two possible strategies of

modernization: 1) simultaneous distribution

and modernization of centralized water

supply system, and 2) more active

promotion of novel technologies. To select

the strategy, proper economic evaluation is

required. Also, these strategies can be used

in combination in different time periods.

Lack of adequate financial support can

significantly suppress implementation of

both strategies.

B - 3

Favorable decentralized water

supply conditions and the opposite

for decentralized supply. Most

regions of this group have poor

level of economic development.

Scheduled modernization of the equipment

in centralized water purification facilities

and more aggressive promotion of

personal- and public-use water purification

technologies, membrane bioreactor

technologies and other novel solutions for

wastewater treatment. Requires active

participation of the federal government.

B - 4

Poor-quality of decentralized supply

water sources and problems in

centralized supply. Four of nine

regions have poor level of

economic development.

The priority task is modernization of water

treatment facilities. Possible strategies are

similar to those for B-2. Requires support

from the federal government.

24

Description of roadmap

The roadmap of this project has the following structure:

Fig. 10. Roadmap visualization

The figures above show five main sections of the roadmap:

Technological tasks

Nano-based processes and technologies

Products for implementation of promising water treatment and purification

processes

Market segments

Alternative, supportive and traditional processes and technologies

3

2

1

4

5

25

These sections are briefly described below.

Section 1. Technological tasks

Section 1 lists key problems that should be solved during implementation of nano-based

membrane and other technologies in water treatment and purification.

Section 2. Promising nano-based processes and technologies

Section 2 presents technological processes used in water treatment and purification in which

nanotechnologies can be/are already introduced, including membrane-based processes as

well as others being investigated for integration with nano-based products.

Section 3. Products for implementation of promising water

treatment and purification processes

Depending on the purpose of water treatment and basic characteristics of water sources,

various methods are used in water treatment, and each of them requires its own type of

membrane. Section 3 shows the interrelation between promising water treatment processes

and products in use.

Section 4. Market segments

Section 4 lists water treatment and purification market segments and a market size forecast

in Russia and world-wide for 2015 and 2020. Three scenarios are discussed: pessimistic,

moderate and optimistic.

Section 5. Alternative, supportive and traditional processes and

technologies

Section 5 describes alternative technologies which are either commonly used or can be

implemented in water treatment and purification in the future. This section lists advantages

and disadvantages of alternatives comparing to nano-based technological solutions. Water

treatment and water purification are complex processes which employ various related and

supportive technologies. Thus, consecutive and time-distributed implementation of

alternative technologies and solutions supporting membrane processes will promote active

development of membrane technologies in water treatment and purification.

roadmap applying nanotechnology to water...

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