The Need
Drinking water utilities face mounting challenges in managing alum sludge, a byproduct of water treatment, as landfill options dwindle and disposal costs rise. Simultaneously, utilities must address increasingly stringent regulations for organic contaminants such as disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and PFAS (“forever chemicals”), which are difficult and costly to remove with conventional treatment methods. There is a critical need for cost-effective, sustainable solutions that address both waste management and water quality compliance.

The Technology
This technology, developed by OSU engineers, repurposes alum sludge, an abundant water treatment residual, into a high-performance adsorbent for removing organic contaminants from drinking water. By processing alum sludge on-site into a powdered material, it can be dosed directly into water treatment systems, either as a supplement or alternative to traditional adsorbents. This approach leverages the inherent contaminant-binding properties of alum sludge, offering utilities a circular, resource-efficient solution for both waste and water quality challenges.

Commercial Applications
• Drinking water and wastewater treatment for DBP and PFAS removal
• Industrial water purification and reuse
• Remediation of contaminated surface and groundwater
• Sustainable waste management services for utilities

Benefits/Advantages
• Reduces landfill disposal costs and environmental burdens by valorizing a waste stream
• Provides a cost-effective alternative to virgin adsorbents like powdered activated carbon
• Promotes resource recovery