Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Supervisor

Pearce, Joshua

2nd Supervisor

Santoro, Domenico

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

Electrochemical wastewater treatments show promise for nutrient removal and gas production but require further research to realize their full potential. In sectors like water treatment, in-situ applications offer significant advantages by reducing time, costs, and ensuring reliable data. This work fills these gaps by designing and developing a portable solar-integrated open-source chemical lab for water treatment. Sized and optimized with SAMA to match the hourly load in different scenarios, the prototype was shown to be a new sustainable and reliable research laboratory. A new electrolyzer setup has been developed for testing electrode materials on wastewater; testing wastewater spiked with phosphate, ammonia and magnesium achieving nutrient recovery and hydrogen production. The gas chromatographer results measured 87-96% hydrogen purity from electrode materials tested. Water testing and precipitants analysis showed up to 35% reduction in ammonia, total phosphate recovery, and up to 70% reduction in magnesium. Lowest turbidity levels (0-15 NTU) and absorbance of wastewater have been classified and predicted (>96% accuracy) through images analysis and machine learning using a novel camera-sensor.

Summary for Lay Audience

Innovative approaches to wastewater treatment and monitoring are essential for advancing sustainable practices and addressing global water challenges. This study highlights three key advancements in the field.

First, a portable solar-powered station was developed to enable wastewater electrolysis and green hydrogen production directly at treatment plants with unreliable electricity. Equipped with sensors and a data acquisition system, it ensures real-time monitoring of hazardous gases and environmental parameters, enhancing experimental safety. Using London Ontario weather data the photovoltaic box can operate off-grid for 98% of the year producing 810 kWhr. The electrolyzer designed and developed to test wastewater and electrode materials have shown energy and Faraday efficiencies of 55% and 95%, respectively. This movable system supports diverse electrochemical experiments, offering a practical solution for wastewater treatment and energy generation.

Second, an evaluation of electrode materials for electrochemical wastewater treatment showed promising results for pollutant removal, nutrient recovery, and hydrogen production. Wastewater spiked with ammonia, phosphate and magnesium have been tested. Electrodes made of aluminum, titanium, iron, and magnesium resulted in ammonia reduction of 35%, magnesium reduction of 70%, and phosphate recovery up to 100%. Gas analysis confirmed high-purity hydrogen production, ranging between 87 and 96%, while precipitant analysis revealed valuable by-products like vivianite, struvite, and berlinite. These findings highlight the dual benefits of electrolysis in wastewater treatment and resource recovery.

Finally, advancements in monitoring wastewater quality were demonstrated using a novel image-based turbidity and absorbance measurement system. Employing monochrome camera imaging, LEDs, and machine learning, the system achieved over 96% accuracy in classifying low turbidity levels (0–15 NTU), a challenge for conventional sensors. The approach also predicted turbidity and absorbance with R-squared values of 0.76 and 0.72. Deployed across treatment plants, this technology offers precise, plant-wide monitoring capabilities, aiding in rapid response to process changes such as combined sewer overflow or sludge upset events.

Together, these advancements pave the way for more efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies, addressing energy, environmental, and resource recovery challenges.

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