OBJECTIVE:
To examine the potential of HAP (hydroxyapatite) derived from fish bones to remove uranium from potable water. Within the project, other methods of uranium removal will be compared including a ZVI/sand column and an ion exchange resin.

RESEARCHERS:
Ann Gottinger, MASc., Don Wild, Tristan Wyatt, and Kerry Ternes.

COLLABORATORS:
Dr. Dena McMartin, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, and Dr. Brett Moldovan.

RESEARCH PLAN:
The research includes batch study examinations which explore the effect of pH and interfering ions on uranium removal by HAP and ion exchange resin. It also includes a large-scale column study to examine the impact of filtration rate and contact time with media. A small-scale column study (RSSCT - rapid small-scale column test) will also be conducted to determine the uranium loading capacity of the HAP in flow-through conditions. The raw water used for the study is provided by the communities of Morse and Fox Valley, SK.

2.5 cm diameter columns containing media mixtures of HAP/sand,
ion exchange resin/sand, and ZVI/sand operating at various filtration rates

Rapid small-scale column test for determination of media uranium loading capacity