In situ selenium reduction using a pillared electrode design
This innovative solution employs a modular pillared electrode system for in situ selenium reduction within groundwater plumes. It leverages electrochemical processes to transform selenate and selenite into immobile forms without water extraction, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.
Overview
The proposed solution offers an advanced method for reducing selenium contamination in groundwater using a unique pillared electrode design. This system applies electrochemical principles to transform selenate and selenite into immobile forms directly within the groundwater plume. It eliminates the need for water extraction, providing a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional pump-and-treat or bioremediation methods. The solution is particularly effective in environments co-contaminated with arsenic, as it maintains arsenic immobilization while achieving significant selenium attenuation.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Uses modular pillar electrodes installed within groundwater plumes.
- Incorporates sacrificial iron anodes and cathodes with Ni-P, NiFe, or Cu-based films to facilitate selenium reduction.
- Operates at near-neutral pH and eliminates the need for above-ground chemical feeds.
- Field-replaceable cartridges allow for easy maintenance via standard well practices.
- Features staggered or coaxial arrays to create effective redox shells along flow paths.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. The ongoing research program aims to advance this technology towards field demonstration through a series of integrated work packages focusing on redox envelope optimization, pillar architecture testing, and site-specific design development.
About University of British Columbia
UBC is a comprehensive public research university with major campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan, among Canada’s largest and most internationally connected. Industry engages through a co-op talent pipeline and collaborative research spaces that include co-located clinical settings and on‑campus testbeds. A dedicated technology transfer office brokers partnerships, manages IP and licensing, and is complemented by an active venture accelerator and incubator network. Research is supported by competitive funding from Canada’s Tri‑Council agencies (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) and infrastructure investments from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, alongside provincial and industry sponsorship.
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