This project will demonstrate a modular off-grid solar-powered electrodialysis electrolysis unit that utilizes nitrate-contaminated water sources to capture and convert nitrate to ammonia and generate…

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $467,200.43 Cooperative Agreement under the SECURE Water Act - Research Agreements program (CFDA 15.560) to Pani Clean Inc., a woman-owned small business, to pilot-test a photovoltaic-powered electrochemical denitrification system. The project aims to demonstrate a modular, off-grid solar-powered unit that can treat nitrate-contaminated water sources, such as effluents from wastewater plants and public water supply wells, to generate potable water and ammonia. This innovative technology leverages electrodialysis to capture nitrates and electrolysis to reduce the concentrated nitrate brine to ammonia, with the goal of significantly enhancing water recovery and reuse from water sources impaired by agricultural land-use practices. The award period spans from May 17, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

This project will demonstrate a modular off-grid solar-powered electrodialysis electrolysis unit that utilizes nitrate-contaminated water sources to capture and convert nitrate to ammonia and generate potable water. The proposed solution leverages two electrochemical principles, electrodialysis to capture nitrates and electrolysis to reduce the concentrated nitrate brine to ammonia. If successfully implemented, the proposed solution has the potential to significantly enhance water recovery and reuse from water sources impaired from agricultural land-use practices. The goal of the project is to pilot-test a photovoltaic-powered electrochemical denitrification system that can treat effluents from wastewater plants and nitrate-contaminated public water supply wells while generating potable water and ammonia.