Removing 1,4 Dioxane at Residential Level RE: Long Island

1,4 dioxane, identified by the EPA as a "likely human carcinogen", has been found in extremely high levels in the Long Island area. (Please see http://www.nswcawater.org/facts-about-14-dioxane/ for reference).

Currently, there are no certified residential-level treatment technologies available to remove 1,4 dioxane from water supply.

Based on the preliminary research I've done so far: 

• 1,4 dioxane removal is only only available/safe at the industrial level, where WTPs are mainly using UV + hydrogen peroxide or ozone technologies
• Granulated Activated Carbon filters and UV lamps safely installed at the supply point for households, has a removal rate >50%
• Boiling water with 1,4 dioxane may increase the concentration of the chemical
• Installing ozone technologies at the household level are still not deemed safe 

My question to the experts in our community:

What are the safest & most effective technology options for removing 1,4 dioxane at the household level?

I am asking on behalf of the families (including my own) who are relying on bottled water as their drinking water source.

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Taxonomy

• Treatment
• Treatment Methods
• Point of Use
• water treatment
• water treatment

8 Answers

1. I don’t know enough about the new plasma technology, but fro what I understand it works.  I think there may be your solution.  For low by activated carbon just  to catch the last residual.  Thanks, Sean

2. Our Plasma Reactor can remove dioxin, toxin chemicals, heavy metals and sterilize bacteria completely. 

   Any Water Plasma has supplied a patent pending technology in which a Programmable Logic Controlled (PLC) high voltage energy pulse is delivered directly into contaminated water at a controlled frequency. This energy pulse initiates primary and secondary electron avalanches which produce multiple oxidants (like OH, H, O, O3 and H2O2) and simultaneously creates high intensity UV radiation measuring between 60nm and 300nm. During the discharge of the pulse, an acoustic and hydrosonic shock wave travels through the reactor at 3 to 4 times Mach speed 

   It removes : Active pharmaceutical compounds: estrogen, cortisone, antibiotics, EDCs 
   • Elimination of bacteria, viruses and parasites • Soluble organic matter • Color and odor 
   • Nitrogen compounds (nitrate, ammonia) • Specific toxins: CN, pesticides, herbicides, PCBs, phenols, fungicides. • BTEX and PAHs  • Sulfides, thiols and amines • Free cyanide and inorganic cyanohydrins • Volatile or semi-volatile Hydrocarbons • Many of persistent organic compounds
   • Bacteria disinfection

   This can be installed for 5-10 families or flat and building to share the water and we prepare 
   pure drinking water solutions:  http://www.bbnworld.net/water/nanohydro_water.pdf 
   
   Frank Choi
   +82-10-2979-6201 WhatsApp
   bbn@bbnworld.com

3. Please contact for discussions. We have residential units that can do the job & are safe. 

4. Please contact for discussions. We have residential units that can do the job & are safe. 

5. Hi 

   1,4-Dioxane -- as you and others have stated -- can be degraded easily with UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation process.  The process can be used to treat water for home use employing a batch process.  All you need is a small pump, a UV reactor that can be purchased from Home Depot, a tank, and H2O2 solution (low concentration can be purchased from a local pharmacy). I will be happy to help. I can be reached at: a. amiri@cogeco.ca

6. Having supplied all the municipalities on Long Island for 1,4 dioxane removal with UV AOP,  treating residential with POU systems is tough. Proper system sizing, on going maintenance and oxidant supply are several challenges. It can be done but we have found the cost for POU residential applications are too costly. RO May remove a bit, fresh GAC can remove a bit but both of these are also costly upfront and/or ongoing. 

7. I think the water supplier have to do this. For household UV-C 254 nm and GAC isn't sufficient enough and AOP in household isn't a solution.  Try also reverse osmosis after GAC Use RO only for real drinking water, For shower and Toilet no needed.

8. I am in the middle of running a consultation for AOPs design with one contaminant being 1,4 dioxane.  You are correct that only AOP technology is going to work with any validity.  I am afraid that unless you are treating a large volume of water or a continuous stream of some higher rate 20+ gpm then there really is not a good answer.  Feel free to reach out if you need a consultant.  Thanks, Sean.  239-989-3581