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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Roadmap "Applying Nanotechnology to Water Treatment"
The roadmap "Applying nanotechnology to water treatment" (further — Roadmap)
summarizes the expert opinion on the key nanotech applications and nano-intermediates
(further — Nanocomponents) which are used or have potential to be used in water
treatment and water purification.
The given roadmap discusses the capability of nanotechnology to improve efficiency of
water treatment and water purification in different market segments, such as centralized
and decentralized purification of public-use water, and related areas of water treatment for
industrial use, municipal and industrial water purification.
Applications of nanotechnology in water purification
The roadmap describes membrane-based and traditional processes and supporting
technologies which have potential nanotechnological application.
According to the experts, one of the most promising areas for the development of
nanotechnology in water treatment and water purification is membrane technology including
Baromembrane processes,
Electromembrane processes,
Membrane bioreactors, and
Membrane degassing.
Efficiency of some traditional water treatment technologies such as coagulation, sorption,
and flotation, can be substantially enhanced by the use of nanotechnology.
Another group of the technologies described here includes the following nanoproducts:
carbon nanotubes and fullerenes,
dendrimers,
zeolites, and
catalysts.
2
Demand for nanotechnological developments in water treatment and purification and its drivers.
Key drivers for the development of nanotechnological applications in water treatment and
water purification are listed in the Fig. 1. Experts point to the following main problems of
this area:
contamination of surface and ground water sources;
main water and sewerage facilities are worn-out;
growing requirements of drinking water quality.
Fig. 1. Rationale for the introduction of innovative solutions
in water treatment and water purification
As of March 2011, about 37% of surface sources of the centralized water supply did not
comply with the sanitary regulations.1 According to the Sysin Institute of Human Ecology
and Environmental Health, only 1% of surface water sources in Russia meet hygienic
requirements ensuring the safety of public drinking water.
1 Information Letter Head of the Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Protection of Consumer
Rights and Human Welfare GG Onishchenko # 01/2175-1-32 dated March 1, 2011
3
The wear of water and sewerage facilities varies from 50% to 70%2 which causes secondary
contamination of water, and consequently over-chlorination.
According to the WHO, poor water quality leads to death of 12 000 people annually3. Worn-
out equipment of water supply systems increases the risk of accidents resulting in water
loss, soil erosion, damage to roads and foundations.
Tables 1 and 2 and Fig. 2 describe water sources and methods of water purification.
Public survey shows that
Development of centralized water supply system is considered as the main problem;
The biggest public concern is purification of drinking water;
population has a high demand for water treatment products and supplies.
Table 1
Methods of public drinking water purification
% Total No
purification
Methods
Sedimentation Boiling Pitcher or
faucet filter Under-sink water filtration systems
Other
100 31.8 25.3 44.9 20.6 5.5 0.3
Only tap water 66.8 18.1 16.7 32.5 13.9 3.1 0.2
Tap water and spring/river water 2.8 0.4 1.1 1.8 1.0 0.3 --
Tap water and commercial bottled water 7.9 0.9 2.7 4.0 3.5 0.8 0.1
Outdoor water-supply line 6.2 3.6 1.3 1.9 0.4 0.2 --
Well water 7.7 4.6 1.1 2.2 0.6 0.1 --
Only spring/river water 2.5 1.5 0.4 0.5 0.1 0.2 --
Only bottled 3.8 2.1 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.5 --
Miscellaneous 2.6 0.6 1.4 1.6 0.7 0.3 --
Source: Study conducted by the National Research University Higher School of Economics "Determinants of
domestic demand for nanoproducts"
Fig. 2. Most common public concerns in Russia
Source: Study conducted by the National Research University Higher School of Economics "Determinants of
domestic demand for nanoproducts"
2 http://www.rosvodokanal.ru/ru/branch/present/
3 Mortality and burden of disease from water and sanitation, World Health Organization, 2009:
http://www.who.int/gho/phe/water_sanitation/burden/en/index.html
4
Table 2
Demand for supplies (materials) used for health maintenance
Would you buy the following supplies
(materials)? Most common answers
No Yes
Don't know Total
Including next reasons:
Total
Including next reasons:
Unnecessary Concerns about
side actions Only cheap
Even expensive
Drinking water filter which remove heavy metals,
microbes and other harmful components usually contained
in water
28 11 6 66 53 11 7
Paste for fast healing of wounds and burns (up to one
day) 30 14 7 64 51 13 6
Band aid which quickly stops bleeding, disinfect the wound
and accelerate healing. 29 14 6 64 51 12 7
Source: Study of the National Research University Higher School of Economics "The study of the determinants of
domestic demand for nanoproducts"
A study conducted by the National Research University Higher School of Economics
identifies topical public concerns, where the first one is drinking water quality.
According to the experts, application of nanotechnology in water treatment and water
purification will help improve quality of drinking water and cut the rate of diseases caused
by the contamination of water sources and water supply systems.
Main areas of the application of nanotechnology are shown in the Fig. 3.
Fig. 3. Main areas of the application of nanotechnology in water purification and
water treatment
International experience shows that membrane-based solutions which use nanomaterials,
such as baromembrane and electromembrane processes, membrane bioreactor technology,
5
and membrane degassing, being combined with traditional technologies which are enhanced
with innovative components may significantly improve water treatment and purification
efficiency.
Membrane nanotechnology has wide prospects in the industrial water treatment such as
thermal and nuclear power engineering, radio engineering and microelectronics, food
industry and biotechnology, chemical engineering, and housing and public utilities. (Fig. 4).
Fig. 4. Application of nanotechnology in the industrial water treatment
Many industrial sectors require water of a specific quality and composition, which leads to
strong demand for membrane technology.
Development prospects of various nano-based technologies in water treatment and
purification are shown in the Fig. 5.
6
Fig. 5. Main potential applications of nanotechnology in water purification and
water treatment
According to experts, membrane technologies are one of the most important areas of
development of nanotechnology in water treatment and purification.
Figures 6 and 7 present a forecast of the development of nanotechnology in water
purification in Russia and abroad. The forecast includes three scenarios: optimistic,
moderate and pessimistic.
Fig. 6. Current and expected global market size dynamics, $mln
Optimistic scenario for global market assumes that the growth rate is about 10-11%.
Main driving forces of market will include growing shortage of potable water,
development of market for membrane technology, and a significant increase in the
supply of membrane technology-based products from China (substantial growth in
production of membrane elements). The optimistic scenario is supported by the
7
distribution of technological progress in natural water and wastewater purification under
growing water shortages. Development of competitive closed-cycle technologies and
promotion of public awareness in USA and Europe may push the optimistic scenario in
the near future.
Pessimistic scenario assumes that global market grows slowly, and the annual rate
does not exceed 5-6%.
Moderate scenario suggests long-term annual growth rate to be about 7-8%.
Russia’s share of the global market is rather small (according to various estimates, about
3% in terms of volume and less than 1% in terms of value). This fact is associated with the
low price of water and some systemic problems leading to the technological gap in Russia.
The forecast of the Russian market development has three scenarios as well: optimistic,
moderate and pessimistic.
Fig. 7. Current and expected Russian market size dynamics, $mln
Optimistic scenario assumes that the market generally grows fast (industrial
wastewater treatment, public-use water purification).This scenario suggests
continuous federal support and active promotion of new technologies. The Russian
share is expected to reach 6% by 2015 and grow up to 7%, or 1.3 $bln, by 2012.
Pessimistic scenario suggests that there is no federal support and annual growth
rate does not exceed 4%. The main barrier to the development of nanotechnology is
traditional methods of water purification, which efficiency may be improved by using
novel solutions not related to nanotechnology.
According to moderate scenario, the government provides fixed financial support
promoting limited development of the market. In this case, expected growth rate is
about 11%.
8
Segmentation of the water treatment and purification
market
In order to determine development strategies and measures of federal support, we describe
the next market segments:
Table 3
Water treatment market segmentation
Segment Symbol
Purification of water for public use
Centralized water purification
Decentralized water purification
Industrial water treatment
For general industrial use
For special industrial use
Wastewater purification
Municipal wastewater
Industrial wastewater
9
Key and promising nanoproducts for water treatment and purification
Our experts name the following groups of nanoproducts which have high potential in this
area:
1) Microfiltration membranes (in filter units with tubular elements).
Microfiltration separates fine suspensions, finely dispersed and colloidal impurities,
algae, and protists larger than 0.1 microns. This method is an effective tool for primary
purification in initial steps in drinking water production. Microfiltration is widely used in
medicine; production of spirits and soft drinks, wine, beer, oil, other food products;
water purification in water treatment systems, etc.
Table 4
Nanofiltration membranes
Description
Expected start of large-scale production in Russia: in the short-term
Market segments
Advantages
(superior features of nanoproduct)
Disadvantages
(inferior features of nanoproduct)
Compact
Easy-to-scale technological process
Allows automation of the process
Short life cycle
Removes limited set of contaminants
and acts only in a certain range
Requires periodic washing and cleaning
Capabilities
(promoting external factors)
Risks
(affecting external factors)
Requires modernization of existing
equipment
Increased requirements to the quality of
water treatment
Dramatic growth of water consumption
Development of water treatment for
special use
Major consumers (water services
companies) are conservative
Budgetary limitations
Alternative processes and products
Bulk filters, aeration, chemical treatment, disinfection
10
2) Ultrafiltration membranes (in filter units based on hollow fiber, flat, roll-fed or tubular
elements).
Ultrafiltration is a process of separating solutions from colloidal systems using semi-
permeable membranes.
Applications of ultrafiltration:
purification of surface water in the intake facilities,
post-treatment of water from municipal supply line,
removal of iron and ground water quality improvement;
production of water for industrial use.
Table 5
Ultrafiltration membranes
Description
Expected start of large-scale production in Russia: in the short-term
Market segments
Advantages Disadvantages
Effectively removes large organic
molecules, colloidal particles, bacteria
and viruses, does not retain dissolved salts
Allows to avoid primary chlorination
Improves efficiency of coagulation and
sedimentation and purifies water at low
concentrations of coagulant and under
incomplete coagulation
Needs to be combined with other
membrane-based methods for
efficient elimination of all contaminants
Membrane requires washing for
decontamination
Capabilities Risks
Post-purification of water at the faucet
outlet
Can be used in households
Major consumers (water services
companies) are conservative
Budgetary limitations
Alternative processes and products
Sand granular filters
11
3) Nanofiltration membranes (in filter units based on roll-fed elements).
Nanofiltration is a fractionating membrane process. It does not remove salts completely;
nanofiltration membrane eliminates only multiply charged ions such as calcium,
magnesium, iron, etc. In addition, it efficiently removes organic low-molecular
compounds.
Comparing to reverse osmosis, nanofiltration requires lower power consumption. In this
regard, nanofiltration is the basic process used abroad for production of drinking water
from surface water sources. Nanofiltration provides ultra-pure water which has a wide
range of applications in medicine and pharmaceuticals, electronics, glass and food
industry, etc.
Membrane filter clears water from harmful bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, colloidal
particles, organic compounds (including pesticides), heavy metal salts, nitrates, nitrites
and other contaminants.
Table 6
Nanofiltration membranes
Description
Expected start of large-scale production in Russia: in the short-term
Market segments
Advantages Disadvantages
Highly efficient purification
Produces physiologically complete
drinking water with good organoleptic
properties
Requires extensive pretreatment from
chlorine and some other materials
Low reliability of nanofiltration
membrane roll-fed modules
Capabilities Risks
Local household water post-treatment
High export potential
Major consumers (water services
companies) are conservative
Budgetary limitations
Alternative processes and products
Ion exchange softening units
12
4) Reverse osmosis membranes (in filter units with flat and roll-fed elements)
Reverse osmosis is a method of filtration through a semi-permeable membrane, which
lets molecules of solvent pass through while completely or partially blocks molecules and
ions of dissolved substances. This type of membranes is used in various industries that
require ultrapure water (galvanic production, manufacture of printed circuit boards,
instrument engineering and electronics, noble metal coatings, production of bottled
water and beverages, food industry, pharmaceuticals, etc.).
Table 7
Reverse osmosis membranes
Description
Expected start of large-scale production in Russia: in the short-term
Market segments
Advantages Disadvantages
Selectivity up to 99.9%
Outstanding quality of purified water
Removes low-molecular humic
compounds
All-purpose method, effectively
removes such contaminants as heavy
metal ions, calcium and magnesium
ions, phosphates, sulfates and
chlorides
No secondary contamination
Convenient transportation and
installation
Long life cycle membrane if
periodically back-washed
Reliable and easy to operate
Automated operation mode
High environmental safety
Expensive
High power consumption
Over-purification of drinking water;
removes some healthy compounds
Capabilities Risks
High export potential; technological
solutions for desalting are extremely important in a number of countries
Tightening of environmental
requirements (reverse osmosis
systems are highly safe for the
environmental safety)
No need for desalting in most parts of
Russia
Major consumers (water services
companies) are conservative
Alternative processes and products
Distillers and evaporators
13
5) Ion exchange membranes (in electrodialysis units, or membrane bipolar
electrolysers).
Method of ion exchange refers to a particular class of compounds, natural or synthetic
ionites. Synthetic ionite (ion exchange resin) is a cross-linked polymer with varying
degree of crosslinking of gel micro- or macroporous structure which are covalently
bound to ionic groups.
There are two methods of water treatment and water purification based on ion
exchange. The first one engages ion exchange resins (ionites), and the second - ion
exchange membranes for use in electrodialysis and electodeionization. Unlike
baromembrane processes, electromembrane separation is driven by electric field.
Electrodialysis has a wider range of application than reverse osmosis; it can be used for
desalination, including seawater desalination. Its main advantage over reverse osmosis
is suitability for high salt water treatment, where reverse osmosis is unfavorable
because of the low rate of conversion. Electrodeionization is used in the final step of
production of deeply desalted water.
According to experts, main applications of ion exchange-based separation are electronics
and thermal power engineering. Also, electromembrane processes are used in
membrane bipolar electrolysis for the preparation of chlorine water.
Table 8
Ion exchange membranes
Description
Expected start of large-scale production in Russia: in the short-term
Market segments
Advantages Disadvantages
High-quality water treatment with
minimal consumption of chemicals
Stable performance
Some types of membranes have
low hydrophilicity
Regeneration required for
restoration of ion exchange
capacity
Capabilities Risks
Provides deep purification removing ions of calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese (dissolved)
No limitations on scaling performance of separation units with ion exchange membranes
Narrow scope of application (desalting, elimination of iron)
Inability to remove some chemicals and wider range of contaminants
Ion exchange membranes are sensible to organic contamination
Requires washing for regeneration; ion exchange membranes are good medium for potential growth of bacteria
Alternative processes and products
Distillation, common oxidation, catalytic oxidation
14
6) Membrane bioreactors (MBR)(combination of membrane and biological treatment).
One of the most promising types of wastewater treatment is separation by membrane
bioreactors (MBR) which can recycle and dispose large amounts of contaminants. MBR is
a bioreactor with activated sludge combined with an ultra- or microfiltration membrane
element.
Membrane bioreactor can be used at various stages of water purification (e.g. pre-
treatment prior to nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, final purification before
disinfection, etc.); however, it is used mostly for wastewater treatment.
Table 9
Membrane bioreactors
Description
Expected start of large-scale production in Russia: in the mid-term
Market segments
Advantages Disadvantages
Prolonged life cycle of activated sludge
Provides conditions for growth of component-specific bacteria
No leakage of sediments
Provides high-quality treatment of final wastewater
In the presence of coarse suspended particles, requires pre-treatment of wastewater before it enters the bioreactor
Capabilities Risks
No need for additional filtering or disinfection
Membrane bioreactor has higher efficiency of wastewater treatment than traditional bioreactor
So far, MBR applications are limited to the pre-treatment of water and purification of municipal and industrial wastewater
Alternative processes and products
Mechanical filtration and sedimentation, coagulation and flocculation
15
7) Innovative coagulants. Major innovative coagulants currently include partially
hydrolyzed salts such as aluminum dihydroxysulfate (ADHS), aluminum
dihydroxychloride (ADHC), aluminium pentaoxychloride (APOC), and aluminium
oxychlorosulphates (AOCS). This method provides:
efficient and cost-effective process of coagulation;
low consumption of chemicals;
high environmental qualities;
mild effect;
allows obtaining sediments with desired properties.
Table 10
Innovative coagulants
Description
Expected start of large-scale production in Russia: in the mid-term
Market segments
Advantages Disadvantages
Easy to use
Has wide range of industrial applications
Can be used in a wide range of pH and
alkalinity, does not alter pH of purified
water
Some coagulant elements remain in
the water after treatment
(aluminium)
Applies only to specific types of
contamination
Suitable for pretreatment step only,
requires after-purification
Capabilities Risks
Progress in physics and chemistry
stimulates development of novel
coagulants with higher efficiency
Development of alternative water
treatment methods
Requires purification from other
types of contaminants (e.g.
radiation)
Alternative processes and products
Pressure flotation, flocculation, filtration
16
8) Innovative sorbents (including carbon-based)
New generation of sorbents has improved performance compared to conventional
solutions. Innovative sorbents, most of which fall into the field of nanotechnology, are
divided in non-carbon and carbon ones.
Sorbents of new generation have the following applications: elimination of cations
(copper, iron, ammonia, vanadium, manganese, aluminum, lead, zinc, copper,
phosphates) and anions (sulfides, fluorides, nitrates) from water; absorption of
petroleum products and ether-soluble compounds; deep water purification from various
microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses (including purification of swamp water to
the grade of drinking water).
In addition to the described new-generation materials, there are novel sorbents which
can eliminate arsenic, cadmium and zinc from water and wastewater.
Table 11
Innovative sorbents
Description
Expected start of large-scale production in Russia: in the mid-term
Market segments
Advantages Disadvantages
Comparing to other types of carbon sorbents:
Suitable for a wide range of industries
Abrasion-resistant
Active carbon (AC) can be replaced or
regenerated by chemical, thermal or
biological methods
Comparing to alternatives:
Convenient for loading and unloading,
packing and transportation; does not
generate dust
Fire-proof
Inhibits bacterial growth
Wood-based AC are inferior to the
carbons based on other raw materials
in mechanical strength
Coal coke, pitch, electrode pitch coke,
and petroleum coke are superior to the
AC due to low ash content
AC has lower hardness than listed
materials
AC is more expensive than listed
materials
Capabilities Risks
Suitable for absorption of synthetic
organic substances
Widely used in chemical and food
industry, pharmaceuticals, fuel and
Risk of environmental contamination
due to AC high ash content
17
energy sector, metallurgy, oil and gas
industry
Alternative processes and products
Mechanical filtration, sedimentation, coagulation and flocculation, flotation, chlorination
and ozonation, and baromembrane methods of purification (depending on the type and
severity of contamination)
18
Information on potential market segments for advanced technologies and expected start of
large-scale production in Russia is given in the Table 12.
Table 12
Innovative products in water treatment
Key and promising
products
Expected start of large-scale
production in Russia Market segment
Membranes
Microfiltration membranes
Short-term
Ultrafiltration membranes
Nanofiltration membranes
Reverse osmosis membranes
Ion exchange membranes
Membrane bioreactors Mid-term
Dendrimer-based membranes Long-term
Fullerene-based membranes Long-term
Nanoreactive membranes Mid-term
Nanocomposite membranes Mid-term
Zeolite molecular sieve-based membranes
Long-term
Nanocomponents in traditional technology
Innovative sorbents Mid-term
Innovative coagulants Mid-term
Active nanocatalysts embedded in the membrane systems
Long-term
Nanobiopolymers with
adjustable properties for decontamination
Long-term
Note. This table uses the following symbols:
— price reduction — improvement of chemical and thermal resistance
— reduction of power consumption — increase in production capacity
19
Development strategies for nanotechnology in water purification and water treatment
Fig. 8 shows estimation of demand for membrane technologies in different market segments
and, for each segment, structure of supply of products used in baromembrane membrane
processes.
Fig. 8. Prospects of nanotechnology implementation in various market segments
The most popular nanoproducts will include membranes and units for microfiltration,
ultrafiltration, membrane bioreactors combined with non-membrane technological solutions.
The roadmap demonstrates possible development strategies for nanotechnology in water
treatment and purification.
Aggressive strategy suggests that market segments with the maximum potential are
supported and promotes the optimistic scenario. Need for an aggressive strategy is caused
by the current situation in the industry and awareness of the strategic importance of high-
quality water treatment for nation's health and environmental balance.
Aggressive strategy is based on the following assumptions:
market of membrane technologies is very promising based on the fact that
nanotechnological solutions for water purification can be applied in various fields
from household water purification to water treatment for public and industrial use
and purification of wastewater;
demand for membrane technologies will grow around the world and Russia will
become an exporter of nanomembranes and one of the 'controllers' in this area.
This strategy covers the following market segments:
centralized and decentralized water treatment;
20
industrial water treatment.
To implement the aggressive strategy, a combination of several measures is needed.
First, the government should support of the industry in the following directions:
direct funding in the initial stage of modernization of technology and equipment;
development of adequate regulatory documentation (including Russian National
Standards, technical requirements, specifications for end-products, ,where
nanomembranes can be/are applied);
support of demand by giving preferences to consumers using innovative products;
improvement of industrial customs regulation;
support of participation of Russian membrane manufacturers in technological chains
involving leading companies and countries.
Purchase of advanced technological solutions and equipment for production of membranes
is of great importance for reaching the competitive level in quality and price of products.
Creation of a high-tech plant for manufacturing of nanomembranes could be a serious
breakthrough, however, it is possible only under the federal support.
Second, market players should follow more aggressive politics in several directions:
active promotion of products based on nanomembranes (many potential customers
at the moment are not planning to switch to the new product because they have no
information about its efficiency);
promotion of nanotechnologies for water purification among end consumers;
expansion of cooperation between Russian manufacturers and researchers and
establishment of international cooperation (in particular, active search for potential
customers).
Implementation of active strategy fits moderate scenario and is possible under the
following conditions:
federal support for this sector, specifically within the framework of the Federal Target
Program "Pure Water";
active involvement of some participants (OJSC RUSNANO, State Corporation
Rostechnologies, etc.) providing increase of production and consumption of
nanoproducts;
Maintenance of existing scientific and human resources and training of highly
qualified experts;
promotion of use of nanomembranes;
world-wide cooperation with manufacturers and consumers including foundation of
joint ventures with industry leaders.
21
Regional promotion strategies for nanotechnology in water purification and water treatment in various market
segments
Promotion strategies for innovative methods of water treatment in various market segments
are determined by the implementation capability in centralized and decentralized water
supply. It depends on the development of water use segments, their balance in the market,
modernization or replacement of worn-out water supply networks, and compliance of water
treatment facilities with the adopted water quality standards for water sources in regions of
Russia.
In order to determine favorable promotion strategies, regions were classified based on
similar problems in water treatment and purification. According to the extent of centralized
water supply distribution, regions were separated in two groups: group A of regions with
well-developed water supply network, and group B of regions with poorly-developed water
supply network. Classification of regions based on the extent of centralized supply
distribution, quality of water sources for centralized and decentralized supply and water
quality on output shown in Fig. 9 .
Fig. 9. Regional promotion strategies for nanotechnology in water purification and
water treatment
A-1 A-3 B-1 B-3
A-2 A-4 B-2 B-4
Table 13 describes strategies for industry development for various types of regions.
22
Table 13
Regional development strategies for nanotechnology in water purification and
water treatment
Group Description Strategy
A - 1
‘Healthy’ regions which have high-
quality centralized supply water
sources and provide end consumer
with high-quality water.
Seven of the seventeen regions
have well-managed centralized
water supply while providing poor-
quality water from decentralized
supply sources.
Scheduled modernization of water
purification facilities and distribution
networks. Situation allows implementation
of novel technologies, as most regions are
well economically developed.
Low quality of water from decentralized
supply sources in a number of regions
pushes the distribution of personal- and
public-use water purification technologies.
A - 2
High-quality water in centralized
water supply sources, but poor-
quality water on output. Six of the
nine regions have low-quality
decentralized supply water sources.
If problems are associated with wear of
distribution systems, their replacement is
required in the first place. Implementation
of new technologies, including membrane-
based, won't have any economic and social
effects without upgrade of distribution
networks. If problems are caused by
equipment obsolescence in water treatment
facilities, application of novel technologies
may be feasible. High level of economic
development of regions with low-quality
decentralized supply water sources
promotes new personal- and public-use
water purification technologies.
A - 3
Poor-quality water in water sources
and high-quality water delivered to
end consumers. It positively
describes distribution networks and
centralized water supply facilities.
Membrane bioreactors and other
nanotechnological solutions can be applied
to the industrial and municipal wastewater
treatment. It will positively affect on quality
of water from water sources. Wastewater
treatment market has a very promising
demand for nanotechnology.
A - 4
Poor-quality water in water sources
and on the output as well.
Five of ten regions are poorly
economically developed. Remaining
five regions have low-quality
decentralized supply water
together with high level of
economic development.
The priority task is modernization of water
purification facilities and distribution
networks. This strategy requires active
participation of the federal government in
order to solve problems of poorly developed
regions. Possible future directions for
promotion of nanotechnology include
personal- and public-use water purification
in economically developed regions with low-
quality water from decentralized supply
sources.
B - 1
‘Healthy’ regions which have high-
quality centralized supply water
and high-quality water in
decentralized supply sources. Most
regions from this group have poor
level of economic development.
Requires scheduled replacement of
equipment for water purification.
Nanotechnology can be promoted for use
both in centralized and decentralized water
supply and wastewater treatment.
Depending on the duration (mid-term or
long-term period), these strategies can be
considered ether as supportive or
23
Group Description Strategy
alternative.
B - 2
High-quality decentralized water
supply sources and unfavorable
centralized water supply
conditions. Nine of the twelve
regions belong to the group with
poor level of economic
development
There are two possible strategies of
modernization: 1) simultaneous distribution
and modernization of centralized water
supply system, and 2) more active
promotion of novel technologies. To select
the strategy, proper economic evaluation is
required. Also, these strategies can be used
in combination in different time periods.
Lack of adequate financial support can
significantly suppress implementation of
both strategies.
B - 3
Favorable decentralized water
supply conditions and the opposite
for decentralized supply. Most
regions of this group have poor
level of economic development.
Scheduled modernization of the equipment
in centralized water purification facilities
and more aggressive promotion of
personal- and public-use water purification
technologies, membrane bioreactor
technologies and other novel solutions for
wastewater treatment. Requires active
participation of the federal government.
B - 4
Poor-quality of decentralized supply
water sources and problems in
centralized supply. Four of nine
regions have poor level of
economic development.
The priority task is modernization of water
treatment facilities. Possible strategies are
similar to those for B-2. Requires support
from the federal government.
24
Description of roadmap
The roadmap of this project has the following structure:
Fig. 10. Roadmap visualization
The figures above show five main sections of the roadmap:
Technological tasks
Nano-based processes and technologies
Products for implementation of promising water treatment and purification
processes
Market segments
Alternative, supportive and traditional processes and technologies
3
2
1
4
5
25
These sections are briefly described below.
Section 1. Technological tasks
Section 1 lists key problems that should be solved during implementation of nano-based
membrane and other technologies in water treatment and purification.
Section 2. Promising nano-based processes and technologies
Section 2 presents technological processes used in water treatment and purification in which
nanotechnologies can be/are already introduced, including membrane-based processes as
well as others being investigated for integration with nano-based products.
Section 3. Products for implementation of promising water
treatment and purification processes
Depending on the purpose of water treatment and basic characteristics of water sources,
various methods are used in water treatment, and each of them requires its own type of
membrane. Section 3 shows the interrelation between promising water treatment processes
and products in use.
Section 4. Market segments
Section 4 lists water treatment and purification market segments and a market size forecast
in Russia and world-wide for 2015 and 2020. Three scenarios are discussed: pessimistic,
moderate and optimistic.
Section 5. Alternative, supportive and traditional processes and
technologies
Section 5 describes alternative technologies which are either commonly used or can be
implemented in water treatment and purification in the future. This section lists advantages
and disadvantages of alternatives comparing to nano-based technological solutions. Water
treatment and water purification are complex processes which employ various related and
supportive technologies. Thus, consecutive and time-distributed implementation of
alternative technologies and solutions supporting membrane processes will promote active
development of membrane technologies in water treatment and purification.