Christopher Bellona M.S.
Phone: (303) 273-3871
Fax: (303) 273-3413
E-mail: cbellona@mines.edu
Homestate: Washington
Research Interests:
Membrane treatment technologies are becoming a very popular option for the treatment of water and wastewater throughout the world. For example, membrane treatment technologies such as reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) have become the industry standard of pretreatment for indirect potable reuse applications. However, the fate of micro-pollutants such as pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and pharmaceuticals is becoming an important concern during membrane applications leading to water reuse. The purpose of my research is to investigate the role physical-chemical properties of membranes and solutes play in the rejection of micro-pollutants. Solute properties such as charge, molecular width, and hydrophobicity are being investigated to determine their importance in micro-pollutant rejection. In addition, membrane properties such as charge, hydrophobicity, molecular weight cut-off, and structure are being characterized to determine their affect on solute rejection. This research will eventually be used to characterize the mass transport of certain molecules by specific properties. My research has been funded by WateReuse Foundation, Awwa Research Foundation, and NSF/MAST.