Fiscal Year 1986 Program Report

Abstract

Water is one of Ohio's most important natural resources, and the State has an adequate supply to meet its immediate needs. Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous waters that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 86 State Water Research Program was directed at some of these needs. One project examined the simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation that occurs in a three-phase fluidized bed that utilizes immobilized living microorganisms in an aerobic wastewater treatment process. Another project studied the specific mechanisms that certain bacteria have developed to resist inhibition caused by Cadmium in the environment and to investigate the potential that these organisms have in the translocation of this highly toxic metal. A third project developed methodology to determine the impact that seasonal water usage has on the safe yield that can be provided from reservoirs used to supply municipal- drinking water. The fourth project analyzed the risks and benefits that occur from disposing of oil and gas brines by injecting them in the annulus of producing oil and gas wells in the state. Training was provided through this program for nine students enrolled in five disciplines at two universities in the State.