| This thesis documents a novel method to develop a strong cationic resin for the removal of nitrates from contaminated fresh water systems. The task was accomplished through the use of an insoluble cellulosic natural material (wood shavings) and a cationic polymer (polyethylenimine). The effectiveness of the cationic resin was based on the efficiency of the removal capabilities, practical applications, and environmentally friendly characteristics.;The undertaking for the development of the cationic resin consisted of a chemical modification of cellulose, characterization of the modified derivatives, and an investigation of their applications. The synthesis of the material consisted of an oxidation reaction of the cellulosic material following a nucleophilic addition reaction in which the cationic polymer was anchored to the surface of the cellulose derivative. A Fourier Transfer Infrared scan was utilized to confer the modification of the cellulosic derivative. The scan depicted the presence of primary amine groups on the modified substrate at 1635 cm-1 and 2875 cm-1 that confirmed the modification took place successfully.;The removal capabilities of the strong cationic resin were determined by packing a column with the cationic resin and running contaminated water though the system in a batch process and continuous flow process to simulate practical applications. Through the simulations, the batch system had a maximum binding capacity of 10.2 ± 0.4 mg/g and the continuous system had a maximum binding capacity of 11.6 ± 0.8 mg/g.;The practical usages were investigated for a large-scale wastewater treatment facility and small-scale agricultural system. The large-scale wastewater treatment facility system yielded a potential cost of ;Exploiting the biodegradability and biocompatibility features of the cellulosic material, a potential usage of the strong cationic resin consists of a polymeric resin. The strong cationic resin could be potentially utilized as a slow release fertilizer while also able being able to prevent nutrient run off into aqueous systems. |
