UV LED technology for chlorine removal in home dialysis water preparation
UV LED-based solution for removing chlorine and chloramine residuals from drinking water, enabling safe water preparation for in-home dialysis systems. Mercury-free, compact, and energy-efficient design targets optimal wavelengths for chlorine species destruction, offering a small-footprint alternative to conventional UV lamps.
Overview
This research program at the University of Toronto develops ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV LED) technology for removing total chlorine species, including free chlorine, monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloramine, from municipal drinking water and treated groundwater. The primary application is preparing water suitable for in-home dialysis systems, where residual chlorine and chloramine must be reduced to safe levels before use. UV LEDs offer a mercury-free, compact alternative to traditional low-pressure mercury lamps and can be integrated into small-footpoint process designs ideal for point-of-use water treatment.
Technical specifications
- Targets total chlorine species (free chlorine, mono-, di-, and trichloramine) commonly found in municipal drinking water
- Uses UV LEDs tuned to emit at or near wavelengths strongly absorbed by chlorine and chloramine species, minimizing wasted energy
- Leverages near-instant LED startup and customizable optics to take advantage of narrow spectral output
- Initial validation shows 30–80% destruction of chloramine species in ultrapure water at a UV dose of up to 400 mJ/cm² over approximately 40 minutes
- Designed for compatibility with in-home dialysis equipment configurations
- Future work will measure chemical byproducts such as nitrate and nitrite, address a current data gap in the field
- Future testing will optimize LED type, number, and wavelength to achieve a 0.1 mg/L residual across a range of source waters, temperatures, and flow rates
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Proof-of-concept validation has been completed, demonstrating measurable chlorine and chloramine decay using UV LEDs at multiple wavelengths and confirming results previously observed with low-pressure mercury lamps. The research team is now planning further validation to determine optimum LED configurations, quantify byproduct formation, and assess compatibility with dialysis equipment, with an estimated timeline of six months to one year before the technology is ready for broader deployment or integration into commercial systems.
About University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a comprehensive public research university with three campuses in the Toronto region and a globally scaled research enterprise. Its downtown footprint is embedded within a major academic health network and an adjacent innovation district, enabling co-located labs, clinical trials, and rapid testing with end users. Companies connect through co-op and long-duration internships, sponsored research, and access to shared core facilities and prototyping resources. Research is supported by Canada’s Tri‑Agency (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, alongside provincial programs and industry partnerships. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP management, licensing, and startup support through a coordinated entrepreneurship network.
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