Date of Award

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Willie F. Harper, Jr., PhD

Abstract

This study investigated the quality of untreated water collected from a vapor compression-based atmospheric water generator (AWG) operated outdoors in Dayton, Ohio. The concentrations of bacterial and chemical constituents were determined. The concentration of culturable bacteria was between 200 and 2300 CFU/mL, significantly higher than the reference levels described in recreational and drinking water quality guidance. Three discrete bacteria phenotypes were visually identified; two were yellow in color, rod-shaped and gram-negative while the third was milky white, circular, and gram-positive. Chemical analysis on 15 randomly selected samples revealed the presence of Barium (average = 0.16 mg/L), Magnesium (0.08 = mg/L), Calcium (average = 0.33 mg/L), Sodium (average = 0.15 mg/L), Potassium (average = 0.96 mg/l); each of these levels exceeded drinking water guidance levels. Sodium and potassium are alkali metals, and are therefore more reactive than magnesium and barium, which are alkaline earth metals. To this author’s knowledge, this study is the first to report these biological and chemical constituents in untreated liquid collected from an AWG. Metagenomic testing is recommended to characterize the structure and function of the microbial community.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-25-M-244

Comments

An embargo was observed for this posting.

Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited. PA case number 88ABW-2025-0245

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