Control of viruses in drinking water with visible light-activated TiON/PdO photocatalyst: performance dynamics associated with regeneration and activation

The need for cost-effective and socio-culturally accepted treatment of drinking water in areas without access to clean water has motivated exploration of alternative pathogen control strategies including point of use systems using solar disinfection. Photocatalytic materials, such as titanium dioxide, have been demonstrated to inactivate a variety of pathogens when irradiated with UVA light but the UVA fraction of sun light is limited. In this research, the performance of a visible light-activated palladium-modified, nitrogen-doped titanium oxide (TiON/PdO) photocatalyst against viruses was further characterized. For initial virus concentrations of 108-1011 pfu/ml, TiON/PdO, was able to achieve four-logs of viral surrogate MS2 phage removal, with both dark and photocatalytic effects. Sustained regeneration potential of the material was tested using ozonation, which has been shown to completely restore the removal capacity after repeated use without degradation. A “photocatalytic memory” effect previously seen with E.coli was further explored with MS2 phage. The sorptive affinity of the material for viruses, coupled with its potential to oxidize contaminants at its surface when illuminated by visible light, may provide a novel means to couple with solar disinfection to provide continuous and effective point of use treatment for areas in need.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Environ Engr in Civil Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2010

Author dc:creator

• Kluge, Corinne N.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mariñas, Benito J.

• Disinfection
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2)
• MS2 (bacteriophage)
• photocatalyst
• solar disinfection

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2010 Corinne N. Kluge

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/16153

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/16153