UV photocatalysis processes for degradation of micropollutants in drinking waters

Micropollutants are organic substances found in many industrial and domestic products. Some of them are relatively persistent and difficult to biodegrade, which means that they pass through wastewater treatment plants relatively easily, enter surface waters and can contaminate drinking water sources.

The aim of this project is to develop an innovative device for the end user of drinking water that can effectively remove micropollutants from water. The core of the device will be a photoreactive column filled with a carbon carbon sorbent modified with a photocatalyst in the form of transition metal oxides,. This system, in conjunction with UV irradiation, can effectively and safely degrade the trapped micropollutants and their metabolites through a photocatalytic oxidation process.

This work was co-funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic through the Programme for the Support of Applied Research, Experimental Development and Innovation in the Environmental Fields – Environment for Life. Additional funding is provided by the National Recovery Plan, supported by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility under Project No. SS06020124 “UV photocatalysis processes for degradation of micropollutants in drinking waters“.

PLANNED PROJECT RESULTS

1. Development of a carbon sorbent based on biochar modified with oxides of selected metals with photocatalytic effects. This will be a proven material that can be used to safely remove selected micropollutants from drinking water. (Utility model: Metal oxide-modified carbon support sorbent with photocatalytic effects).
2. Development of a technology using a newly synthesised carbonaceous sorbent material based on biochar, which will be further modified with metal oxides with photocatalytic effects. This technology is designed to remove selected micropollutants from drinking water by a combination of sorption and subsequent photocatalytic degradation of the sorbed substances. (Verified technology: Catalytic degradation of micropollutants trapped on modified carbon sorbent by UV irradiation and its use in special treatment of drinking water).
3. Development of a technological device for water treatment based on the principle of sorption-degradation processes. The core of the device will be a photoreactor based on a flow column filled with a newly developed material, which will be simultaneously irradiated with UV radiation of a suitable wavelength from a suitable emitter. ( Functional sample: Technological equipment for the elimination of micropollutants from drinking water by sorption followed by photocatalytic decomposition).
4. Secondary results/outputs of the project (peer-reviewed scientific article – Jimp, presentations at conferences – D).