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Titanium Dioxide and Ultra-violet Light: A Sustainable and Inexpensive Solution for Addressing Drinking Water Quality Issues in the Developing Countries

EPA Grant Number: SU831833
Title: Titanium Dioxide and Ultra-violet Light: A Sustainable and Inexpensive Solution for Addressing Drinking Water Quality Issues in the Developing Countries
Investigators: Desu, S. , Long, S. , Reckhow, David A.
Institution: University of Massachusetts - Amherst
EPA Project Officer: Nolt-Helms, Cynthia
Project Period: October 1, 2004 through May 30, 2005
Project Amount: $10,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity, and the Planet (2004)
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development

Description:

Objective:

Appropriate technologies are needed for drinking water problem in the developing world. An estimated 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. This is a global problem. The purpose of our research is to develop a self-sustaining and an inexpensive reactor that will rid the naturally available water from a wide variety of contaminants and pathogens, making it suitable for human consumption.

Approach:

Based on our initial laboratory tests we showed that UV-A radiation from sunlight, when used in conjunction with photo-catalyst titanium oxide (TiO2), is able to remove certain pathogens and chemicals from water. The technical challenges are in developing an algorithm to maximize the affectivity variable UVA intensity from the sun as it activates catalysis; a robust TiO2 embedded reactor that is self-sustaining; and a cost effective process. We also need to develop a stable reactor that can be produced inexpensively. Practicality of such approach will help in diminishing the severe drinking water crisis in the developing countries and also its availability in the rural/remote areas in developed countries.

We will develop an algorithm to inter-relate key process variables, sunlight intensity, temperature, types of photocatalyst and various organic and biological contaminants and use it in understanding mechanisms responsible for their removal. Data gathered from such experiments will facilitate the development of an optimum reactor and reliable water disinfection process.

Expected Results:

Periodic interdepartmental ‘information forums’ in a group discussion format will be held to present results, discuss current research in alternative technologies, and facilitate the understanding and implementation of P3 concepts among students and faculty.

Supplemental Keywords:

drinking water, health effects, chemicals, bacteria, green chemistry, disinfection, oxidation engineering, MA , POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Water, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Arsenic, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Drinking Water, Chemical Engineering, Technology, Water Pollutants, Environmental Chemistry, New/Innovative technologies, drinking water system, drinking water contaminants, treatment, environmental sustainability, UV light emitting diodes, clean technologies, arsenic removal, green chemistry, drinking water distribution system, photocatalyst, activated carbons, adsorption, detoxification, other - risk assessment, drinking water treatment, green engineering
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Project Description

Progress and Final Reports:
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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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