Application of photocatalysis as a post treatment method of a heterotrophic-autotrophic denitrification reactor effluent

Chemosphere. 2008 Aug;72(11):1706-11. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.04.070. Epub 2008 Jun 11.

Abstract

The aim of this study is the application of photocatalysis as an effective post treatment scheme for the removal of the organic matter and bacteria released by an innovative biological denitrification process referred to as heterotrophic-autotrophic denitrification, which combines heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrification processes. Photocatalytic treatment was applied using TiO2 as a photocatalyst in the loading range of 0.25-2.00 g l(-1) for irradiation periods up to 60 min using a black light fluorescent lamp with an intensity of I(0)=1309 microW cm(-2). The photocatalytic inactivation data were modelled to pseudo first order kinetics as well as by the areal rates to evaluate the photocatalyst loading effect. Chlorination was used as a final disinfection step to attain an overall inactivation of total coliforms as well as to the formation of very low level of trihalomethanes.

MeSH terms

  • Autotrophic Processes
  • Bacteria / growth & development
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Bioreactors / microbiology
  • Catalysis / radiation effects
  • Heterotrophic Processes
  • Nitrates / chemistry
  • Nitrates / metabolism*
  • Oxidation-Reduction / radiation effects
  • Photochemistry
  • Titanium / chemistry
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / metabolism*
  • Water Purification / methods*

Substances

  • Nitrates
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • titanium dioxide
  • Titanium