AWWA ACE91065

Photoassissted heterogeneous catalytic oxidation (PHCO) is an advanced oxidation process (AOPs) to remove disinfection byproducts precursors from water. PHCO techniques involve the use of photoactive n- type semiconductor powders (e.g., titanium dioxide). When these powders are illuminated with near-ultraviolet light in an oxygenated aqueous suspension, they can produce a sufficient redox environment to mineralize organic compounds. This paper presents some of the results of an ongoing study to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of using the PHCO process for water treatment. The researchers found that NPOC and DBP precursors can be mineralized with reasonable contact times. NPOC and DBP mineralization rates were significantly higher for the experimental TiO2 catalysts made at MTU as compared to the best commercially available product. Additional research needs are identified.