Nanomaterial-modified oxidation-assisted electroporation technology for pathogen disinfection and chemical degradation in wastewater.

Wastewater reclamation is a promising approach to address the challenge of water scarcity. Pathogens and pharmaceuticals are ubiquitously detected in reclaimed water, becoming the two key threats for human health. This proposal aims to develop a new electrochemical process for advanced wastewater treatment. We will combine oxidation of chemicals and pathogens at the anodes with enhanced electroporation to provide efficient disinfection at the cathode. Attributed to the damaged microorganism membranes by cathode-electroporation, the oxidizing agents generated from the anode can enter the cytoplasm easily and damage the cell metabolism system effectively. The proposed work is a continuation of the applicant’s Ph.D. research and the background expertise that the applicant has obtained will be used and will bring additional expertise to Prof. Dewil’s lab (PETLab).

Keywords:Electroporation disinfection, Electrochemical oxidation, Hydroxyl radicals, Nanotechnology, Advanced wastewater treatment

Disciplines:General chemical and biochemical engineering not elsewhere classified