The disinfection of the wastewater effluents is important to reduce the pathogenic microorganism impact in the environment. UV radiation is one of the technologies used for this purposed. The wastewater characteristics, such as dissolved organic compounds or the presence of suspended solids can affect the efficiency of the faecal coliform bacteria removal in the disinfection process by ultraviolet (UV) radiation technology. This study addresses to see the effect of the effluent wastewater matrix in the disinfection by the use of low pressure (LP/UV) and media pressure (MP/UV) lamps. Samples collected in different wastewater treatment plants show different transmittance emission profiles due mostly to the presence of the mixture of dissolved organic compounds with some effect on the faecal coliform bacteria removal.

Abstract: The review explores the feasibility of simultaneous removal of pathogens and chemical pollutants by solar-enhanced advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The AOPs are based on in-situ generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), most notably hydroxyl radicals •OH, that are capable of destroying both pollutant molecules and pathogen cells. The review presents evidence of simultaneous removal of pathogens and chemical pollutants by photocatalytic processes, namely TiO2 photocatalysis and photo-Fenton. Complex water matrices with high loads of pathogens and chemical pollutants negatively affect the efficiency of disinfection and pollutant removal. This is due to competition between chemical substances and pathogens for generated ROS. Other possible negative effects include light screening, competitive photon absorption, adsorption on the catalyst surface (thereby inhibiting its photocatalytic activity), etc. Besides, some matrix components may serve as nutrients for pathogens, thus hindering the disinfection process. Each type of water/wastewater would require a tailor-made approach and the variables that were shown to influence the processes—catalyst/oxidant concentrations, incident radiation flux, and pH—need to be adjusted in order to achieve the required degree of pollutant and pathogen

Abstract not found