Household slow sand filter efficiency with schmutzdecke evaluation by microsensors.

Slow sand filtration is a common technology providing potable water in rural households across Latin America, Asia and Africa. Two PVC household slow sand filters (HSSF) were operated in continuous (C-HSSF) and intermittent (I-HSSF) flow modes for eight consecutive months. A non-woven blanket was installed on the fine sand top to facilitate cleaning with scheduled maintenance undertaken every 30 days. The efficiency of each HSSF was evaluated via physico-chemical indicators (reduction of turbidity and colour) with biological performance assessed via total coliform and E. coli enumeration post treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between the continuous flow and intermittent flow models for physical-chemical and total coliform reduction parameters. However, when evaluating E. coli, C-HSSF performed better (p = 0.02). The non-woven blanket was subjected to weekly analysis using a Clark-type amperometric microsensor (diameter < 20 µm), which measured dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in the adherent biofilm. DO microprofiles illustrated a variation in biofilm growth, which were associated with a progressive increase in the HSSF efficiency. The maximum DO depletion value measured during several months of operation showed no significant difference between I-HSSF and C-HSSF (p = 0.98). The microsensor measurements provided unprecedented results in real time. These results can help to understand the efficiency of the filter in relation to the biofilm growth, the dissolved oxygen depletion and turbidity removal.

Electrochemical Enhancement of Photocatalytic Disinfection on Aligned TiO2 and Nitrogen Doped TiO2 Nanotubes.

TiO2 photocatalysis is considered as an alternative to conventional disinfection processes for the inactivation of waterborne microorganisms. The efficiency of photocatalysis is limited by charge carrier recombination rates. When the photocatalyst is immobilized on an electrically conducting support, one may assist charge separation by the application of an external electrical bias. The aim of this work was to study electrochemically assisted photocatalysis with nitrogen doped titania photoanodes under visible and UV-visible irradiation for the inactivation of Escherichia coli. Aligned TiO2 nanotubes were synthesized (TiO2-NT) by anodizing Ti foil. Nanoparticulate titania films were made on Ti foil by electrophoretic coating (P25 TiO2). N-doped titania nanotubes and N,F co-doped titania films were also prepared with the aim of extending the active spectrum into the visible. Electrochemically assisted photocatalysis gave higher disinfection efficiency in comparison to photocatalysis (electrode at open circuit) for all materials tested. It is proposed that electrostatic attraction of negatively charged bacteria to the positively biased photoanodes leads to the enhancement observed. The N-doped TiO2 nanotube electrode gave the most efficient electrochemically assisted photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria under UV-Vis irradiation but no inactivation of bacteria was observed under visible only irradiation. The visible light photocurrent was only a fraction (2%) of the UV response.

A review of heterogeneous photocatalysis for water and surface disinfection.

Photo-excitation of certain semiconductors can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species that can inactivate microorganisms. The mechanisms involved are reviewed, along with two important applications. The first is the use of photocatalysis to enhance the solar disinfection of water. It is estimated that 750 million people do not have accessed to an improved source for drinking and many more rely on sources that are not safe. If one can utilize photocatalysis to enhance the solar disinfection of water and provide an inexpensive, simple method of water disinfection, then it could help reduce the risk of waterborne disease. The second application is the use of photocatalytic coatings to combat healthcare associated infections. Two challenges are considered, i.e., the use of photocatalytic coatings to give "self-disinfecting" surfaces to reduce the risk of transmission of infection via environmental surfaces, and the use of photocatalytic coatings for the decontamination and disinfection of medical devices. In the final section, the development of novel photocatalytic materials for use in disinfection applications is reviewed, taking account of materials, developed for other photocatalytic applications, but which may be transferable for disinfection purposes.