An adsorption-photocatalysis hybrid process using multi-functional-nanoporous materials for wastewater reclamation

In this study, two of our recently developed laboratory scale wastewater treatment systems, fluidized-bed reactor (FBR) using formulated clay mixture absorbents (clay-FBR adsorption) and an annular slurry photoreactor (ASP) using TiO(2) impregnated kaolin catalysts (TiO(2)-K-ASP) were integrated as an adsorption-photocatalysis hybrid process to treat municipal wastewater as alternative secondary and tertiary treatment for wastewater reclamation. Primary effluent from sewage and secondary effluent from a membrane bioreactor treatment process were used to assess chemical removal capabilities of the FBR and ASP systems, and the hybrid process. The formulated clays-FBR system demonstrated the prevailing removal efficiency toward PO(4)(3-), NO(3)(-) and suspended solids. The TiO(2)-K-ASP showed superior degradation of dissolved organic content; while the presence of inorganic ions caused a detrimental effect on its performance. The integration of the adsorption and degradation system as a hybrid treatment process resulted in a synergetic enhancement for the chemical removal efficiency. Complete elimination of PO(4)(3-) content was obtained in the adsorption stage; while 30% and 65% NO(3)(-) removal were obtained from the hybrid treatment of the primary and secondary effluents, respectively. The corresponding COD reduction during the photodegradation was further investigated by the high-performance size exclusion chromatography technique, where it revealed the shift of apparent molecular weight of the dissolved organic contaminants toward the smaller region. This present study demonstrated that this adsorption-photocatalysis hybrid technology can be used as a feasible alternative treatment process for wastewater reclamation.