Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Chemistry

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Dr. Scott Smith

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Second Advisor

Dr. Vladimir Kitaev

Advisor Role

Committee member

Third Advisor

Dr. Louise Dawe

Advisor Role

Committee member

Abstract

Due to eutrophication caused by nutrients such as phosphorus (P), local surface water near military garrisons and camps has been deteriorated for several years in the Republic of Korea. Thus, in order to remove excessive P in local fresh water, various size of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were used.

In the first investigation, TiO2 mixed bulk powder (particle size > 5µm) showed maximum P removal with pH dependence (higher pH shows lower P removal), that was approximately 27%. To determine adsorption isotherms, Langmuir and Freudlich models were used. The experimental data was better fit by a Langmuir model compared to a Freudlich model.

In the second investigation, advanced wastewater treatment system called Photo-Cat technology was used to remove P using TiO2 nanoparticles. In terms of pH dependence, inversed trend in comparison with the result of the first investigation was observed due to the tap water used in the Photo-Cat system. The tap water in Photo-Cat system could remove P even without the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. Also, the Photo-Cat system could remove even more P in synthetic wastewater sample by using TiO2 nanoparticles. Using real wastewater sample, Photo-Cat system showed removal of total P (TP) by ceramic membrane filter. However, the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles and UV light could not show any additional removal. Based on these experiments, phosphorus in wastewater can be removed using TiO2 nanoparticles via Photo Cat system. However, the idea that irradiation of UV light can convert organic phosphorus into reactive phosphorus was demonstrated not to be efficient.

Comments

Phosphorus removal using TiO2 nanoparticles via Photo-Cat technology.

Convocation Year

2016

Convocation Season

Fall

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