TiO{sub 2}-based photocatalytic disinfection of microbes in aqueous media: A review

Journal Article · Sat Apr 15 04:00:00 EDT 2017 · Environmental Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVRES.2017.01.018· OSTI ID:22689549

Laxma Reddy, P. Venkata ^[1]; Kavitha, Beluri ^[2]; Kumar Reddy, Police Anil ^[3]; Kim, Ki-Hyun ^[4]

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1. Program in Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 799038 (United States)
2. Department of Pharmacology, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. NTRUHS, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520008 (India)
3. School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541 (Korea, Republic of)
4. Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul 04763 (Korea, Republic of)

The TiO{sub 2} based photocatalyst has great potential for the disinfection/inactivation of harmful pathogens (such as E.coli in aqueous media) along with its well-known usefulness on various chemical pollutants. The disinfection property of TiO{sub 2} is primarily attributed to surface generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as free metal ions formation. Furthermore, its disinfection capacity and overall performance can be significantly improved through modifications of the TiO{sub 2} material. In this review, we provide a brief survey on the effect of various TiO{sub 2} materials in the disinfection of a wide range of environmentally harmful microbial pathogens (e.g., bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses) in aqueous media. The influencing factors (such as reactor design, water chemistry, and TiO{sub 2} modifications) of such processes are discussed along with the mechanisms of such disinfection. It is believed that the combined application of disinfection and decontamination will greatly enhance the utilization of TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst as a potential alternative to conventional methods of water purification. - Highlights: • The advent of industrialization jeopardized the quality of drinking water. • TiO{sub 2} photocatalysis holds promise both in the degradation of pollutants and for disinfection. • The applicability of TiO{sub 2}-based decontamination is explored for microbial disinfection. • Here we provide a comprehensive review on titania-based photocatalysts for disinfection.

• OSTI ID: 22689549
• Journal Information: Environmental Research, Journal Name: Environmental Research Vol. 154; ISSN ENVRAL; ISSN 0013-9351
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DRINKING WATER
PATHOGENS
PHOTOCATALYSIS
POLLUTANTS
STERILIZATION
TITANIUM OXIDES