Solar disinfection of water by TiO2 photoassisted processes: Physicochemical, biological, and engineering aspects

Abstract

In this chapter, an overview of photocatalytic bacterial inactivation is given together with recent relevant literature examples and references. The most important parameters influencing the process are classified in physicochemical, biological, and engineering aspects. Experiments carried out at laboratory and field scale are illustrated and discussed. Limitations, advantages, and drawbacks are pointed out. Sensitivity of bacteria to solar disinfection in the absence and presence of TiO2 can vary for each species of microorganism according to strain, stage of the culture, growth medium, initial bacterial load, and type of plating medium used for bacterial cultivation and counting. Physicochemical parameters and reactor design among others also influence the process. However, to comply with requirements in the disinfection systems, it is important to determine for each condition the length of the irradiation period or effective disinfection time (EDT) that ensures death of the bacteria and consequently the end of the treatment. © 2010 Springer-Verlag New York.