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, fluidised-bed reactor (FBR) using formulated clay mixture absorbents (clay-FBR adsorption) and an annular slurry photoreactor (ASP) using TiO2 impregnated kaolin catalysts (TiO2-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 PO43−, NO3− and suspended solids. The TiO2-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 PO43− content was obtained in the adsorption stage; while 30% and 65% NO3− 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.