The integration of photocatalytic advanced oxidation into solar disinfection is a robust method of improving the microbial and chemical quality of treated water. This study evaluates the performance of photocatalytic solar irradiated batch reactors through an analytical model that reduces treatment parameters by simplifying photoreactor geometry and relating performance to reactor configuration. Accompanying experiments compare the performance of titanium dioxide coated foams of varying pore size to suspended and fixed film configurations through degradation of organic dyes (acid orange 24 and methylene blue), Escherichia coli, and 1,4-dioxane. Results indicate that a catalyst immobilized on a foam support can match the performance of a suspension due to effective mass transport and association between analyte and foam. Additionally, the potential treatment capacity of solar photocatalysis was compared to conventional treatment methods. Results of this comparison stress the fundamental limitation of solar photocatalysis if visible light wavelengths are not harnessed.

The integration of photocatalytic advanced oxidation into solar disinfection is a robust method of improving the microbial and chemical quality of treated water. This study evaluates the performance of photocatalytic solar irradiated batch reactors through an analytical model that reduces treatment parameters by simplifying photoreactor geometry and relating performance to reactor configuration. Accompanying experiments compare the performance of titanium dioxide coated foams of varying pore size to suspended and fixed film configurations through degradation of organic dyes (acid orange 24 and methylene blue), Escherichia coli, and 1,4-dioxane. Results indicate that a catalyst immobilized on a foam support can match the performance of a suspension due to effective mass transport and association between analyte and foam. Additionally, the potential treatment capacity of solar photocatalysis was compared to conventional treatment methods. Results of this comparison stress the fundamental limitation of solar photocatalysis if visible light wavelengths are not harnessed.

Over 30% of the population in developing countries is in need of access to safe drinking water. The 875 million cases of diarrhea and 4.6 million deaths that occur each year due to a lack of a safe water supply occur primarily in these countries. It is estimated that these countries will need over $150 billion to establish full drinking water supply system coverage. Conventional methods of drinking water disinfection, such as chemical treatment, heat pasteurization, and filtration, require facilities, materials, and fuel that may not be readily available or feasible to attain. An alternative treatment option is to utilize solar energy, which has been shown to inactivate pathogens through pasteurization and radiation effects. This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of solar disinfection for the inactivation of E. coli. Turbidity, sample volume, exposure time, and bottle size were varied. Experiments were conducted by adding E. coli to water samples (phosphate buffered saline with or without added montmorillonite clay or pond water) in clear drinking water test bottles. The bottles were then placed in full, direct sunlight. Samples were taken at predetermined intervals and solar intensity, weather conditions, and water temperatures were recorded during each sampling session. The viable bacterial count was enumerated using the pour plate method to determine log inactivation achieved. Laboratory experiments were also conducted to determine the effects of heating only on the inactivation of E. coli. Sample volumes from 1 to 2 L and turbidity values ranging from <1 ntu to approximately 100 ntu did not significantly affect inactivation levels when samples were exposed to sunlight for at least 4 hours. In samples with 0 ntu turbidity, a minimum cumulative intensity of 20.8 J/cm2 of wavelengths below 400 nm was required for a 7-log inactivation of E. coli. In samples with up to 100 ntu, a maximum fluence of 99.8 J/cm2 was required. Temperatures up to 46.0°C did not significantly inactivate E. coli, therefore radiation or the synergistic effects of radiation and heating accounted for the inactivation in samples exposed to sunlight.

Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is the process of treating microbiologically contaminated water in clear plastic bottles through exposure to sunlight. One of the major limiting factors of this treatment is source water quality. This work investigates the impact of organic matter and turbidity on SODIS efficiency. Organic matter was found to decrease bacterial inactivation to a much greater extent than the presence of inorganic particles. The ability of moringa oleifera seed emulsion to clarify source waters was investigated as a coagulation pretreatment. This coagulant is most effective in highly turbid, high humic content waters, and achieves up to 1-log bacterial removal. The combined moringa oleifera coagulation-SODIS treatment sequence was tested in highly coloured natural source water and was found to reduce the sunlight exposure time required by up to 2 hours. Treated water should be consumed immediately following the individual or combined treatments due to the potential for bacterial regrowth.

Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is the process of treating microbiologically contaminated water in clear plastic bottles through exposure to sunlight. One of the major limiting factors of this treatment is source water quality. This work investigates the impact of organic matter and turbidity on SODIS efficiency. Organic matter was found to decrease bacterial inactivation to a much greater extent than the presence of inorganic particles. The ability of moringa oleifera seed emulsion to clarify source waters was investigated as a coagulation pretreatment. This coagulant is most effective in highly turbid, high humic content waters, and achieves up to 1-log bacterial removal. The combined moringa oleifera coagulation-SODIS treatment sequence was tested in highly coloured natural source water and was found to reduce the sunlight exposure time required by up to 2 hours. Treated water should be consumed immediately following the individual or combined treatments due to the potential for bacterial regrowth.

A utilização da Moringa oleifera (M.O) na clarificação de água seguida pela exposição solar como forma de desinfecção vem sendo usada em regiões desfavorecidas em infraestrutura e recursos financeiros. Essas tecnologias proporcionam as pessoas que habitam nessas regiões, água, de maneira fácil, autossustentável e a custo baixo. O objetivo do estudo foi de avaliar o uso conjunto da M.O na coagulação-floculação e do sistema solar na desinfeção da água para consumo humano. Os objetivos específicos da pesquisa foram: a) determinar a dose de M.O na remoção da turbidez e cor aparente da água bruta; b) determinar o tempo de exposição solar necessário para a remoção de E. coli e coliformes totais presentes na água clarificada com M.O; c) identificar com a técnica delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR) quais variáveis independentes (pH, dosagem, tempo de mistura lenta e rápida) exerceram maior remoção da cor aparente e turbidez na água bruta. Na desinfeção solar foi considerado um tempo de exposição de 2, 4 e 6 horas, e para a determinação da dosagem e tempos ótimos foram realizados 28 ensaios em Jarteste. Os dados obtidos foram analisados através da Metodologia de Superfície de Resposta do DCCR do programa Statistic 8. As condições do ensaio que apresentou os melhores resultados foram: pH, 6,3; tempos de mistura rápida e lenta de 4 e 25 minutos, respectivamente; dosagem ótima de Moringa de 950 mg/L. Nestas condições, houve remoção de 80% da cor e 94% da turbidez. Adicionalmente, a clarificação com Moringa removeu 98,5 e 96,3% de coliformes totais e E. coli presentes na água bruta. A análise de variância mostrou que a dosagem ótima, os tempos de mistura rápida e lenta e a interação dos tempos de mistura lenta e rápida influenciaram na remoção da turbidez, enquanto a remoção de cor foi influenciada pela dosagem ótima e tempo de mistura lenta. As amostras com e sem filtração em filtro quantitativo de porosidade disforme (tecido de algodão de uso doméstico) foram expostas a desinfeção solar para a remoção de E. coli e coliformes totais. Houve eliminação de 64,8 e 59,7% em 2 horas; 100% e 99,7% em 4 horas e 100% em 6 horas para água não filtrada. Para água filtrada, as remoções foram de 70 e 19,2% (2 horas); 100 e 46% (4 horas) e 100% (6 horas). A desinfecção solar mostrou-se mais eficiente na exposição da água por 6 horas. Assim sendo, o uso conjunto da Moringa e da desinfeção solar em geral promoveram a clarificação e a desinfecção da água, reduzindo significativamente a turbidez e deixando-a livre de E. coli e coliformes totais. / The use of Moringa oleifera (M.O) in clarifying water followed by sunlight exposure as a means of disinfection has been used in disadvantaged areas with lack of infrastructure and financial resources. These technologies provide the people living in these regions, water in self-sustainable and cost-effective way. The objective of the study was to evaluate the combined use of M.O in coagulation-flocculation followed by solar disinfection to produce water suitable for human consumption. The specific objectives of the research were: a) to determine the optimal dose of M.O for removing turbidity and apparent color of the raw water; b) to determine the exposure time required for solar disinfection and removal from E. coli and total coliforms (TC) in the clarified water with M.O; c) to identify with the technical design central composite (CCRD) which independent variables (pH, dosage, slow and fast mixing time) had higher removal of apparent color and turbidity in the raw water. Exposure times tested in solar disinfection were 2, 4 and 6 hours. Twenty eight jartests were performed to determine the optimal dose, slow and fast mixing time and pH. Data were analyzed by CCRD Response Surface Methodology using the program Statistic 8. Test conditions that showed the best results were: pH, 6.3; fast and slow mixing times of 4 and 25 minutes, respectively; Moringa optimum dose of 950 mg/L. Under these optimal conditions, removals efficiencies for color and turbidity were, respectively, 80% of color and 94%. In additional, clarification with Moringa removed 98.5 and 96.3% of total coliforms and E. coli present in the raw water. Analysis of variance showed that the optimal dosage of the fast and slow mixing times, and the interaction of the fast and slow mixing times influenced the removal of turbidity, while the color removal was influenced by the optimum dosage and duration of slow mixing. The samples filtered in filter quantitative without unsightly porosity and were exposed to solar disinfection for removal of E. coli and total coliforms. There elimination 64.8 and 59.7% at 2 hours; 100% and 99.7% in 4 hours and 100% at 6 hours for unfiltered water. For filtered water removals were 70 and 19.2% (2 hours); 100 and 46% (4 hours) and 100% (6 h). Solar disinfection was more efficient in water exposure for 6 hours. It could be concluded that the joint use of the Moringa and solar disinfection generally promoted the clarification and disinfection of water, significantly reducing turbidity and leaving the water free of E. coli and total coliforms.

A utilização da Moringa oleifera (M.O) na clarificação de água seguida pela exposição solar como forma de desinfecção vem sendo usada em regiões desfavorecidas em infraestrutura e recursos financeiros. Essas tecnologias proporcionam as pessoas que habitam nessas regiões, água, de maneira fácil, autossustentável e a custo baixo. O objetivo do estudo foi de avaliar o uso conjunto da M.O na coagulação-floculação e do sistema solar na desinfeção da água para consumo humano. Os objetivos específicos da pesquisa foram: a) determinar a dose de M.O na remoção da turbidez e cor aparente da água bruta; b) determinar o tempo de exposição solar necessário para a remoção de E. coli e coliformes totais presentes na água clarificada com M.O; c) identificar com a técnica delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR) quais variáveis independentes (pH, dosagem, tempo de mistura lenta e rápida) exerceram maior remoção da cor aparente e turbidez na água bruta. Na desinfeção solar foi considerado um tempo de exposição de 2, 4 e 6 horas, e para a determinação da dosagem e tempos ótimos foram realizados 28 ensaios em Jarteste. Os dados obtidos foram analisados através da Metodologia de Superfície de Resposta do DCCR do programa Statistic 8. As condições do ensaio que apresentou os melhores resultados foram: pH, 6,3; tempos de mistura rápida e lenta de 4 e 25 minutos, respectivamente; dosagem ótima de Moringa de 950 mg/L. Nestas condições, houve remoção de 80% da cor e 94% da turbidez. Adicionalmente, a clarificação com Moringa removeu 98,5 e 96,3% de coliformes totais e E. coli presentes na água bruta. A análise de variância mostrou que a dosagem ótima, os tempos de mistura rápida e lenta e a interação dos tempos de mistura lenta e rápida influenciaram na remoção da turbidez, enquanto a remoção de cor foi influenciada pela dosagem ótima e tempo de mistura lenta. As amostras com e sem filtração em filtro quantitativo de porosidade disforme (tecido de algodão de uso doméstico) foram expostas a desinfeção solar para a remoção de E. coli e coliformes totais. Houve eliminação de 64,8 e 59,7% em 2 horas; 100% e 99,7% em 4 horas e 100% em 6 horas para água não filtrada. Para água filtrada, as remoções foram de 70 e 19,2% (2 horas); 100 e 46% (4 horas) e 100% (6 horas). A desinfecção solar mostrou-se mais eficiente na exposição da água por 6 horas. Assim sendo, o uso conjunto da Moringa e da desinfeção solar em geral promoveram a clarificação e a desinfecção da água, reduzindo significativamente a turbidez e deixando-a livre de E. coli e coliformes totais. / The use of Moringa oleifera (M.O) in clarifying water followed by sunlight exposure as a means of disinfection has been used in disadvantaged areas with lack of infrastructure and financial resources. These technologies provide the people living in these regions, water in self-sustainable and cost-effective way. The objective of the study was to evaluate the combined use of M.O in coagulation-flocculation followed by solar disinfection to produce water suitable for human consumption. The specific objectives of the research were: a) to determine the optimal dose of M.O for removing turbidity and apparent color of the raw water; b) to determine the exposure time required for solar disinfection and removal from E. coli and total coliforms (TC) in the clarified water with M.O; c) to identify with the technical design central composite (CCRD) which independent variables (pH, dosage, slow and fast mixing time) had higher removal of apparent color and turbidity in the raw water. Exposure times tested in solar disinfection were 2, 4 and 6 hours. Twenty eight jartests were performed to determine the optimal dose, slow and fast mixing time and pH. Data were analyzed by CCRD Response Surface Methodology using the program Statistic 8. Test conditions that showed the best results were: pH, 6.3; fast and slow mixing times of 4 and 25 minutes, respectively; Moringa optimum dose of 950 mg/L. Under these optimal conditions, removals efficiencies for color and turbidity were, respectively, 80% of color and 94%. In additional, clarification with Moringa removed 98.5 and 96.3% of total coliforms and E. coli present in the raw water. Analysis of variance showed that the optimal dosage of the fast and slow mixing times, and the interaction of the fast and slow mixing times influenced the removal of turbidity, while the color removal was influenced by the optimum dosage and duration of slow mixing. The samples filtered in filter quantitative without unsightly porosity and were exposed to solar disinfection for removal of E. coli and total coliforms. There elimination 64.8 and 59.7% at 2 hours; 100% and 99.7% in 4 hours and 100% at 6 hours for unfiltered water. For filtered water removals were 70 and 19.2% (2 hours); 100 and 46% (4 hours) and 100% (6 h). Solar disinfection was more efficient in water exposure for 6 hours. It could be concluded that the joint use of the Moringa and solar disinfection generally promoted the clarification and disinfection of water, significantly reducing turbidity and leaving the water free of E. coli and total coliforms.

A utilização da Moringa oleifera (M.O) na clarificação de água seguida pela exposição solar como forma de desinfecção vem sendo usada em regiões desfavorecidas em infraestrutura e recursos financeiros. Essas tecnologias proporcionam as pessoas que habitam nessas regiões, água, de maneira fácil, autossustentável e a custo baixo. O objetivo do estudo foi de avaliar o uso conjunto da M.O na coagulação-floculação e do sistema solar na desinfeção da água para consumo humano. Os objetivos específicos da pesquisa foram: a) determinar a dose de M.O na remoção da turbidez e cor aparente da água bruta; b) determinar o tempo de exposição solar necessário para a remoção de E. coli e coliformes totais presentes na água clarificada com M.O; c) identificar com a técnica delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR) quais variáveis independentes (pH, dosagem, tempo de mistura lenta e rápida) exerceram maior remoção da cor aparente e turbidez na água bruta. Na desinfeção solar foi considerado um tempo de exposição de 2, 4 e 6 horas, e para a determinação da dosagem e tempos ótimos foram realizados 28 ensaios em Jarteste. Os dados obtidos foram analisados através da Metodologia de Superfície de Resposta do DCCR do programa Statistic 8. As condições do ensaio que apresentou os melhores resultados foram: pH, 6,3; tempos de mistura rápida e lenta de 4 e 25 minutos, respectivamente; dosagem ótima de Moringa de 950 mg/L. Nestas condições, houve remoção de 80% da cor e 94% da turbidez. Adicionalmente, a clarificação com Moringa removeu 98,5 e 96,3% de coliformes totais e E. coli presentes na água bruta. A análise de variância mostrou que a dosagem ótima, os tempos de mistura rápida e lenta e a interação dos tempos de mistura lenta e rápida influenciaram na remoção da turbidez, enquanto a remoção de cor foi influenciada pela dosagem ótima e tempo de mistura lenta. As amostras com e sem filtração em filtro quantitativo de porosidade disforme (tecido de algodão de uso doméstico) foram expostas a desinfeção solar para a remoção de E. coli e coliformes totais. Houve eliminação de 64,8 e 59,7% em 2 horas; 100% e 99,7% em 4 horas e 100% em 6 horas para água não filtrada. Para água filtrada, as remoções foram de 70 e 19,2% (2 horas); 100 e 46% (4 horas) e 100% (6 horas). A desinfecção solar mostrou-se mais eficiente na exposição da água por 6 horas. Assim sendo, o uso conjunto da Moringa e da desinfeção solar em geral promoveram a clarificação e a desinfecção da água, reduzindo significativamente a turbidez e deixando-a livre de E. coli e coliformes totais. / The use of Moringa oleifera (M.O) in clarifying water followed by sunlight exposure as a means of disinfection has been used in disadvantaged areas with lack of infrastructure and financial resources. These technologies provide the people living in these regions, water in self-sustainable and cost-effective way. The objective of the study was to evaluate the combined use of M.O in coagulation-flocculation followed by solar disinfection to produce water suitable for human consumption. The specific objectives of the research were: a) to determine the optimal dose of M.O for removing turbidity and apparent color of the raw water; b) to determine the exposure time required for solar disinfection and removal from E. coli and total coliforms (TC) in the clarified water with M.O; c) to identify with the technical design central composite (CCRD) which independent variables (pH, dosage, slow and fast mixing time) had higher removal of apparent color and turbidity in the raw water. Exposure times tested in solar disinfection were 2, 4 and 6 hours. Twenty eight jartests were performed to determine the optimal dose, slow and fast mixing time and pH. Data were analyzed by CCRD Response Surface Methodology using the program Statistic 8. Test conditions that showed the best results were: pH, 6.3; fast and slow mixing times of 4 and 25 minutes, respectively; Moringa optimum dose of 950 mg/L. Under these optimal conditions, removals efficiencies for color and turbidity were, respectively, 80% of color and 94%. In additional, clarification with Moringa removed 98.5 and 96.3% of total coliforms and E. coli present in the raw water. Analysis of variance showed that the optimal dosage of the fast and slow mixing times, and the interaction of the fast and slow mixing times influenced the removal of turbidity, while the color removal was influenced by the optimum dosage and duration of slow mixing. The samples filtered in filter quantitative without unsightly porosity and were exposed to solar disinfection for removal of E. coli and total coliforms. There elimination 64.8 and 59.7% at 2 hours; 100% and 99.7% in 4 hours and 100% at 6 hours for unfiltered water. For filtered water removals were 70 and 19.2% (2 hours); 100 and 46% (4 hours) and 100% (6 h). Solar disinfection was more efficient in water exposure for 6 hours. It could be concluded that the joint use of the Moringa and solar disinfection generally promoted the clarification and disinfection of water, significantly reducing turbidity and leaving the water free of E. coli and total coliforms.

Conventional wastewater treatment plants are able to reduce contaminant loads within regulations but do not take into account emerging contaminants. Antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic resistant bacteria have been shown to survive wastewater treatment and remain detectable in effluents. The safety of treated wastewaters is crucial, otherwise unregulated and unmitigated emerging contaminants pose risks to public health and impede wastewater reuse. This dissertation aimed to further understanding of emerging microbial threats, and tested two natural and low-cost tools for their mitigation: sunlight, and bacteriophages. A wastewater bacterial isolate, named E. coli PI-7, which is highly antibiotic resistant, carries the novel antibiotic resistance gene New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase NDM-1 gene, and displays pathogenic traits, was chosen to model responses to the treatments. Results found that solar irradiation was able to achieve a 5-log reduction in E. coli PI-7 numbers within 12 hours of exposure. However, the results also emphasized the risks from emerging microbial contaminants since E. coli PI-7, when compared with a non-pathogenic strain E. coli DSM1103 that has less antibiotic resistance, showed longer survival under solar irradiation. In certain instances, E. coli PI-7 persisted for over 6 hours before starting to inactivate, exhibited complex stress resistance gene responses, and activated many of its concerning pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance traits. However, upon solar irradiation, gene expression results obtained from both E. coli strains also showed increased susceptibility to bacteriophages. Hence, bacteriophages were coupled with solar irradiation as an additional mitigation strategy. Results using the coupled treatment found reduced cell-wall and extracellular matrix production in E. coli PI-7. DNA repair and other cellular defense functions like oxidative stress responses were also impeded, rendering E. coli PI-7 more susceptible to both stressors and successfully hastening the onset of its inactivation. Overall, the dissertation is built upon the need to develop strategies to further mitigate risks associated with emerging microbial contaminants. Solar irradiation and bacteriophages demonstrate potential as natural and low-cost mitigation strategies. Sunlight was able to achieve significant log-reductions in tested E. coli numbers within a day’s exposure. Bacteriophages were able to overwhelm E. coli PI-7’s capacity to resist solar inactivation while not affecting the indigenous microbiota.

In this research, a household water treatment system was built and evaluated as a trial for improving the drinking water quality of the Nile River for the low-income communities. The system consisted of household-scale slow sand filters, and transparent polyethylene terephthalate-bottles for solar disinfection. The evaluation of the system depended on the removal/inactivation of some surrogates for the reference pathogens, and turbidity. The reference pathogens are pathogens specified by the World Health Organization to evaluate the efficiency of the household water treatment options. They were chosen to represent the classes of pathogens in water (bacteria, viruses, protozoa). The surrogates used in the evaluation of the system are Escherichia coli (E.coli), Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli bacteriophage (MS2). The candidate surrogates are also specified by the World Health Organization. The designed household-scale slow sand filter was very efficient in removing the different turbidity levels to ≤0.4NTU. The evaluated system is classified as highly protective because it was able to achieve higher than 4 log removal for E.coli and Clostridium perfringens, and higher than 5 log removal for MS2.