Next generation water purification
Heterogeneous photocatalysis is basically a complex sequence of photochemical reactions, which has proven to be an effective and environmentally safe technology for water and air treatment. It can be utilized for the decomposition of organic and inorganic compounds, removal of trace metals, destruction of viruses and bacteria, and decomposition of natural organic matter. A drawback is that the process is slow compared with traditional filtration or decomposition methods, but it has the great advantage of not leaving the problem of sludge waste to be disposed of. According to Mundoacuícola.cl, the Universidad Católica de Concepción is developing a photocatalytic reactor as the key component of an entire water purification system to be used to improve the efficiency of water recirculation systems used in aquaculture. The project engineers explain that the system incorporates the process of heterogeneous photocatalysis, and will be able to remove ammonia, nitrates, organic material, and kill microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi present in the water. The project is currently in the planning phase of the construction of an industrial scale system to meet the requirements of a water recirculation facility for the production of smolts.
