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Abstract: The contamination of water bodies by microorganisms is seen as a highly significant issue that poses a threat to human and animal well-being. The primary objective of this master thesis is to develop and evaluate an environmentally friendly photoelectrochemical (PEC) method using porous Fe₂O₃ thin films for the disinfection of wastewater. This thesis presents the novel application of porous Fe₂O₃ thin films, which were produced using a cost-effective spin-coating technique, to improve the process of PEC disinfection. The PEC approach has been demonstrated to be highly effective in disinfection of wastewaters deliberately contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The crystallinity of the Fe₂O₃ porous thin films was confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the film morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PEC disinfection procedures were conducted in the presence of two separate electrolytes, sodium sulfite (Na₂SO₃) and sodium chloride (NaCl), which were chosen for their specific roles in improving the effectiveness of disinfection. The PEC method shown efficacy in inactivating E. coli, with 45% of the bacteria being inactivated in the presence of 2 mM Na₂SO₃ and complete inactivation achieved with 20 mM NaCl. The findings suggest that the PEC disinfection process is a highly efficient and eco-friendly technology that can be used as a practical substitute for traditional disinfection methods. As a result, it has potential applications in ensuring public safety and safeguarding the environment, particularly in relation to wastewater treatment.
Keywords: Treated wastewater, Disinfection, Escherichia coli, Photoelectrochemical oxidation, Fe2O3 thin films, Sodium sulfite and Sodium chloride.
Published in RUNG: 09.09.2024; Views: 485; Downloads: 8
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