Disinfection of domestic wastewater by solar TiO2 photocatalysis using CPC solar reactor: A case study in Bursa

Abstract

This study intends to evaluate the applicability of solar TiO2 photocatalysis, which is one of the solar-based advanced oxidation processes, for domestic wastewater disinfection. Studies were performed under natural sunlight with a CPC solar reactor and with beakers in summer and autumn months (July-October). Different flow rates (0.21-15 L min -1) and TiO2 concentrations (1-300 mg L -1) were applied in CPC solar reactor and optimum conditions were detected to reach the highest E.coli removal. Optimum flow rate and TiO2 concentration that provided the highest E.coli removal (2.97-log) after 5 hours were 10 L min -1 and 200 mg L -1, respectively. It was observed that the removal efficiencies decreased at TiO2 concentrations above 200 mg L -1. Higher removal ratios were obtained at higher flow rates. This study shows that the application of solar TiO2 photocatalysis using CPC solar reactors for domestic wastewater disinfection in Bursa city appears to be feasible as an environmentally friendly, economical and non-toxic alternative.