The annual symposium of the DoD’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program in Washington, DC, Dr. Cates presented our ongoing research in photocatalytic technologies for destruction of PFAS in investigation-derived wastewater.

See article here

https://www.postandcourier.com/news/concerns-rise-for-household-chemical-threat-to-sc-drinking-water/article_3c0f5002-da29-11e9-bb1b-c3667145e244.html

See news release here

PhD student Hamed Torkzadeh presented his work on development of experimental methods for quantitative assessment of UVC intensity responses by microbial biofilms at the poster session of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors in Tempe, AZ. These methods will be used to establish rational design principles for UV point-of-use devices for prevention of Legionella infections and other waterborne opportunistic respiratory pathogens.

In 2016 the Cates group published a study on radiocatalytic activity of bismust complex oxides, which have possible application to external beam radiation therapy (EBT) Therein, Bi₂WO₆ nanosheets were found to be most effective at producing radicals under X-ray irradiation due there small size and two dimensional form. Now, a group from Shandong University has improved upon the catalysts with a biocompatible coating and applied the nanosheets to mice tumors. The radiosensitization effect resulted in a two-fold enhancement in dose response. This concept could be used to reduce the radiation dose requirements for EBT, leading to safer therapy.

Led by Prof. Sudeep Popat, a team from Clemson has received a $750k grant from NASA to develop peroxide-producing microbial fuel cells for space life support systems application. Microbial fuel cells use a combination of microbial metabolism and electrochemical reactors to convert nutrients and energy stored in waste streams to useful chemical products. Herein, the feasibility of producing hydrogen peroxide from spacecraft blackwater containing human wastes will be investigated, followed by the application of peroxide to on-board water treatment and recycling. As part of this project, the Cates group will assess UV/H₂O₂ advanced oxidation using UV LEDs for disinfection and purification of greywater.

We are excited to announce we have been awarded a 3-year $500k grant from the US-EPA to advance photocatalytic treatment technology for removal of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from landfill leachate. PFAS compounds are applied to various consumer products to impart water and grease-repellent properties and as flame retardants. Following decomposition, the PFAS are released and are present in the extracted leachate. Since PFAS are not removed through typical wastewater treatment processes, on-site removal of PFAS prior to discharge to a municipal sewer may be needed. However, the high COD of leachate presents a significant barrier to processes targeting PFAS. The bismuth complex oxide photocatalysts developed by our group, together with the unique capabilities of the Purifics Photo-cat reactors, are a promising option to address this need. The BOHP/UV process will be optimized and tested using synthetic and real leachate test waters.

Gary Hunter has worked worked in the consulting industry for over 30 years, with extensive expertise in UV disinfection and advanced oxidation processes. He is currently a senior wastewater process engineer at Black and Veatch. Gary has joined Clemson’s environmental engineering program to a complete a PhD, and will research UVC LED disinfection reactor design in collaboration with Dr. Cates.