Evaluation of a Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor for Treatment of Steroid Hormones

The presence of steroid hormones in the environment is an emerging global issue. Steroid estrogens are of particular concern due to their toxicity to humans and aquatic life at low (ng/L) concentrations and their considerable presence in human waste streams. Standard treatment processes in municipal treatment plants often do not completely degrade estrogenic compounds, and thus estrogens may be released into the environment through effluent discharge. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have shown promise in mitigating these compounds. In particular, photocatalytic membrane treatment methods may offer advantages over traditional treatment technologies, specifically in their energy efficiency, due to lower pressure requirements. The Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has demonstrated the effective use of photocatalytic membrane reactors for treating estrogens and other micropollutants. This project will build on previous work by assessing the impact of natural organic matter and real-water matrices on micropollutant (17beta-estradiol, estrone, testosterone and progesterone) degradation as well as assessing the toxicity and estrogenicity of treated water. The results will contribute to knowledge on advanced membrane treatment processes and help inform users looking to target persistent organic pollutants. This work will greatly assist novel material development and membrane treatment knowledge at Dalhousie University.

Faculty Supervisor:

Graham Gagnon

Student:

Partner:

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: