Portable point-of-use photoelectrocatalytic device provides rapid water disinfection

Highlights

  • The e-DRINK was designed as a point-of-use device for water disinfection.

  • Photoelectrocatalytic treatment provides a 5-log removal of E. coli in 10 s.

  • Photoelectrocatalytic treatment provides a 2.6-log removal of Legionella in 60 s.

  • Photoelectrocatalysis overperforms photolysis, photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.

  • Photoelectrocatalytic treatment provides a 1-log removal of E. coli in 30 s in natural waters.

Comparative Transport of Legionella and E. coli through Saturated Porous Media in a Two-Dimensional Tank

Highlights:

  • Bacterial Behavior in Aquifers: The transport of Legionella pneumophila and Escherichia coli through a simulated aquifer under saturated flow conditions was compared.

  • Experimental Setup: A 2-D tank filled with play sand was used to mimic an aquifer. The tank was disinfected and neutralized to ensure no chlorine residue.

  • Bacterial Transport: Bacterial cells were introduced into the tank at a controlled flow rate. Breakthrough times (when bacteria first appeared at specific depths) were recorded.

  • Legionella vs. E. coli: Legionella consistently had delayed breakthrough times compared to E. coli. This was attributed to the pleomorphic nature of Legionella.

  • Implications: The study provides evidence that both E. coli and Legionella can move through saturated aquifers. It also highlights the importance of cell characteristics in influencing bacterial transport in these environments.

Evaluating Microbial Transport in Saturated Aquifers for Greywater Reuse through Integrated Experiments, Modeling, and Risk Assessment

Highlight:

Contamination Risks: Up to 97.5% of U.S. wells show fecal contamination, posing public health risks, especially in groundwater-reliant areas like Arizona.

  • Research Structure: The study covers lab experiments, microbial transport modeling, and risk assessments for greywater reuse.

  • Microbial Spread: Simulations quantify microbial transport in aquifers, helping manage contamination risks in greywater systems.

  • Health Risks: Legionella exposure risks, especially in summer, were assessed using dose-response models and aerosol contamination analysis.

  • Risk Mitigation: A tolerable infection risk of 5.88 × 10⁻⁶ per person/year was identified, underscoring the need for better greywater management