Antifouling, photocatalytic track-etched nano-filter

This proposal is focused on water purification and treatment. The need for clean water cannot be over emphasized in the present day. With increasing global industrialization and the burgeoning human population, pollution of various water sources by direct discharge of untreated effluents has contributed to the higher pollution index and hinders the availability of sustainable water supply forcing many citizens to seek and use water from unconventional sources. The incessant exposure and growing accumulation of bacteria and persistent organic pollutants in the environment coupled with the associated health challenges call for development of cost-effective, advanced and sustainable treatment processes to get rid of highly toxic and non-biodegradable organic pollutants in wastewater. The research will tackle the major environmental threat by removing persistent organic pollutants from water while preventing fouling. We propose to remove organic pollutants, such as dyes, from produced water with the use of novel antifouling, photocatalytic track-etched nano-filters. Additionally, the research will also look into how to prevent fouling on membranes and regenerate them. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop track-etched nano-membranes with antifouling properties for the removal of organic pollutants. During the project, particular emphasis will be placed on the training of students and young researchers from UWC and SQU.