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Description
The last years face a continuous increase in production and commercialization of a large variety of substances of general use but with high impact on human health such as drugs, cosmetics, household products, pesticides. The United Nations World Water Development Report 2018 states that An estimated 80% of all industrial and municipal wastewater are released to the environment without any prior treatment, resulting in a growing deterioration of water quality with detrimental impacts on human health and ecosystems. As alternative to the current methods for wastewater treatment, the goal is to develope an experimental laboratory set-up based on solar light active materials for decomposition of contaminants (antibiotics and other drugs, odorizants, pesticides) in aquatic systems. Activities include (a) Identification of the materials with improved activity under visible light exposure t;(b) Identification of the optimal conditions for the contaminant’s degradation catalysed by the active materials exposed to sunlight;(c) The deposition of the active materials on solid surfaces in order to ensure the accessibility and simplicity of the experimental set-up for removal of targeted pollutants. The experimental set-up we are aiming represent, at laboratory scale, a significant step in development of a rapid and green alternative for water remediation - cleaning up emerging contaminants in drinking waters. On long term this means an improvement in quality of life, especially in terms of physical health, as water is a key ingredient for our daily living. The donor partner University of South-Eastern Norway brings the expertise on the active materials fabrication techniques to the EEA project as well as offers fundamental understanding of the catalytic processes for degrading the pollutants under visible light illumination. They also disseminate the research results through Norwegian micro/nano expertise platform, such as NorFab.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to bring contributions to the design and fabrication of light active materials, to acquire new knowledge on the mechanisms of their behaviour for removing of emergent pollutants from water. Despite the significant progress achieved by using the day light in chemical processes in the last decades, and the successful applications of titania in environmental and energy area, there are still important challenges for the full development of this technology, such as: visible light-driven materials, large surface area, easy recovery, reusability, long term stability of the systems, scale-up technology etc. GRAFTID aimed to find efficient solutions for most of these challenges.
1. The ternary composites represent more efficient photocatalysts, active under visible and/or solar irradiation.
2. The recovery of the photocatalysts will be solved by deposition of the sunlight active materials onto metallic/non-metallic substrates in order to prevent material pollution, as well as resource conservation.
3. The development of the laboratory scale experimental set-up is an important step for removing emerging contaminants. Scaling-up will lead to a reduction of their presence in water, resulting an improvement of water resources quality, with beneficial effects on the human health and on the quality of life, in general.
The project developed simple preparation procedures for sunlight active materials to remove emerging pollutants under visible light exposure. The following emerging contaminants were tested for their water removal, by using the developed materials: amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, β-estradiol, thiabendazole. The study of the mechanisms behind the light induced processes were also part of the project activities. The best materials were deposited on surfaces in order to simplify their use. Different type of surfaces and deposition procedures were tested and we chose the one that gives a very good sunlight active surface without leaching any material in the water being non-toxic. The last activities during implementation of the project led to the development of a laboratory-scale device that operates under recirculation of the „polluted” water over the most efficient day/sunlight active surface. On small scale we demonstrated a 100% removal of estradiol and 46% removal of acetaminophen, with a good reuse possibility of the photoactive surface. In addition, some of the materials were tested for their cytotoxic and antibacterial effects, under light exposure. One of them, activated by red light, has an antitumoral effect and does not affect healthy skin cells. It also protects from the known unwanted effects of blue light on healthy skin cells.
The project resulted in a very large number of day/sunlight active materials, of different composition. These represent an added value to the scientific community, because some findings resulted in a different outcome than predicted in the initial application. As an example, we are naming the role of carbon-containing material in the photo-assisted mechanisms. The scientific community is also benefiting from the extended activities on materials’ deposition on different type of surfaces, with drawn conclusions regarding the best surface for water decontamination. The final outcome of the project, the experimental laboratory-scale device for removal of emerging pollutants under sun light is at TRL 4. In order to reach other beneficiaries, the device needs to be scaled-up at least at TRL 6. That stage can provide a more efficient and durable solution for water purification, the project can lead to significant cost savings over time compared to traditional methods. The results and public activities of the project are open to everybody on the project website. On request, we are willing to detail any of our performed activities or resulted products.
Summary of bilateral results
The project, collaboratively undertaken by USN from Norway and INCDTIM Cluj-Napoca and IFIN-HH Bucharest from Romania, significantly contributed to the EEA and Norway Grants'' goals of reducing economic and social disparities and strengthening bilateral relations. The project focused on developing innovative materials to combat water contaminants, improving public health and the environment. This advancement in environmental nanotechnology addresses critical needs in both Norway and Romania, promoting cleaner water essential for health, agriculture, and industry. The project exemplified the spirit of the EEA and Norway Grants by fostering strong ties between Norway and Romania. The partnership facilitated the exchange of knowledge and expertise, benefiting both nations. Norwegian expertise in nanotechnology and Romania’s local insights into pollution challenges created a synergistic relationship, enhancing the project''s effectiveness. Joint research activities and research visits promoted cultural exchange and mutual understanding, building lasting networks among scientists. In conclusion, the project aligns with the EEA and Norway Grants'' objectives by reducing disparities through innovation and strengthening bilateral relations through collaboration, highlighting the power of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.