Langford, CooperAchari, GopalChamoli, Upasana2013-09-042013-11-122013-09-042013http://hdl.handle.net/11023/910The reaction of natural organic matter (NOM) with chlorine results in formation of disinfection by products (DBPs), known carcinogens. Fulvic acid (FA), a key component of NOM is likely a precursor to DBPs. Photocatalytic advanced oxidation using TiO2 is efficient under UV irradiation and known to degrade humics with reduction of DBPs. However, TiO2 may be dye “sensitized” for visible light, where the dye excited state transfers an electron to TiO2 conduction band. NOM adsorbs on the surface of TiO2 and sensitizes (“self-sensitization”). NOM undergoes an initial oxidative step upon visible light absorption and transfers an electron to the TiO2 conduction band. Oxygen captures the electron, forming superoxide which can aid in degradation of NOM. Model studies with Suwannee river fulvic acid are reported and then extended to “real water samples” from Southern Alberta. The humic model shows different degradation behavior from ‘real’ samples. In addition to reduction of NOM by “self-sensitization”, the active species also achieve reduction of Total coliform and Escherichia coli. The objective of this research is to treat NOM and simultaneously enhance disinfection.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.AnalyticalInorganicDisinfection by-productsNatural organic MatterTrihalomethanemaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/25720