Design and Cost of Solar Photocatalytic Systems for Groundwater Remediation

Abstract

Laboratory and small-scale field experiments have shown that sunlight in conjunction with a simple catalyst can be used to detoxify water contaminated with a variety of hazardous chemicals. This study builds on previous analyses and recent field test data to predict the cost and performance of a representative commercial water detoxification system. Three different solar operating configurations are explored for the treatment of 100,000 gal/day of groundwater contaminated with trichloroethylene. Current costs for solar water detoxification systems are projected to be comparable to those for conventional treatment technologies such as carbon adsorption and electric lamp-powered, ultraviolet light/hydrogen peroxide systems.

Treatment of Hazardous Organic and Inorganic Compounds through Aqueous-Phase Photocatalysis: A Review

“…Similar results were reported by Turchi et al for three different solar operating configurations explored for the treatment of 100000 gal/day of groundwater contaminated with trichloroethylene. They concluded that the current projected costs for solar water detoxification systems were comparable with those for conventional treatment technologies such as carbon adsorption and electric lamp-powered, ultraviolet light/hydrogen peroxide systems.…”

The Technology Horizon for Photocatalytic Water Treatment: Sunrise or Sunset?

“…This leads to opportunities in applications where transportation of chemicals is cumbersome (i.e., geographically isolated regions) or in biological systems that may be sensitive to the addition of chemicals. The performance and costs associated with smallscale groundwater pump and treat systems employing photocatalysis can be comparable to conventional treatment technologies, 90 while negating the need for a continual supply of chemicals. Other emerging opportunities include treatment of waste streams from aquaculture and hydroponics, as both are often practiced in small scale.…”

A sustainability assessment of an in situ ultrasonic reactor for remediation of PFAS‐contaminated groundwater

“…The concept of LCOE can also be applied to remediation alternatives to describe the direct costs of electricity consumed and CO 2 emissions produced. A similar metric was described by Turchi et al (1992) where treatment costs per 1,000 gallons treated were compared between systems. Their approach is valid for systems operating on comparable time and volume scale, for example, comparing two or more ex situ technologies operating at high-flow rates, relative to ambient groundwater flow.…”