Master Thesis - Characterization of reaction kinetics for Trace Organic Chemicals (TOrCs) degradation through sulfate radical oxidation in a MnO2@GAC/sand column.

05.08.2024, Studentische Hilfskräfte, Praktikantenstellen, Studienarbeiten

Background

With ever-increasing concern over the presence and spread of Trace Organic Chemicals (TOrCS) and anti-microbial resistance genes (ARGs) in the wastewater matrix, investigations into quartenary treatment stage in wastewater treatment plant has become a necessity. The spread of TOrCs and ARGs constitute an impact for agriculture and also pose health hazards for humans and animals alike. Conventional treatment steps such as Ozonation, UV/H2O2, and biodegradation steps are researched and employed as a treatment step. Further advanced oxidation processes involve the use of radicals to target TOrCs and remove them, however, there are drawbacks or insufficient selectivity between radicals, and alternative and economic technologies are required to remove these targets. Bein, Yecheskel et al. (2023) developed a sulfate radical oxidation system through a packed column, which presented promising results in selective removal of TOrCs. This was used as a proof of concept for a follow-up project and requires further development, analysis and optimization, before it can be scaled up and benchmarked against existing quaternary-stage treatment systems. (Bein, Seiwert, et al., 2023; Bein, Yecheskel, et al., 2023)

The goal

This master’s thesis focuses on the determining the reaction kinetics of the sulfate radical oxidation. Compounds can be degraded by direct interaction with the precursor peroxymonsulfate and with sulfate and hydroxl radicals.Therefore, an experimental strategy is required to determine the reaction rates and orders for the targeted TOrCs.

Tasks

• Research into reaction kinetics of selected TOrC targets.

• Determination of viable approaches to analysis chemical reaction kinetics (EBR, transformation products, etc.)

• Development of the laboratory testing strategy to analyze samples. • Conduct sampling and analysis of the samples. • Analyze and determine rates and order of reactions.

Skillset

• Background in Environmental/Chemical Engineering or Chemistry.

• Knowledge in statistical analysis

• Programming language skills are an added bonus.

• Experience in laboratory tasks (please highlight which course or if you have work experience).

• Independent working capabilities.

• Capable of conducting in-depth research and compiling literature studies.

Timeline and application

The master’s thesis can be initiated once the initial system has been assembled and will last for 6 months, constituting for 900 working hours (including data analysis and writing) as per TUM regulations. If you are interested, please contact me with the following documentation by 19th August 2024: 1. Curriculum Vitae, 2. Cover letter detailing your motivation and how you fit into this role (ideas are a plus) and, 3. Grade Report.

Contact

Mohammad Shehryaar Khan, M.Sc.

Doctoral Candidate

Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering

Tel: +49 89 289 13705, Email: shehryaar.khan@tum.de

References

Bein, E., Seiwert, B., Reemtsma, T., Drewes, J. E., & Hübner, U. (2023). Advanced oxidation processes for removal of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon from water: Effects of O3/H2O2 and UV/H2O2 treatment on product formation and biological post-treatment. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 450, 131066. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131066

Bein, E., Yecheskel, Y., Zucker, I., Drewes, J. E., & Hübner, U. (2023). A novel catalytic filtration process using MnO2@sand and peroxymonosulfate for unselective removal of organic contaminants from water. Chemical Engineering Journal, 476, 146636. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.146636

Kontakt: shehryaar.khan@tum.de