The process, which stands out for its low energy use, is referred to as solar photocatalysis.
Scientists from the Polytechnic School of Alcoy (Alicante) have developed a system which eliminates traces of contaminants, such as residues from medicines and pesticides, that are found in the water coming out of treatment plants.
The process, called photocatalysis, is based on the utilization of sunlight. It improves the quality of water more economically and simply than other existing methods, which use membranes or ozone. According to the researchers, the sole cost of energy is that required to power the water pump on the inside of the plant.
Conventional water treatment plants, both public and private, are not able to eliminate the residues of analgesics, antibiotics, pesticides and other contaminants present in the water (the quantity present is below one microgram per liter). “All of these compounds have in common that they are only partially biodegradable if at all, and as such resistant to conventional biological treatments.”, indicate the inventors. The method devised reduces the concentration of the contaminating substances in the water to below detectable limits, and even to levels that no longer affect the ecosystem.
Source: La Verdad Digital