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General objectives:
The main objectives of the project is to fabricate a multifunctional nanocomposite made from copper-based nanoparticles incorporated in hollow kapok fibers and investigate its efficacy in water purification. This research could lead to high value adding to copper metal and kapok fibers that are both abundant in the Philippines. Moreover,, the photocatalytic activity of copperbased kapok nanocomposites under visible light against microorganisms be evaluated. This research could produce a nanofilter having both high adsorbent capacity,, excellent antimicrobial properties and photocatalytic activity.
Scientifically,, this research is expected to establish the following: antimicrobial properties; adsorbent capacity and photocatalytic activity of copper-based kapok nanocomposites.
Specific objectives:
The specific aims of this project are as follows:
a
The scarcity of potable water supply whether it is tap water or groundwater from deep wells—has become a global concern. After treatment,, the occurrence of bacterial regrowth in drinking water within potable water distribution systems has been recently gaining attention. Moreover,, contaminants such as pathogens and residual organic constituents are potential health concern since these are known to pass through advanced wastewater treatment systems. Due to water scarcity,, the treatment of wastewater has also become essential. Wastewater is defined as a combination of liquid and/or water-carried wastes that has originated from residential,, commercial and industrial establishments. Contaminants,, such as pathogenic organisms,, excess nutrients,, heavy metals,, dyes and other toxic compounds,, could cause problems to public health and the environment.
Common technologies that are utilized in purification treatment of potable water and wastewater are oxidation,, coagulation/flocculation,, froth flotation,, suspended and attached growth biological systems,, advanced oxidation processes,, chemical precipitation,, electro deposition,, ion exchange,, reverse osmosis,, and membrane separation. Adsorption and advanced oxidation processes (A0Ps) are two attractive treatment methods. Photocatalysis,, a type of AOP,, involves generating OH radicals that permanently destroys contaminants via oxidation. CuO nanopartcles are known for their photcatalytic activity under visible light and excellent anti-microbial activity. On the other hand,, adsorption removes contaminants in wastewater with high solute loading and even at dilute concentrations. Studies on the use of natural adsorbents such as maize leaf,, hazel nut shell,, chitin,, chitosan,, peat,, and rice hull prove to be effective and economical.
The kapok (Ceibapentandra (L.) Gaertn) are widespread in tropical countries,, such as the Philippines. Typically,, a kapok tree can grow up to 60-70 m tall and their trunk can expand up to about 3 m in diameter. A mature kapok tree can produce several hundred of seed pods with black seeds and fibers. The fluffy,, lightweight fibers are used in pillows,, sleeping bags,, and insulators. Kapok is described as round microtubular fibers with diameter of 10-20 i.tm,, length of several centimeters and thin wall thickness of about 1 p.m. Recently,, removal of oil and adsorption of sound using kapok fibers have been investigated.
In this study,, the anti-microbial properties and adsorption capacity of copper-based kapok nanocomposites would be evaluated in treating potable water. The hollow kapok fibers would serve as adsorbent in removing contaminants present in the potable water while the embedded copper-based materials serve as antimicrobial agent. In the dark,, the embedded Cu acts as the antimicrobial agent. Meanwhile,, in the presence of light,, the interaction of copper with water produces OH radicals that can further enhance its antimicrobial capabilities. Moreover,, the generated OH radicals due to photocatalytic activity of CuO has the capability of degrading organic pollutants in water.
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