Degradation of Trace Organic Chemicals and Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria/Genes during Conventional and Advanced Oxidation Processes

Abstract

This PhD thesis investigated the elimination of trace organic chemicals (e.g., antibiotics) and their related biological risks (i.e., antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes) in urban wastewater effluent. The efficiency of an emerging water treatment technology, UV-based advanced oxidation process, was explored in comparison to conventional disinfection (e.g., chlorination, chloramination). Detailed studies focused on the degradation kinetics and mechanisms of contaminants and genes, as well as the effect of various water matrix components on treatment efficiency.