Research & Projects

Novel, green materials are essential for enhancing water treatment systems by reducing costs and enabling more sustainable treatment approaches. Traditional photocatalysts like titanium dioxide require high-energy input for activation, whereas emerging carbon-based materials offer promising, eco-friendly alternatives. Recent advancements in photocatalysis also demonstrate significant potential for future water treatment technologies.

Objectives

The aim is to develop affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly materials with high affinity for contaminants. These materials should enhance treatment performance, be stable under variable conditions, and support passive treatment strategies. Research also targets alternative adsorbents from waste and nanomaterials that improve photocatalytic degradation using solar energy. 

Results

Studies highlight the potential of cellulose nanofibers and activated carbon derived from municipal sludge as low-cost adsorbents. Photocatalysis driven by natural sunlight is emerging as a powerful method to degrade organics. However, limitations like solar dependency and catalyst side effects require further innovation for real-world application. 

This project investigates a sustainable and efficient treatment process for oil sands process water (OSPW) using a novel catalyst made from hardwood-derived biochar coupled with zero-valent iron (Fe⁰) to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The goal is to degrade harmful organic pollutants—specifically naphthenic acids (NAs) and fluorophore organic compounds (FOCs)—while reducing the immunotoxic and cytotoxic effects of the water. This method represents a cost-effective, waste-to-value approach, offering environmental and economic benefits over traditional advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).

Objectives

This project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a hardwood biochar–Fe⁰ composite in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degrading naphthenic acids (NAs) in real oil sands process water (OSPW). Key objectives included optimizing catalyst dosage, identifying reactive species via EPR spectroscopy, assessing cost-effectiveness compared to other AOPs, and evaluating toxicity reduction through immunotoxicity and bacterial MIC assays. 

Results

The HW-Fe⁰-PMS system achieved approximately 80% degradation of classical NAs within 120 minutes at 1 g/L catalyst dosage. EPR confirmed the generation of sulfate and hydroxyl radicals as key oxidants. Treated OSPW showed significantly reduced immunotoxicity and bacterial toxicity, and the process demonstrated favorable economics compared to traditional AOPs. 

This project explores how nature-based solutions (NbS) like wetland restoration, rainwater harvesting, and spring protection can enhance water resilience in flood- and drought-prone areas. By documenting real-world, community-led initiatives and emphasizing local knowledge and engagement, the project aims to promote equitable, sustainable, and cost-effective strategies for climate adaptation. 

Objectives

• Document and analyze successful community-driven NbS projects addressing floods and droughts.

• Showcase the role of local communities as active implementers and stewards of water adaptation.

• Provide actionable insights and best practices for replicating NbS approaches across various vulnerable regions.

Expected Results

The project will produce case-based chapters and practical guidelines for integrating NbS in water adaptation efforts. It will offer strategies on community engagement, funding, and impact measurement. Findings will be shared through stakeholder workshops to inspire broader implementation of community-led, nature-based water solutions globally.