Photocatalytic Oxidation of Escherischia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Formaldehyde under Different Ultraviolet Irradiation Conditions

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, including the type of light source, light intensity, and irradiation dosage, directly affects the photocatalytic reaction rate and energy consumption. In this study, we investigated the photocatalysis effect of decomposing organic matter and inactivation bacteria and fungi under various conditions of UV sources (UVA and UVC) and light intensities (from 0.01 to 10 W/m²). The effect of light intensity was evaluated by photocatalytic reaction rate and UV dosage defined as a product of light intensity and irradiation time necessary to achieve a certain reduction. The results confirmed the positive effect of increased light intensity on photocatalytic reactions and suggested that within the light intensity range applied in this study low light intensity with long exposure time has higher light utilization efficiency compared to that of high light intensity with short exposure time. A conception for selection of the appropriate light intensity and dosage for effective degradation of pollutants, while saving energy, was provided.