Plasma mediated degradation of endocrine disrupting chemicals in water

A great number of chemicals used in everyday manufacturing processes have been identified as being capable of disrupting the normal function of the hormonal system in both humans and wildlife; collectively these are known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC's). The catastrophic damage caused by the release of EDC's in to the aquatic environment is well documented and a clear casual link has been established between the release of EDC's and an alarming reduction in the population of molluscs, crustaceans, insects, fish and amphibians both in the UK and elsewhere. Strict legislation is in place to ensure that significant amounts of EDC's do not reach the aquatic environment; this however, places a great financial burden on wastewater producers. Conventional wastewater treatment facilitates are ill designed to cope with such chemicals hence there is a real need to develop new technologies capable of rapidly and efficiently degrading EDC's in water.
Recent interest has focused on the use of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP's) to degrade EDC's in water. Methods such as the Fenton reaction and Photocatalysis are effective; however, the need to provide external oxidising agents greatly reduces their cost-effectiveness. This study considers plasma, the fourth state of matter, generated directly in-contact with liquid to produce an abundance of highly oxidising species at the point of need. Cutting edge electrical and optical diagnostics in combination with innovative engineering techniques are used to explore the interaction between the highly non-equilibrium plasma phase and the liquid phase. The relationship between plasma excitation mechanism, electrical efficiency, reactor design and EDC degradation efficiency will be established and compared directly with other AOP's reported in the literature.

By developing this transformative technology there is a real opportunity to addresses a pressing environmental challenge, whilst simultaneously delivering scientifically excellent, industrially relevant research. This adventurous, multidisciplinary research project lies at the interface between physical and environmental sciences and aims to bridge the gap between the EPSRC signposted area of 'Matter far from equilibrium' and the 'Living with environmental change' priority research area.

This adventurous research proposal is at the interface between physics and environmental science. It has real potential to not only deliver high-impact science in these disciplines; but have a lasting impact across a broad spectrum of scientific activity through the development of novel diagnostic techniques and methods. Beyond academic impact, water pollution has a detrimental impact on both the economy and our quality of life. The transformative technology developed in this research project has the potential to not only benefit, but, capture the imagination of both the general public and UK industry.

The short term focus of the project will be on delivering scientifically excellent research and disseminating widely and effectively to maximise academic impact. The project comprises of three work phases, it is envisaged that each work phase will produce high-impact publications. To maximise this impact leading journals will be targeted in the fields of electrical engineering, applied physics, chemistry / chemical engineering, and environmental science. As the project progresses the PI will use the critical mass of quality research produced to actively seek out new funding opportunities; allowing the PI to explore this vital research area further in the future.

In the medium term the focus will be on engaging UK industry and maximising industrial impact; a key driver in this activity will be the projects current industrial partners. Interaction with a leading consultancy to the wastewater industry provides access to a vast customer base of potential end-users; two-way engagement with this these will act as a guide to shape future research projects. The development of a transformative technology to cut the cost of water-treatment directly enhances the competitiveness of UK industry. To maximise this impact it is envisaged that the numerous outcomes will be patentable; these will be explored under the guidance of the University of Liverpool Partnerships and Innovation office.

The long term impact of the proposed research could be very significant. Our quality of life is inextricably linked to the aquatic environment; in the face of rising population and increased industrialisation the challenge of water pollution is very much in the public spotlight. Any technology to minimise the release of harmful chemicals is likely to capture the imagination of the general public. To ensure the PI is equipped with the skills necessary to deliver maximise the long term impact of the project funds are to be requested for the participation in a public engagement course training course.