Environmentally sound water treatment for organic solvents

Wits researchers have developed a water treatment plant which removes organic pollutants from municipal bulk water. The process is environmentally friendly, making use of sunlight to purify water, thus saving energy and eliminating the need to use chemicals. Its modular design allows for scaling based on customer needs, making it suitable for a range of water treatment plant sizes. The system makes use of a nanoscale photocatalyst which can remain in continuous operation for at least 2 years before it requires replacement. This photocatalyst is produced in bulk using cheap materials, making the whole system affordable to any municipalities, even in remote areas of the country.