9th Joint Call: REPHOM

9th Joint Call: REPHOM

REPHOM develops an integrated wastewater recycling process that combines photocatalysis with advanced membrane filtration to produce potable and non potable water from municipal and industrial sources. By integrating photocatalytic degradation with membrane separation, the process enhances removal of micropollutants, reduces energy demand, and improves membrane efficiency. The overall goal is to offer a greener, more sustainable water recycling technology that is adaptable to shifting climate and water quality conditions.
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Background

Water scarcity is intensifying worldwide due to climate change, altered rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts. Conventional wastewater‑treatment systems are increasingly challenged by complex micropollutants that resist removal and raise the energy requirements of conventional filtration technologies. Many treatment plants struggle to meet water‑reuse standards without costly advanced processes.

Photocatalysis and membrane filtration each offer strengths, but their combination provides a synergistic pathway for low‑energy, high‑efficiency treatment. Photocatalysts degrade complex pollutants and reduce fouling, thereby improving the performance and energy efficiency of membrane systems. REPHOM leverages this synergy to create a robust, flexible recycling solution suitable for both potable and non‑potable applications.

The project

REPHOM objectives include:

  • Developing photocatalytic materials capable of degrading complex and persistent micropollutants.
  • Integrating these photocatalysts with selective membrane‑filtration processes to improve operational efficiency and reduce fouling.
  • Validating the technology for different water‑reuse scenarios, including potable and non‑potable applications.
  • Demonstrating energy and carbon‑footprint reductions compared to conventional advanced‑treatment processes.

The science

The scientific work integrates environmental chemistry, photocatalysis, membrane engineering, and water‑reuse systems:

  • Photocatalytic degradation of organic micropollutants using advanced catalytic materials.
  • Development of synergistic membrane–photocatalyst configurations to enhance treatment efficiency.
  • Mechanistic studies on pollutant degradation pathways and membrane‑fouling reduction.
  • Pilot‑scale evaluation of system performance for potable and non‑potable water reuse.
  • Analytical assessment of water quality, operational stability, and long‑term system efficiency.

The team

The REPHOM partners are:

Prof. Dr. Chavalit Ratanatamskul (Coordinator), Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Assoc. Prof. Kumar Varoon Agrawal, EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Switzerland

Prof. Patricia Luis Alconero, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Belgium

 

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Chavalit Ratanatamskul                       Email: chavalit.r@chula.ac.th 

 

Tags
ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE