Degradation of emerging water contaminants using novel photocatalytic 3D-printed TiO2 nano-architectures: a case for algal toxins found in harmful algal blooms

污水处理厂的排放，加上城市发展、农业和工业活动以及大气沉积的增加，对湖泊和流域造成了多重压力。这些压力源，特别是营养物污染，导致了加拿大有害藻华的增加。这些水华可能产生藻类毒素，对人类健康和水生生态系统造成严重影响。用于饮用水处理的传统膜系统容易受到污染，并且由于运行成本高而受到阻碍。对含有藻类的水进行氯化处理对破坏某些藻类毒素无效，并且会产生有毒副产物。我们的提案通过使用最先进的3d打印TiO2纳米结构来解决这些问题，该结构具有强大的机械性能，可以集成到TiO2/UV反应器中来处理藻类毒素。我们将阐明我们的3d打印TiO2结构和TiO2/UV反应器对各种化合物的光催化能力，包括新出现的污染物（藻类毒素、药物和个人护理产品、激素和杀虫剂）及其在各种水源中的副产品。此外，反应器将在含有藻类生物质的容器中进行测试，其中添加了藻类毒素，以便研究反应器产生的降解效果。该项目属于环境与农业战略目标领域，特别是确保安全社区水系统的研究课题。该项目将培训多达10名高素质人员（HQP），他们将参与水处理方面的相关挑战，并将他们的研究成果传达给公众和我们的合作伙伴。提出的3d打印TiO2纳米结构和TiO2/UV反应器的开发代表了一个全面的解决方案，以解决长期存在的藻华、藻毒素和有机污染物的挑战，这将使加拿大企业、水资源保护团体和市政利益受益（即Structur3D打印、大河保护集团、西蒙湖社区管理集团和滑铁卢地区）。同时应对当前和新出现的挑战，以保护加拿大的淡水资源。******

Discharges from wastewater treatment plants in addition to increased urban development, agricultural and industrial activities, and atmospheric deposition have created multiple stressors in lakes and watersheds. These stressors, specifically nutrient pollution, have caused an increase in harmful algal blooms in Canada. These blooms may produce algal toxins that have severe impact on human health and aquatic ecosystems. Conventional membrane systems utilized for drinking water treatment is prone to fouling and is hampered by high operating costs. Chlorination of water containing algae is ineffective in destroying some algal toxins and the process produces toxic byproducts. Our proposal addresses these issues by using state-of-the art 3D-printed TiO2 nano-architectures with robust mechanical properties that can be integrated into TiO2/UV reactors to treat algal toxins. We will elucidate the photocatalytic capacity of our 3D-printed TiO2 structures and TiO2/UV reactors against a variety of compounds, including emerging contaminants (algal toxins, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, hormones, and pesticides) as well as their byproducts within a variety of water sources. In addition, the reactors will be tested in containers containing algal biomass spiked with algal toxins in order to study the effects of degradation produced by the reactor. The project falls within the strategic target area of Environment and Agriculture, specifically, the research topic of Ensuring Secure Community Water Systems. The project will train up to ten highly qualified personnel (HQP) that will engage in relevant challenges in water treatment, and they will communicate their findings to the public and our partners. The proposed development of 3D-printed TiO2 nano-architectures and TiO2/UV reactors represents a comprehensive solution to longstanding challenges with algal blooms, algal toxins, and organic contaminants that will benefit Canadian businesses, water conservation groups, and municipal interests (i.e. Structur3D Printing, Grand River Conservation Group, Simon Lake Community Stewardship Group, and Region of Waterloo), while meeting current and emerging challenges to preserve freshwater sources in Canada.******