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reduce DBP formation as chlorine or other chemical disinfectants are only needed
as secondary disinfectants. Long-term efficacy is another major uncertainty for all
the aforementioned technologies. Antimicrobial nanomaterials that rely on the
release of biocidal ions will be eventually depleted. Controlled release and replenish
strategies are thus needed. A potential “on-demand” release strategy is to encapsulate antimicrobial agents into a matrix gated by materials responsive to the presence
of microorganisms or biofilms. This “on-demand” mechanism can be further coupled with recognition mechanisms for targeted release (Fig. 13.2). For nanomaterials relying on direct contact, fouling may largely suppress or even eliminate their
antimicrobial activity.
Sensing and Monitoring
A major challenge for water/wastewater treatment is water quality monitoring due
to the extremely low concentration of certain contaminants, the lack of fast pathogen detection, as well as the high complexity of the water/wastewater matrices.
Innovative sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity, and fast response, are in
great need.
Fig. 13.2 Schematic mechanism for “on-demand” microbial control. “On-demand” microbial
control can be achieved by using recognition agents that target a specific microorganism. The
responsive gating material is designed to release the antimicrobial agent after the recognition event
Current and Potential Applications for Water and Wastewater Treatment
reduce DBP formation as chlorine or other chemical disinfectants are only needed
as secondary disinfectants. Long-term efficacy is another major uncertainty for all
the aforementioned technologies. Antimicrobial nanomaterials that rely on the
release of biocidal ions will be eventually depleted. Controlled release and replenish
strategies are thus needed. A potential “on-demand” release strategy is to encapsulate antimicrobial agents into a matrix gated by materials responsive to the presence
of microorganisms or biofilms. This “on-demand” mechanism can be further coupled with recognition mechanisms for targeted release (Fig. 13.2). For nanomaterials relying on direct contact, fouling may largely suppress or even eliminate their
antimicrobial activity.
Sensing and Monitoring
A major challenge for water/wastewater treatment is water quality monitoring due
to the extremely low concentration of certain contaminants, the lack of fast pathogen detection, as well as the high complexity of the water/wastewater matrices.
Innovative sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity, and fast response, are in
great need.
Fig. 13.2 Schematic mechanism for “on-demand” microbial control. “On-demand” microbial
control can be achieved by using recognition agents that target a specific microorganism. The
responsive gating material is designed to release the antimicrobial agent after the recognition event
Current and Potential Applications for Water and Wastewater Treatment