Jephté Douyon, Science in Engineering Master Program
Mentor: Dr. Sesha Srinivasan and Dr. Scott Wallen
This project aims to study the physicochemical characteristics and examine the utility of advanced oxidation processes to decontaminate municipal landfill leachate (water percolated through the waste). Many studies have revealed the pollution risk of the leachate and its potential for ground water contamination. Therefore, it is imperative that researchers characterize and develop remediation techniques to render the leachate non-hazardous.
The preliminary results of leachate characterization by Optical Emission Spectroscopy demonstrate the presence of alkali, alkaline and 3d- transition metal elements in ppm quantities. The chemical and photo-catalytic advanced oxidation processes yielded the removal of contaminants in range of 30-40% confirmed by the UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Additional waste water remediation optimizations are currently underway to enhance contaminant removal greater than 70-80%. (Research funded by Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute, Bartow, FL)
“Right now we are looking for a nexus between energy, water and food. How to get food security, renewable energy and clean water and air is extremely important,” said Dr. Sesha Srinivasan, professor of Physics and mentor of some of the winning projects. “These projects seek solutions to these goals.”
