Photocatalytic disinfection of Coliforms and degradation of natural organic matters in river water using titanate nanotubes.

In this study, we synthesized and modified titanate nanotubes (TNTs) under different conditions of acid rinsing and calcination. The produced materials were then characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, temperature programmed desorption, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. The activity of material was evaluated via its application for disinfection of Coliforms and removal of natural organic matters (NOMs) in river water. Results showed that TNTs rinsed at pH 1.6 and calcined at 500°C had the highest removal efficiency for the treatment of Coliforms and NOMs in Sai Gon river water, possibly due to its high surface area, crystallinity, and surface acidity. The application of this TNTs material for the treatment of waters from Dong Nai River and Mekong River also show high removal efficiency, which could meet the quality standard for supply water, suggesting the potential of TNTs for practical drinking water treatment.