Summary of Studies for

Alexander Orlov, Fiessinger Scholarship Winner 2001

(Report - summer 2003)

Mr. Orlov's project deals with the development of novel photocatalysts for groundwater cleanup. Several materials he has tested so far showed significant promise. The researcher was able to improve the activity of one of the most active commercial catalysts by a factor of two.  These catalysts were active for both 4-chlorophenol, and MTBE degradation (some of the most common pollutants found in groundwater). Encouraging results have also sparked an interest by British Petroleum (BP), which offered one of their gasoline-contaminated sites as a field test site. The field trials are scheduled for the beginning of the next year.

Based on current results, a paper was submitted for publication, two papers are in preparation, two symposium papers are forthcoming, and presentations at four International conferences are already scheduled.  Also, several student awards to attend conferences are possible, such as:  Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC - UK) student travel award, SETAC - North America student travel award, Cambridge University Trinity Hall travel grant, Holcim Company (Switzerland) student scholarship to attend Prague International Symposium, and Cambridge Philosophical Society travel grant.

Because the catalysts developed were active under UV radiation, the goal is to move the activity towards visible light spectrum. The future plans include development, and testing of visible light active catalysts in field trials. Based on a holistic approach to hazardous waste treatment, a gas phase photocatalytic reactor for treatment of volatile organic contaminants is being developed.