Improvement of ballast water disinfection using a photocatalytic ( UV ‐C + TiO2 ) flow‐through reactor for saltwater treatment

BACKGROUND Ultraviolet disinfection systems used for treating ballast water have several strict requirements such as short exposure time or high disinfection efficacy. Disinfection can be enhanced by a photocatalytic system triggered by ultraviolet light, leading to a reduction in the exposure time necessary and thus a general improvement in the treatment. The use of laboratory disinfection equipment and data modeling enabled determination of the expected treatment optimization. RESULTS Photocatalysis enhanced ultraviolet treatment, reducing dose requirements by up to 70%, and was particularly effective on the most resistant organism. Treatment optimization was also observed in saltwater conditions. CONCLUSION Photocatalytic treatment may speed up ballasting and deballasting processes, since a lower ultraviolet dose is required.