Understanding Bisphenol A, an environmental hazard
You may have heard the word Bisphenol several times in the last few years, and probably never in a positive context. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic organic compound extensively used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is found in numerous consumer products, including water bottles, food containers, and even the lining of metal cans. But the reason it has such a bad reputation is that, despite its widespread use, BPA is a known endocrine disruptor, capable of mimicking hormones in the body and causing adverse health effects such as reproductive disorders, developmental problems and an increased risk of certain cancers.
BPA contamination is pervasive, primarily due to the leaching of BPA from plastic products into water sources. This occurs during the product lifecycle, from manufacturing to disposal. But the most serious thing is that, once in the environment, BPA can persist in water bodies, soil, and sediments, posing a significant challenge for water remediation efforts.
To be more exact, BPA can enter the environment through various pathways:
- Manufacturing Waste: Factories producing BPA-containing products often discharge wastewater containing BPA directly into rivers and streams.
- Consumer Use and Disposal: BPA leaches out of consumer products during use, especially when exposed to heat or acidic conditions. Improper disposal of these products further exacerbates environmental contamination.
- Landfill Leachate: As BPA-containing products degrade in landfills, BPA can leach into groundwater, spreading contamination.
Once in the aquatic environment, BPA poses severe risks to aquatic life. It interferes with the reproductive systems of fish and amphibians, leading to population declines and biodiversity loss. The persistence of BPA in water sources also threatens human health, as conventional water treatment processes often fail to remove it effectively.
NANOGAP’s innovative solution
However, at Nanogap, we have developed a groundbreaking approach to tackling BPA contamination using our Metal Molecule (M-M) catalysts. Our technology enhances the efficiency of conventional catalysts, providing a robust solution for BPA degradation in water treatment processes.
Enhanced Degradation Efficiency
With UV light, M-M catalysts demonstrate remarkable efficiency in degrading BPA. When attached to conventional catalysts like titanium dioxide (TiO2), our M-M catalysts achieve BPA degradation rates more than three times higher than TiO2 photocatalysts alone, even under ambient oxygen conditions. This significant improvement is due to increased light absorption, enhanced photoactivity and the superior ability of M-M catalysts to activate reactive radicals, all essential for breaking down complex contaminants.
Synergistic Effect with Oxidizing Agents
The efficiency of M-M catalysts is further enhanced when supplemented with additional oxidizing agents such as ozone (O3) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These agents facilitate the generation of reactive oxygen radical species (ROS), which M-M catalytically activate enhancing the oxidation of BPA intermediates into harmless by-products. This multi-faceted approach ensures a comprehensive and efficient degradation process, effectively reducing BPA to non-toxic compounds.
Sustainable and Scalable Technology
Nanogap’s M-M catalysts represent a sustainable and scalable solution for water treatment facilities. By integrating our technology into existing water treatment systems, we can significantly enhance their ability to remove BPA and other persistent organic pollutants. This not only improves water quality but also safeguards public health and the environment.
Our Metal Molecule (M-M) catalysts improve all advanced oxidation processes from UV treatment and generation of highly reactive radicals which break down complex organic pollutants into simpler, non-toxic molecules. Moving forward, we aim to expand the application of our M-M catalysts to other challenging contaminants, further enhancing water treatment technologies and contributing to global efforts in environmental protection.
By continuing to innovate and improve our solutions, at Nanogap we are committed to making a significant impact on water quality and public health.