Advanced wastewater treatment for abatement of pathogens, active genetic material, and pollutants.

The objective of the proposal is to develop wastewater treatment options for simultaneous abatement of pathogens antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) and pollutants. Conventional wastewater ozonation or activated carbon are especially ineffective regarding ARG. The planned work deals with Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and constructed wetlands as well as alternative treatment options which may have a greater potential to abate ARGs, pathogens, and pollutants. PMS itself is a strong disinfectant and forms a variety of highly reactive species (sulfate- and hydroxyl radicals and chlorine), which can contribute to pollutant degradation and ARGs inactivation. Constructed wetlands are a natural treatment alternatives. The extremely complex degradation processes triggered by sunlight and biological processes may serve as a multi-functional barrier. The proposal readily addresses technical solutions to prevent the spread of ARG, pathogens, and pollutants.