Topic: Occurrence and Advanced Treatment Processes for Emerging Contaminant Removal toward Sustainable Water Systems

Speaker: Wei-Po Lai (Assistant Professor,Institute of Analytical and Environmental Sciences, Tsing Hua University )

Time: October 1, 2026 13:30-15:00

Venue: Lecture Room 602

Abstract:  Emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have become major environmental concerns because of their widespread presence, persistence, and potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health. These challenges have driven the development of innovative and effective water treatment technologies. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which rely on the generation of highly reactive species to transform and degrade a broad spectrum of contaminants, have been extensively investigated and applied over the past several decades. This presentation will introduce recent advances in emerging AOPs, with a particular focus on novel photo-driven oxidation systems and their underlying reaction mechanisms.
In addition, advanced reduction processes (ARPs) will be discussed as an alternative treatment strategy for contaminants that are resistant to conventional oxidation. ARPs are particularly promising for reductive transformation and dehalogenation of highly recalcitrant compounds, and may offer advantages in minimizing the formation of undesirable transformation products. Recent developments in ARP technologies will be highlighted, including their fundamental reaction mechanisms and potential environmental applications. Overall, these advanced oxidation and reduction strategies offer promising approaches for overcoming emerging contaminant challenges and advancing the development of sustainable water treatment systems.