Investigating particle-particle interactions between natural organic matter and nanoparticles on the photochemical inactivation of MS2 bacteriophage

The interactions and proximity between viruses and fullerene nanoparticles greatly influence photo-disinfection effectiveness. If photosensitized reactive oxygen species (ROS) in solution have good contact with the targeted virus, successful disinfection can be expected. Complications arise with the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) in solution, which can react with ROS. NOM will reduce inactivation by decreasing the ROS available for reactions with viruses. To overcome this challenge, we need to better understand base particle-virus interactions and manipulate the interactions to increase the contact time of the virus with the photoinduced radicals and reactive oxygen species. New knowledge of virus particle interactions can lead to improved designs of photoactive materials, creating more efficient materials for light-driven disinfection processes. [SS1] Aggregates of cationic-functionalized fullerenes were formed by well-known sonication techniques to form stable, aqueous aggregates. The photochemical reactivity of these particles was tested for their ability to inactivate MS2 bacteriophages in the presence of different organic matter fractions. Particle-virus, particle-NOM, and virus-NOM interactions were observed using dynamic light scattering as a tool to measure aggregate and co-aggregate sizes. The results of the photochemical reactions will be discussed in light of these interactions. Studying the roles of fullerenes in photochemical disinfection processes will help advance the development of safe and efficient advanced oxidation techniques for water treatment and wastewater treatment and reuse. The results of this experiment can impact the development of water treatment technologies, specifically helping to avoid the production of hazardous disinfection byproducts. New advanced oxidation processes will create halide radicals and a better understanding of this process will improve human and environmental health.