Creation and research of new bioindifferent photocatalysts that use the energy of solar radiation to purify wastewater from pollutants

This work is devoted to the study of new bioindifferent photocatalysts that use the energy of solar radiation to purify water from organic pollutants. Photocatalytic materials were obtained by a previously developed low-temperature pyrolytic synthesis. Varying the bismuth content in the percursor mixture within 15-30 %, allows controlling the phase formation of the bismuth and strontium silicate phases. The samples obtained at 25 % bismuth in the precursor mixture (in terms of Bi2O3 %, wt.) show the highest photocatalytic activity with Bi12SiO2, Bi4Si3O12 formed in the catalyst composition. Photocatalytic activity of coatings with the predominance of bismuth silicates is inferior to coatings with the predominance of strontium bismuthates, but their greater hydrolytic stability is observed.

Hydraulic fracturing flowback chemical composition diversity as a factor determining possibilities of its management

The chemical characteristic of flowback fluid from hydraulic fracturing for shale gas exploration/production in various localizations is presented. The results of statistical analysis have shown that variability in the chemical composition of these fluids is statistically significant and depends on the time difference between fracturing process and flowback sampling as well as sampling spot within the installation for flowback collection. Parameters which depend on sampling schedule (time and spot of sampling) are as follows: electrical conductivity and concentration of ammonia, boron, barium, calcium, lithium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, strontium, silicate, bromide, and chloride. Independent parameters are pH, total organic carbon (TOC), concentration of potassium, and iron. The ranges of the values of the characteristic parameters were determined, taking into account the representativeness of the samples, supported by statistical tests. The methods for the reuse of flowback fluids in terms of chemical composition are presented.