PhD Defense - Biotechnology: Mohammad Babazadeh

Mohammed Babazadeh will present his doctoral research on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m. in ATAC 1007 and on zoom.

Dissertation Title: Total Oxidation of Naphthenic Acids by Catalytic Ozonation

Description:
This study investigated the complete degradation of the model naphthenic acid, 4-Methyl-1-cyclohexane carboxylic acid, which is representative of naphthenic acids found in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), through heterogeneous catalytic ozonation. Among the catalysts evaluated, Cu/MgO demonstrated the highest and most consistent total organic carbon removal across multiple reuse cycles. To further enhance performance, novel copper–magnesium phosphate Cu x P y Mg (where x and y are the molar ratios of Cu and P over Mg, respectively) catalysts were synthesized, with the Cu 0.01 P 0.1 Mg formulation achieving the highest mineralization rates and exhibiting minimal metal leaching. Analysis of reactive species confirmed that hydroxyl radicals were the primary oxidants. Overall, the findings indicate that both Cu/MgO and Cu x P y Mg catalysts are highly effective for the heterogeneous catalytic ozonation of recalcitrant naphthenic acid–type compounds from OSPW, facilitating their complete conversion into harmless end products.

Committee Members:
Drs. Ebrahim Rezaei and Baoqiang Liao (co-supervisors)
Dr. Amir Azimi
Dr. Kang Kang
Dr. Ramin Azargohar (external examiner)

Everyone is welcome.

Please contact Brenda Magajna at phd.ses@lakeheadu.ca for more information.