While I wait on a signature to use the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and approval to test the second source of industrial water taken from an oil and gas reservoir, I am still testing the samples for organic carbon and ultraviolet absorbance to pass the time. I have devised on experiment to observe the effect of photobleaching on the industrial water by the solar simulator – the solar irradiance can oxidize organic carbon in the sample, thereby producing carbon dioxide; this should be noticeable by testing the samples before and after irradiation for organic carbon and ultraviolet absorbance. This could possibly be applied to Solar Membrane Distillation by implying the solar energy also breaks down larger organic molecules.
This has also given me time to apply for future jobs and also talk with faculty at Texas A&M at Galveston so that I can coordinate a work and research plan upon my return.
