ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The credit for the successful completion of this research project goes to many individuals and organizational quarters. First and foremost, I would like to thank, my Graduate Advisor and Supervising Professor, Dr. Melanie L. Sattler. Without her vision, direction and continual technical guidance, this project would not have been possible. Throughout my graduate study, she constantly encouraged and motivated me. Amidst her busy schedule, she always found time to answer my questions, and reply to my calls and emails. I shall never forget the events, when she went out of her way to accommodate me. It demonstrated her keen interest and willingness in helping students. I would also like to thank, my thesis committee members, Dr. Andrew Kruzic and Dr. Syed Qasim for their invaluable guidance throughout my graduate study and during the project work. I would like to extend my thanks to the technical support staff of SRI Instruments and Restek for their technical assistance during experimental setbacks. I would like to extend my appreciation to Dr. Richard Timmons of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at UTA, who provided me with methane gas whenever I requested him. I thank the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department for providing me with laboratory facilities and high quality instruments such as gas chromatograph and sensors. I thank Dr. Melanie Sattler, for providing me with the photocatalytic oxidation ii reactor system. In addition, I thank UTA technical assistant, Paul Shover for setting up the system for me and Lewis Crow for technical assistance. Finally, I thank my family for their endless love and faith in me, especially my parents who always taught me to aim high in life. I thank my brother for providing useful inputs throughout my project work and my husband who uncomplainingly supported me during long hours of project work. I also acknowledge valuable inputs and moral support from my friends and colleagues