UV Light-Induced Oxidation of Pharmaceuticals and Endocrine Disruptors in Drinking Water: A Pilot Study

摘要

The effectiveness of direct UV photolysis and UV/H2O2 processes on the removal of various chemical compounds spiked at ng L~(-1) levels in drinking water was evaluated at a pilot-scale using an UV reactor equipped with medium pressure Hg lamps. Target compounds included pharmaceuticals (steroids, antimicrobials, analgesics, psychoactive and heart medications), endocrine disruptors (pesticides) and personal care products, of a wide range of chemical structures and UV light sensitivities. The majority of micropollutants were removed by more than 90% under typical process conditions (such as electrical energy doses of 0.3 – 0.8 kWh kgaL~(-1) and hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 5 – 7 mg L~(-1)) applied to water treatment by advanced oxidation. 17α-^sEthinylestradiol, estrone, estriol, 17β-estradiol, acetaminophen, hydrocodone, naproxen, sulfamethoxazole, diclofenac, fluoxetine were treated very effectively with removal yields over 97%, whereas carbamazepine, DEET, meprobamate and erythromycin hydrate exhibited moderate treatment yields. TCEP was resistant to treatment regardless of the process conditions.