Enhancement in Degradation of Environmental Pollutants: Fenton Degradation of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene and Photodegradation of Deepwater Horizon Crude Oil.

摘要

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill devastated the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding wetlands. There are several mechanisms for degradation of oil released into aquatic environments. Bioremediation is one of the most important remediation methods; however degradation becomes stagnant in low nutrient waters. Furthermore, larger molecular weight alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are not readily available for biodegradation. Transformation of these molecules often requires initial photodegradation. We have investigated the photochemical transformation of oil films with and without photocatalysts present. To better understand the photochemical transformations that occur to the Deepwater Horizon oil, we have conducted additional studies with dispersants present.