Oxidation of 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Stimulated by Thermally Activated Persulfate

Variable dual C-Cl isotope slopes of trichloromethane transformation by alkaline-activated persulfate under different simulated field conditions

Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential of δ13C and δ37Cl isotopic values of trichloromethane (TCM) to monitor and quantify its transformation during alkaline persulfate (PS) activation. Batch experiments were designed to replicate different TCM:PS molar ratios, pH values, the presence of CO32- ion and the simulation of an alkaline interception trench. Results revealed three distinct C-Cl isotopic trends; First, despite differences in degradation kinetics, isotopic trends were consistent across TCM:PS molar ratios (ΛC-Cl between 23 ± 10 and 33 ± 6), suggesting that radical activation remained unaffected. Conversely, at pH 12.8, alkaline hydrolysis (AH) became the predominant degradation process (ΛC-Cl of 9 ± 1 and 11 ± 1) over reaction with PS derived radical species. Finally, in the presence of excess CO32- ion, which acts as radical scavenger probably affecting the radical species involved in TCM degradation, a ΛC-Cl value of 5.5 ± 0.6 was observed, suggesting a reductive degradation reaction. Therefore, our results reveal, for the first time, that the dual C-Cl isotope slope during TCM degradation by PS varies significantly depending on field conditions. The unexpected accumulation of higher chlorinated byproducts, such as hexachloroethane, during TCM degradation by alkaline-activated PS was observed for the first time and further research is needed in real open-systems to assess its potential environmental implications.

Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide supported FeCu and its environmental applications

A significant share of wastewater produced during different processes is released to the surroundings without further treatment. Therefore, polluted water sources are triggering diseases like typhoid. To avoid this, various techniques have been developed for the removal of contaminants from the water. Iron-copper bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) supported on the reduced graphene oxide (rGOFeCu) were prepared which showed excellent antibacterial activity, efficient dechlorination of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA), and removal of methylene blue (MB). The characterization of prepared nanocomposites was done by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Iron-based bimetallic NPs supported on the graphene were successfully synthesized as confirmed by TEM. Iron has a strong antibacterial effect on microorganisms, especially bacteria. We conducted the antibacterial activity of different compositions of nanocomposite toward Escherichia coli to understand the efficacy of prepared nanocomposites. In the same time and concentration conditions, rGOFeCu showed the best antibacterial activity, as compared to the graphene-based iron. Results show that the excellent antibacterial activity was exhibited by using rGO-Fe95Cu05 within two hours. More than 98% of cell inhibition was observed. The further increase in copper loading has no major effect on antibacterial activity. rGO-Fe95Cu05 exhibited excellent removal efficiency of TCA (99%) within 30 min as compared to other compositions of FeCu. It was found that rGO-Fe95Cu05 exhibited excellent removal efficiency against degradation of methylene blue (MB) through activation of sodium percarbonate (SPC). The results indicated that more than 99% of MB was removed within 15 min. The rGOFeCu represented a great potential material for antibacterial activity towards E. coli and remediation of other pollutants in the wastewater such as TCA and removal of MB.

Degradation of triclosan by peroxydisulfate/peroxomonosulfate binary oxidants activation under thermal conditions: Efficiency and mechanism

Peroxydisulfate (PDS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) could be efficiently activated by heat to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for the degradation of organic contaminants. However, defects including the inefficiency treatment and pH dependence of monooxidant process are prominent. In this study, synergy of heat and the PDS-PMS binary oxidant was studied for efficient triclosan (TCS) degradation and apply in rubber wastewater. Under different pH values, the degradation of TCS followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, the reaction rate constant (kobs) value of TCS in heat/PDS/PMS system increased from 1.8 to 4.4 fold and 6.8-49.1 fold when compared to heat/PDS system and heat/PMS system, respectively. Hydroxyl radicals (·OH), sulfate radicals (SO4·-) and singlet oxygen (1O2) were the major ROS for the degradation of TCS in heat/PDS/PMS system. In addition, the steady-state concentrations of ·OH/1O2 and SO4·-/·OH/1O2 increased under acidic conditions and alkaline conditions, respectively. It was concluded that the pH regulated the ROS for degradation of TCS in heat/PDS/PMS system significantly. Based on the analysis of degradation byproducts, it was inferred that the dechlorination, hydroxylation and ether bond breaking reactions occurred during the degradation of TCS. Moreover, the biological toxicity of the ten byproducts was lower than that of TCS was determined. Furthermore, the heat/PDS/PMS system is resistant to the influence of water substrates and can effectively improve the water quality of rubber wastewater. This study provides a novel perspective for efficient degradation of TCS independent of pH in the heat/PDS/PMS system and its application of rubber wastewater.

From Theory to Practice: Leveraging Chemical Principles To Improve the Performance of Peroxydisulfate-Based In Situ Chemical Oxidation of Organic Contaminants

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) using peroxydisulfate has become more popular in the remediation of soils and shallow groundwater contaminated with organic chemicals. Researchers have studied the chemistry of peroxydisulfate and the oxidative species produced upon its decomposition (i.e., sulfate radical and hydroxyl radical) for over five decades, describing reaction kinetics, mechanisms, and product formation in great detail. However, if this information is to be useful to practitioners seeking to optimize the use of peroxydisulfate in the remediation of hazardous waste sites, the relevant conditions of high oxidant concentrations and the presence of minerals and solutes that affect radical chain reactions must be considered. The objectives of this Review are to provide insights into the chemistry of peroxydisulfate-based ISCO that can enable more efficient operation of these systems and to identify research needed to improve understanding of system performance. By gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying chemistry of these complex systems, it may be possible to improve the design and operation of peroxydisulfate-based ISCO remediation systems.

Insights into the impacts of chloride ions on the oxidation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene using ferrous activated persulfate: Removal efficiency, reaction mechanism, transformation pathway, and toxicity assessment

Persulfate/Fe²⁺-based advanced oxidation processes are widely used to treat water contaminated with 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). However, the oxidation of DNT by persulfate/Fe²⁺ in the presence of the chloride ion (Cl⁻) has not been addressed, and the transformation pathways and toxicities of the intermediate products remain unclear. In this study, the effect of different Cl⁻ concentrations on the oxidation of DNT was investigated by persulfate/Fe²⁺. After the addition of 1.0 mM Cl⁻ and 6 h of oxidation, the removal efficiency of DNT increased by 68.5%. Scavenging experiments and an electron spin resonance analysis suggested that Cl⁻ caused hydroxyl radicals to increase in content in the persulfate/Fe²⁺ system, thus promoting the removal of DNT. Eight intermediate products of DNT were accurately detected using high-resolution mass spectrometry, and the transformation pathways of DNT were proposed, including hydroxylation/oxidation, elimination of the nitro group, and chlorination process. The acute and chronic toxicities of the intermediate products decreased during the oxidation process, but chlorinated by-products posed a higher toxicological risk. This result is vital for the practical application and environmental safety evaluation of persulfate/Fe²⁺-based advanced oxidation.

Synthesis of an Environmentally Friendly Modified Mulberry Branch-Derived Biochar Composite: High Degradation Efficiency of BPA and Mitigation of Toxicity in Silkworm Larvae

In the present study, mulberry branch-derived biochar CuO (MBC/CuO) composite was successfully synthesized and used as a catalyst to activate persulfate (PS) for the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA). The MBC/CuO/PS system exhibited a high degradation efficiency (93%) of BPA, under the conditions of 0.1 g/L MBC/CuO, 1.0 mM PS, 10 mg/L BPA. Free radical quenching and electron spin-resonance spectroscopy (ESR) experiments confirmed that both free radicals ^•OH, SO₄^•- and O₂^•- and non-radicals ¹O₂ were involved in the MBC/CuO reaction system. Cl^- and NOM displayed negligible influence on the degradation of BPA, while HCO₃^- promoted the removal of BPA. In addition, the toxicity tests of BPA, MBC/CuO and the degraded BPA solution were conducted by the 5th instar silkworm larvae. The toxicity of BPA was reduced after the treatment in the MBC/CuO/PS system, and no obvious toxicity of the synthesized MBC/CuO composite was found in the toxicity evaluation experiments. This work provides a new value-added utilization of mulberry branches as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly PS activator.

Efficient chlorinated alkanes degradation in soil by combining alkali hydrolysis with thermally activated persulfate

Alkali activation is the most commonly used activation method for persulfate (PS) in in-situ remediation. However, the role of alkali in pollutant degradation is still elusive, limiting the optimization of relevant remediation strategies. In this study, we found that chlorinated alkanes (e.g., tetrachloroethane (TeCA)) could be efficiently degraded by thermal-alkali activation of PS. The main role of alkali was not activating PS but hydrolyzing the chlorinated alkanes, which was evidenced by the immediate conversion of TeCA into trichloroethylene (TCE) with NaOH and PS or with sole NaOH solution. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis also showed that with a high NaOH/PS molar ratio (4:1) the intensity of oxidative radicals decreased, implying that high levels of alkali did not favor the formation of free radicals. Interestingly, better degradation of TeCA and its product TCE was observed by the combination of alkaline hydrolysis and thermal activation of PS (where alkali was added 6 h before PS rather than simultaneously) in comparison to thermal-alkali activation of PS. This study provides new insights into the remediation of chlorinated alkane-contaminated soils by in-situ chemical oxidation.

Vacancy-rich BiO2-x as a highly-efficient persulfate activator under near infrared irradiation for bacterial inactivation and mechanism study

This study, for the first time, developed a novel defective BiO_2-x based collaborating system, where the near-infrared light (NIR) irradiation (λ > 700 nm) initiated persulfate activation and photocatalytic bacterial inactivation simultaneously. Vacancy-rich BiO_2-x nanoplates possessed impressive NIR absorption and firstly realized persulfate activation under NIR irradiation. In this collaborating system, on one hand, the persulfate can be transformed into sulfate radicals through light/heat activation mode directly, which would be enhanced by the presence of vacancy-rich BiO_2-x owing to its outstanding light and heat absorption ability. On the other hand, the photogenerated electrons can further efficiently react with persulfate and form sufficient reactive sulfate radicals. The sulfate radicals, synergizing with other reactive species (O₂^-, h⁺, etc.), achieved a 7-log Escherichia coli inactivation within 40 min. The systematic investigation of inactivation mechanism revealed that the reactive species caused the dysfunction of cellular respiration, ATP synthesis and bacterial membrane, followed by the severely oxidative damage to the antioxidative SOD and CAT enzymes and the generation of carbonylated protein. The final leakage of DNA and RNA implied the lethal damage to the bacteria cells. This work provided a new insight into the persulfate associated NIR driven remediation technology of controlling microbial contaminants.

Treatment of Winery Wastewater with a Combination of Adsorption and Thermocatalytic Processes

The release of winery wastewater (WW) into the environment, without proper treatment, can cause severe problems to freshwater quality and natural fauna and flora. Therefore, in this work a treatment process was studied, combining adsorption and thermocatalytic oxidation processes. In a more specific way, it optimized the combination of activated sodium bentonite (Na-Mt) and potassium persulfate (KPS)/sodium percarbonate (SPC) as oxidant agents. With the combination of best operational conditions of adsorption ([Na-Mt] = 5.0 g/L, pH = 3.0, V = 500 mL, agitation 350 rpm, T = 298 K, t = 24 h) and thermocatalytic oxidation processes (S2O82−/H2O2 ratio = 1:0.25, S2O82−/H2O2 dosage = 0.1:0.025 (g/g), pH = 7.0, T = 343 K, agitation 350 rpm, t = 2 h), a total organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand and total polyphenols removal of 76.7, 81.4 and >99% was achieved, respectively. Finally, it was evaluated the effect of the treatment processes in the germination index (GI) of different plant seeds. A GI > 80% was achieved, showing a low phytotoxicity effect of the processes applied in the winery wastewater treatment.

UV-enhanced nano-nickel ferrite-activated peroxymonosulfate for the degradation of chlortetracycline hydrochloride in aqueous solution

In this study, nano-nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) was successfully prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and applied to the oxidative removal of chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTH) in the presence of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Several characterization methods were used to reveal the morphology and surface properties of nano-NiFe2O4, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared absorption (FTIR) spectroscopy. The removal efficiency of CTH, the factors affecting the reaction process and the reaction mechanism of PMS activated by UV combined with nano-NiFe2O4 (UV + nano-NiFe2O4/PMS) in aqueous solution were systematically studied. The results showed that the UV + nano-NiFe2O4/PMS system led to a higher removal efficiency of CTH than other parallel systems. The results also showed that the CTH removal efficiency was enhanced under optimal conditions ([nano-NiFe2O4] = 1 g L-1, [PMS] = 1 g L-1, [UV wavelength] = 254 nm and [pH] = 11) and that a removal efficiency of 96.98% could be achieved after 60 min. In addition, the influence of the PMS concentration, CTH concentration, dosage of added nano-NiFe2O4 and pH on the PMS activation efficiency and CTH oxidative degradation effect was studied. Inorganic anions such as Cl-, HCO3 -, CO3 2- and NO3 - increased the removal efficiency of CTH by 21.29%, 27.17%, 25.32% and 5.96% respectively, while H2PO4 - inhibited CTH removal, and the removal efficiency of CTH decreased 6.08% after 60 min. Free radical identification tests detected SO4 -˙, OH˙ and 1O2 and showed that these species participated in the degradation reaction of CTH. The results of LC-MS and TOC analysis showed that CTH was degraded in the UV + nano-NiFe2O4/PMS system through hydroxylation, demethylation, deamination, and dehydration reaction and finally mineralized into CO2. These findings confirmed that nano-NiFe2O4 is a green and efficient heterogeneous catalyst for activation of PMS and demonstrates potential applicability in the treatment of antibiotic wastewater.

Sulfate radical-based oxidation of the aminopyralid and picloram herbicides: The role of amino group on pyridine ring

The widespread utilization of pesticides has attracted increasing attention to their environmental impacts and effective removal strategies. In the present study, the degradation of herbicides picloram (PCLO) and aminopyralid (AMP) with similar structures were investigated systematically by thermo activated persulfate. Overweight SO₄^•- was determined to be the predominant oxidizing species by quenching experiment. Obtained by laser-flash photolysis (LFP), reaction rate constants of SO₄^•- towards AMP and PCLO were determined at 1.56 × 10⁹ M^-1s^-1 and 1.21 × 10⁹ M^-1s^-1, respectively. Product analysis revealed that both substances underwent similar oxidation paths, namely, successive oxidation on pyridine ring and formation of coupling-products as well as further hydroxylation and decarboxylation. Amino group on the pyridine ring was identified as the main reactive site, which was further confirmed by DFT calculation. It was susceptible attacked by SO₄^•- to form deamination, nitration, and self-coupling products. These couples could be further oxidatively dehydrated to form azo and a series of azo derivatives. EOCSAR program predicted significant hazards on aquatic species during the formation of these couplings and azo derivatives. Our work emphasized the potential ability and toxicity of contaminates to produce azo substances in the presence of amino groups on the pyridine ring.

Degradation of benzotriazole by sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation process

Benzotriazole (BTA) is a recalcitrant contaminant that is widely distributed in aquatic environments. This study explored the effectiveness of sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation process in degrading BTA (SR-AOP). The sulfate radical was generated by heat activation of persulfate (PS). Our results show alkaline pH promoted the BTA degradation. The solution pH also affected the speciation of total radicals. Sulfate radical ( S O 4 ⋅ - ) predominated at acidic pH while hydroxyl radical (HO^•) predominated at basic pH. High temperature, high PS concentration and low BTA concentration promoted the BTA degradation. Influence of water matrix constituents on the reaction kinetics was assessed. We found that ≤10 mM of Cl^- promoted the reaction, but 100 mM Cl^- inhibited it. H C O 3 - was similar to Cl^-. Br^- and C O 3 2 - inhibited the reaction while S O 4 2 - did not affect the reaction. N O 3 - of ≤10 mM did not affect the reaction, but 100 mM of N O 3 - inhibited it. Eleven degradation intermediates were identified using ultra-high solution Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Based on the intermediates identified, possible reaction pathways were proposed. Overall, SR-AOP can effectively mineralize BTA, but water matrix constituents greatly influenced the reaction kinetics and thus should be carefully considered for its practical application. Abbreviations: BTA, benzotriazole; PS, persulfate; PMS, peroxymonosulfate; SPC, sodium percarbonate; AOP, advanced oxidation process; PS-AOP, persulfate-based advanced oxidation process; SR-AOP, sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation process; TAP, thermally activated persulfate; TOC, total organic carbon; TBA, tert-butyl alcohol.

Degradation of Atrazine, Simazine and Ametryn in an arable soil using thermal-activated persulfate oxidation process: Optimization, kinetics, and degradation pathway

This study examined the feasibility of applying thermal-activated persulfate (PS) oxidation for remediation of soil co-contaminated with s-triazine herbicides including Atrazine (ATZ), Simazine (SIM) and Ametryn (AME). Homogeneous activation using heating method (50 °C) was selected. Results showed that thermal-activated PS oxidation process may successfully degrade ATZ in soil and degradation efficiency was increased along the arising activation temperature. Higher PS dosages and depressed initial pH were beneficial for degradation while increasing initial ATZ concentration may hamper the degradation. The oxidation process may lead to changes of surface functional groups on soil. The presence of Cl^-, HCO₃^- and H₂PO₄^- at both of low and high concentrations may inhibit the degradation of ATZ. Soil depths may apparently influence the ATZ degradation which followed 0-10 < 10-30 < 30-60 cm mainly depending on the soil organic matter (SOM) contents. Thermal-activated PS may effectively degrade ATZ, SIM and AME under co-contaminated condition and the more favorable of ethyl group towards SO₄^- than isopropyl and methylation groups was detected. Both of SO₄^- and HO were identified to be responsible for degradation. Finally, degradation intermediates of ATZ, SIM and AME were identified by LC-Q-TOF-MS and detailed transformation pathways for three pesticides were proposed, respectively.

Galvanic oxidation processes (GOPs): An effective direct electron transfer approach for organic contaminant oxidation

The activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for organic contaminant oxidation usually relies on the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). However, the ubiquitous anions and natural organic matter can easily scavenge ROSs and/or PMS, resulting in lower efficiencies and/or the formation of toxic byproducts. Relying on the unique long-distance electron transfer property, the recently developed Galvanic Oxidation Process (GOP) successfully achieved bisphenol A (BPA) degradation when BPA and PMS were physically separated in two reactors. In this study, we systematically investigated the performance of GOP at different PMS or BPA concentrations, pH, and ionic strength (IS) in both PMS and BPA solutions. The kinetic modeling employing the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model at different BPA concentrations suggested that although BPA and PMS were physically separated, the oxidation of the adsorbed BPA and reduction of the adsorbed PMS still followed a similar mechanism to that in traditional heterogeneous catalytic processes. The anions in the target water showed little impact on BPA degradation; higher IS enhanced the solution conductivity but inhibited BPA and electrode interactions, resulting in increased and then decrease BPA degradation rate. The electrodes presented high stability with a rate increase of 12% after 13 times of uses, and their hydration significantly facilitated BPA degradation but reduced the current by decreasing the potential difference between the anode and cathode. The graphite sheet itself without catalyst coating was also capable of shuttling electrons, while the use of a graphite fiber anode increased the BPA degradation by near 100% because of the larger surface area. The developed continuous stirred-tank reactor coupled with GOP (CSTR-GOP) achieved stable BPA degradation in less than 35 min and its scaling up is promising for future applications.

Two distinct Dehalobacter strains sequentially dechlorinate 1,1,1-trichloroethane and 1,1-dichloroethane at a field site treated with granular zero valent iron and guar gum

Chlorinated ethanes are environmental pollutants found frequently at many contaminated industrial sites. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) can be dechlorinated and detoxified via abiotic transformation or biologically by the action of dechlorinating microorganisms such as Dehalobacter (Dhb). At a field site, it is challenging to distinguish abiotic vs. biotic mechanisms as both processes share common transformation products. In this study, we evaluated using the Dhb 16S rRNA gene and specific reductive dehalogenase genes as biomarkers for 1,1,1-TCA and 1,1-dichloroethane (1,1-DCA) dechlorination. We analyzed samples from laboratory groundwater microcosms and from an industrial site where a mixture of granular zero valent iron (ZVI) and guar gum was injected for 1,1,1-TCA remediation. Abiotic and biotic transformation products were monitored and the changes in dechlorinating organisms were tracked using quantitative PCR (qPCR) with primers targeting the Dhb 16S rRNA gene and two functional genes cfrA and dcrA encoding enzymes that dechlorinate 1,1,1-TCA to 1,1-DCA and 1,1-DCA to chloroethane (CA), respectively. The abundance of the cfrA- and dcrA-like genes confirmed that the two dechlorination steps were carried out by two distinct Dhb populations at the site. The biomarkers used in this study proved useful for monitoring different Dhb populations responsible for step-wise dechlorination and tracking biodegradation of 1,1,1-TCA and 1,1-DCA where both abiotic (e.g., with ZVI) and biotic processes co-occur.

Field test of electrokinetically-delivered thermally activated persulfate for remediation of chlorinated solvents in clay

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) has demonstrated success in remediating soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs). However, its performance is often hindered in low-permeability or heterogeneous media due to an inability to effectively deliver the oxidants. This field-scale study investigated the novel approach of applying electrokinetics (EK) to enhance the delivery of persulfate in a low-permeability media and the ability of electrical resistance heating (ERH) to thermally activate the delivered persulfate. Results showed that 40% of the mass of total sulfur delivered was due to EK mechanisms, demonstrating that EK has the potential to enhance oxidant delivery. ERH may have activated some of the persulfate, but catalytic reactions with reduced forms of iron likely resulted in appreciable persulfate decomposition prior to ERH. Significant decreases (>80%) in the aqueous concentration of CVOCs was observed before and after ERH initiation, attributed to in situ transformation and physical processes (e.g., dilution). In situ transformation of CVOCs was assessed by compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) samples collected after ERH application. Enrichment of ¹³C was only measured in the well with appreciable persulfate breakthrough, confirming dechlorination of 1,2-DCA. Results from this field study demonstrate that EK and ERH can be used for persulfate delivery and activation for remediation of CVOCs in low-permeability media.

Activation of persulfate and removal of ethyl-parathion from soil: Effect of microwave irradiation

Advanced persulfate oxidation technology is widely used in organic pollution control of super fund sites. In recent years, microwave radiation has been proven a promising method for persulfate activation. However, most of the prior works were focused on the treatment of polluted water, but there are few reports aiming at contaminated sites, especially the knowledge of using microwave activated persulfate technology to repair pesticide-contaminated sites. In this study, an effective activation/oxidation method for the remediation of pesticide-contaminated soil, i.e., microwave/persulfate, was developed to treat soil containing ethyl-parathion. The concentration of persulfate, reaction temperature, and time were optimised. The results showed that up to 77.32% of ethyl-parathion was removed with the addition of 0.1 mmol·persulfate·g^-1 soil under the microwave temperature of 60 °C. In comparison, 19.43% of ethyl-parathion was removed at the same reaction temperature under the condition of water bath activated persulfate. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy combined with spin-trapping technology was used to detect reactive oxidation species, and OH and SO₄^- were observed in the microwave/persulfate system. Quenching experiments suggested that ethyl-parathion was degraded by the generated OH and SO₄^-. Paraoxon, phenylphosphoric acid, 4-nitrophenol, dimethyl ester phosphate, and some alkanes were the dominant oxidative products identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. A possible pathway for ethyl-parathion degradation was proposed in this study. The results obtained serve as the guidance to the development of remediation technologies involving persulfate and microwave for soil contaminated by organic contaminants such as pesticides.

Trichloroethylene degradation performance in aqueous solution by Fe(II) activated sodium percarbonate in the presence of surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate

The performance of trichloroethylene (TCE) degradation by sodium percarbonate (SPC) activated with Fe(II) in the presence of 3.0 g/L sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as well as the role of SDS in the SPC/Fe(II) system was investigated since SDS is a common surfactant used in groundwater remediation for improving TCE dissolution to the aqueous phase. The results showed that though the introduction of SDS could inhibit the TCE degradation, the inhibiting effect was less with the increasing SDS dose. In the presence of SDS, TCE could be completely removed with the SPC/Fe(II)/TCE molar ratio of 40/80/1. Experiments with free radical probe compounds and radical scavengers elucidated that TCE was mainly oxidized by both HO· and O 2 - · . A weakly acidic environment was more favorable to TCE degradation. Nevertheless, HCO 3 - at a high concentration had a strongly inhibitive effect on the TCE degradation but the influence of Cl^- was negligible. Finally, the excellent TCE degradation achieved in actual groundwater demonstrated that Fe(II) activated SPC technique was applicable in the remediation of TCE contaminated groundwater in the presence of SDS. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The effects of SDS were evaluated SPC/Fe(II)/SDS system applied to remediate TCE The mechanism of HO· and O 2 - · generation had been investigated Cl^- and HCO 3 - affected TCE degradation at different levels The performance of TCE removal in actual groundwater had been studied.

Plasmon-enabled degradation of organic micropollutants in water by visible-light illumination of Janus gold nanorods

The development of sustainable methods for the degradation of pollutants in water is an ongoing critical challenge. Anthropogenic organic micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals, present in our water supplies in trace quantities, are currently not remediated by conventional treatment processes. Here, we report an initial demonstration of the oxidative degradation of organic micropollutants using specially designed nanoparticles and visible-wavelength sunlight. Gold "Janus" nanorods (Au JNRs), partially coated with silica to enhance their colloidal stability in aqueous solutions while also maintaining a partially uncoated Au surface to facilitate photocatalysis, were synthesized. Au JNRs were dispersed in an aqueous solution containing peroxydisulfate (PDS), where oxidative degradation of both simulant and actual organic micropollutants was observed. Photothermal heating, light-induced hot electron-driven charge transfer, and direct electron shuttling under dark conditions all contribute to the observed oxidation chemistry. This work not only provides an ideal platform for studying plasmonic photochemistry in aqueous medium but also opens the door for nanoengineered, solar-based methods to remediate recalcitrant micropollutants in water supplies.

Non-radical PMS activation by the nanohybrid material with periodic confinement of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Cu hydroxides

A new strategy was applied by periodic stacking of active sites of Cu and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in the form of Cu-rGO LDH nanohybrid material. The experimental results revealed that newly prepared Cu-rGO LDH nanohybrid material was extremely reactive in PMS activation as evident from the degradation rate of 0.115 min^-1, much higher than Mn-rGO LDH (0.071 min^-1), Zn-rGO LDH (0.023 min^-1) or other benchmarked material used during the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA). This excellent activity of Cu-rGO LDH nanohybrid was attributed to the better PMS utilization efficiency as compared to the other catalysts. Additionally, the characterization techniques disclosed that the layer by layer arrangement of active sites in the Cu-rGO LDH catalyst promotes interfacial electron mobility owing to the synergistic association between Cu in LDH and interlayered rGO. Based on the in-situ electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and chemical scavengers, singlet oxygen (¹O₂) was unveiled as dominant reactive species for pollutant removal, resulting from the recombination of superoxides (O₂^-) or reduction of active Cu centers. We believe that this novel Cu-rGO LDH/PMS system will open up a new avenue to design efficient metal-carbon nanohybrid catalysts for the degradation of emerging aquatic pollutants in a real application.

Multi-air-pollutant removal by using an integrated system: Key parameters assessment and reaction mechanism

How to cost-efficiently and cooperatively remove SO₂, NO and Hg⁰ in flue gas is a hot topic in the field of air pollution control. This work developed an integrated system that consists of a dual-absorption system and a vapor oxidation system, in which Na₂CO₃ and H₂O₂/Na₂S₂O₈ were used as the absorbent and oxidant. The results indicated that the efficiencies of SO₂ removal and NO conversion reached 99.5% and 93% respectively. Rising the vaporization temperature and decreasing the pH of H₂O₂/Na₂S₂O₈ could facilitate the NO conversion. The spent Na₂CO₃ after desulfurization was demonstrated to be a good absorbent for NO₂ removal. The best conditions of pH and temperatures for the dual-absorber were determined as 10/8 and 60/60 °C, respectively. The presence of 1000 mg/m³ SO₂ and 300 mg/m³ NO favored the Hg⁰ removal. TMT-15, an organic sulfur compound, was demonstrated to be useful in retaining Hg²⁺, with an efficiency of 92%. According to the analyses of electron spin resonance (ESR), ion chromatography (IC), atom fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SO₄^- and HO were proved to be the key radicals, and the existing forms of N- and Hg- species in the product were identified as NaNO₂/NaNO₃ and HgCl₂.

Comparison of real wastewater oxidation with Fenton/Fenton-like and persulfate activated by NaOH and Fe(II)

Treatment of polluted wastewaters from industrial activities has become a source of major concern for the environment. In this work, real wastewater from a physico-chemical (WWFQ) treatment was tested through different oxidation technologies: Fenton and Fenton-like reagent and persulfate activated by NaOH and Fe(II). Oxidation reactions with Fenton's reagent were carried out in a 0.25 L batch reactor at 25 °C by adding either Fe(II) or Fe(III) and H₂O₂ to an aqueous solution of wastewater, whose pH was previously adjusted to 2 or 3. Iron concentration ranging from 25 to 100 mg/L and peroxide concentration from 2500 to 10000 mg/L were used. The total organic carbon slightly decreased when WWFQ was treated. Moreover, better results were obtained when Fe(II) was used than Fe(III). Both iron concentration and oxidant dosage had a positive influence on the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, until an asymptotic value of 30% was obtained. Oxidation of pollutants contained in WWFQ was studied with persulfate (18.4-294 mM) activated with NaOH and Fe(II) (36.8-588 mM). Again, a positive influence of both persulfate and NaOH was observed, although a similar asymptotic COD value was observed. This parallelism between both technologies confirms recalcitrant compounds were obtained.

Data for persulfate activation by UV light to degrade theophylline in a water effluent

The aim of this study was to degrade theophylline (TP) drug in a pharmaceutical effluent solution utilizing persulfate (PS). A simulated and a real effluent solution were used, with different conditions tested to optimize the degradation process. HPLC analyses and a modified-HPLC method were used to track concentrations of TP and PS respectively in the treatment process. Experiments were done in triplicates and treated data is presented as graphs. A detailed analyses of this study can be found in the article “Degradation of theophylline in a UV₂₅₄/PS system: matrix effect and application to a factory effluent” [1] published in Chemical Engineering Journal.

Carbon Materials Inhibit Formation of Nitrated Aromatic Products in Treatment of Phenolic Compounds by Thermal Activation of Peroxydisulfate in the Presence of Nitrite

Recent studies have reported that toxic nitrated aromatic products are generated during treatment of phenolic compounds by thermally activated peroxydisulfate (thermal/PDS) in the presence of nitrite (NO₂^-). This work explored the potential of carbon materials on controlling the formation of nitrated aromatic products using phenol as a model compound. In the presence of selected carbon materials including diverse carbon nanotubes (CNT) and powdered activated carbon (PAC), the transformation kinetics of phenol was significantly enhanced, primarily attributed to nonradical activation of PDS by carbon materials. Nitrophenols (NPs) including 2-NP and 4-NP were formed in phenol oxidation by the thermal/PDS/NO₂^- process, due to the reaction of phenol with reactive nitrogen species generated from NO₂^- oxidation. The addition of carbon materials obviously inhibited NPs formation under various experimental conditions. The bonding of nitro groups on the CNT surface was clearly confirmed by means of various characterizations, probably resulting from the competitive reaction of reactive nitrogen species with CNT vs phenol. The controlling effect of carbon materials was also verified in the cases of other phenolic compounds. Therefore, the addition of carbon materials may be a promising approach to control the formation of undesirable nitrated byproducts by the thermal/PDS process in the presence of NO₂^-.

Kinetics and model development of iohexol degradation during UV/H2O2 and UV/S2O82- oxidation

The degradation rates and kinetics of one commonly used iodinated contrast medium, iohexol, were investigated and compared during ultraviolet (UV) photolysis, UV/H₂O₂ and UV/S₂O₈^2- advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Results indicate that the iohexol degradation rate increased in the order of UV/H₂O₂ < UV irradiation < UV/S₂O₈^2- and followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Increasing persulfate concentration significantly increased iohexol degradation rate, whereas increasing H₂O₂ concentration caused reverse effect. Radical scavenging test results show that UV photolysis, OH and radicals all contributed to iohexol degradation during UV/S₂O₈^2-, but OH was the main contributor during UV/H₂O₂ and was consumed by excess H₂O₂. The kinetic models of iohexol degradation by both AOPs were developed, and the reaction rate constants with OH and were calculated as 5.73 (±0.02) × 10⁸ and 3.91 (±0.01) × 10¹⁰ M^-1 s^-1, respectively. Iohexol degradation rate remained stable at pH 5-9 during UV irradiation and UV/H₂O₂, but gradually decreased at pH 5-7 and remained stable at pH 7-9 during UV/S₂O₈^2-. The presence of anions displayed inhibitory effects on iohexol degradation during UV/S₂O₈^2- in the order of Cl^- >HCO₃^- ≫ SO₄^2-. UV/S₂O₈^2- AOP exhibited high degradation efficiency and stability on the basis of UV irradiation, which can be applied as a promising degradation method for iohexol. UV/S₂O₈^2- AOP can effectively mineralize iohexol to CO₂ but promoted the generation of toxic iodoform (CHI₃), and the subsequent chlorination had the potential to reduce the content of disinfection by-products; therefore, further evaluation of possible environmental hazards is warranted.

Using photoactivated acetone for the degradation of Chlorazol Black in aqueous solutions: Impact of mineral and organic additives

This study examined the effect of different mineral and organic additives on the degradation of Chlorazol Black (CB, 25.5 μM) in aqueous media by UV/acetone process. Initially, it was found that acetone (50 mM)-assisted UV irradiation accelerated the CB removal within 30 min to 98% against 34% for the sole UV, presumably due to the implication of methyl radicals in the degradation process as confirmed by O₂ saturation and nitrite addition (as CH₃-specific scavengers). While NaCl and Na₂SO₄ have no impact on the degradation kinetics of CB upon UV/acetone process, NaHCO₃ and Na₂CO₃ slightly inhibited it and a relatively more inhibition was observed with NaNO₃ and KBr. The degradation performance was somewhat decreased in natural mineral water. On the other hand, ascorbic acid, as free radicals scavenger, at low concentration (0.1 mM) completely quenched the positive effect of acetone confirming the free radical mechanism on CB degradation. Besides, the implication of OH was excluded by adding 2‑propanol (up to 50 mM). Furthermore, the slight decrease in CB removal in the presence of sucrose, glucose and humic acid is a clear indication that UV/acetone process is a promising technique for removing organic dyes from environmental samples.

Degradation and mechanism of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) by thermally activated persulfate oxidation

The chlorinated phenoxy herbicide of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was oxidized by thermally activated persulfate (TAP). This herbicide was studied for different persulfate dosages (0.97-7.29 g L^-1), for varying initial pH levels (3-12) and temperatures (25-70 °C). Compared with Fe²⁺/PS, TAP could achieve a higher total organic carbon (TOC) removal under wider pH ranges of 3-12. Increasing the mole ratio of PS to 2,4-D favored for the decay of 2,4-D and the best performance was achieved at the ratio of 50. The 2,4-D degradation rate constant highly depended on the initial pH and temperature, in accordance with the Arrhenius model, with an apparent activation energy of 135.24 kJ mol^-1. The study of scavenging radicals and the EPR confirmed the presence of both SO₄^- and OH. However, SO₄^- was the predominant oxidation radical for 2,4-D decay. The presence of both Cl^- and CO₃^2- inhibited the degradation of 2,4-D, whereas the effect of NO₃^- could be negligible. Verified by GC/MS, HPLC and ion chromatography, a possible degradation mechanism was proposed.

Applications and factors influencing of the persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes for the remediation of groundwater and soil contaminated with organic compounds

Persulfate is the latest oxidant which is being used increasingly for the remediation of groundwater and soil contaminated with organic compounds. It is of great significant to offer readers a general summary about different methods of activating persulfate, mainly including heat-activated, metal ions-activated, UV-activated, and alkaline-activated. Meanwhile, in addition to persulfate concentration as an influencing factor for persulfate oxidation process, selected information like temperature, anions, cations, pH, and humic acid are presented and discussed. The last section focuses on the advantages of different activated persulfate processes, and the suggestions and research needs for persulfate-based advanced oxidation in the remediation of polluted groundwater and soil.

Enhanced degradation of isoproturon in soil through persulfate activation by Fe-based layered double hydroxide: different reactive species comparing with activation by homogenous Fe(II)

Phenylurea herbicide residuals in soil may continuously contaminate surface water and groundwater due to unregulated and improper use. Herein, we reported a stable and active oxidation system including heterogeneous Fe-based layered double hydroxide materials as persulfate (PS) activators. Under mild conditions, 1% LDH in weight and 70 mM PS can completely degrade 500 mg/kg isoproturon in soil within 10 h, during which less than 0.1 ppm heavy metal leaching was detected. This remarkable performance was consistent in a broad pH range (3~11) and was resistant to various inorganic anions (Cl^-, Br^-, NO₃^-, HCO₃^-) and humic acid. Mechanism studies from scavenging tests, EPR, and fluorescence spectra collectively proved that besides •OH and •SO₄^-, singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and superoxide (•O₂^-) were also generated and were accounted for the oxidative degradation. This unique mechanism of generating diverse radicals was clearly distinguished from classic Fe(II)/PS system, significantly reduced the influence of varying parameters in water and soil matrix, and was suggestive to chemical oxidation system in soil remediation to avoid scavenging effects by background electrolytes or other components in water/soil matrix. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Oxidative removal of metronidazole from aqueous solution by thermally activated persulfate process: kinetics and mechanisms

Metronidazole (MNZ) is widely used in clinical applications and animal feed as an antibiotic agent and additive, respectively. Widespread occurrence of MNZ in wastewater treatment and hospital effluents has been reported. In this study, the mechanism of MNZ degradation in aqueous solutions via thermally activated persulfate (TAP) process was established under different conditions. The kinetic model was derived for MNZ degradation and followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics and was consistent with the model fitted by experimental data (R ² > 98.8%). The rate constant increased with the initial dosage of persulfate, as well as the temperature, and the yielding apparent activation energy was 23.9 kcal mol^-1. The pH of the solutions did not have significant effect on MNZ degradation. The degradation efficiency of MNZ reached 96.6% within 180 min for an initial MNZ concentration of 100 mg L^-1 under the optional condition of [PS]₀ = 20 mM, T = 60 °C, and unadjusted pH. [Formula: see text] and HO ^· were confirmed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra during TAP process. Radical quenching study revealed that [Formula: see text] was mainly responsible for MNZ degradation at an unadjusted pH. MNZ mineralization evaluation showed that the removal efficiency of total organic carbon (TOC) reached more than 97.2%.

Impacts of inorganic anions and natural organic matter on thermally activated persulfate oxidation of BTEX in water

The present study investigated the impacts of water matrix constituents (CO₃^2-, HCO₃^-, Cl^-, Br^-, PO₄^3-, HPO₄^2-, H₂PO₄^-, NO₃^-, SO₄^2- and natural organic matters (NOM) on the oxidation of a mixture of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) by thermally activated persulfate (PS). In the absence of matrix constituents, the BTEX oxidation rates decreased in the following order: xylenes > toluene ≈ ethylbenzene > benzene. HCO₃^-/CO₃^2- and NOM inhibited the BTEX oxidation and the inhibiting effects became more pronounced as the HCO₃^-/CO₃^2-/NOM concentration increased. SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, PO₄^3- and H₂PO₄^- did not affect the BTEX oxidation while HPO₄^2- slightly inhibited the reaction. The impacts of Cl^- and Br^- were complex. Cl^- inhibited the benzene oxidation while 100 mM and 500 mM of Cl^- promoted the oxidation of m-xylene and p-xylene. Br^- completely suppressed the benzene oxidation while 500 mM of Br^- strongly promoted the oxidation of xylenes. Detailed explanations on the influence of each matrix constituent were discussed. In addition, various halogenated degradation byproducts were detected in the treatments containing Cl^- and Br^-. Overall, this study indicates that some matrix constituents such as NOM, HCO₃^-, CO₃^2-, H₂PO₄^-, Cl^- and Br^- may reduce the BTEX removal efficiency of sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation process (SR-AOP) and the presence of Cl^- and Br^- may even lead to the formation of toxic halogenated byproducts.

Efficient degradation method of emerging organic pollutants in marine environment using UV/periodate process: Case of chlorazol black

Sea has historically been subject to high anthropogenic pressures of direct and indirect loads of emerging organic pollutants (EOPs) from intensive industrial and agricultural activities. Photoactivated periodate (UV/IO₄^-) is an innovative oxidation technique that was never tested in seawater as pollutants matrix. In this work, we attempted to investigate the treatment of seawater contaminated with chlorazol black (CB) dye, as a model of EOPs, using photoactivated periodate process. It was found that periodate (0.5mM) assisted-UV treatment of CB (20mgL^-1) in seawater resulted in 13.16-fold increase in the initial degradation rate, compared to UV alone, and 82% of CB was removed after 40min face to 38% under UV alone. The beneficial effect of UV/IO₄^- treatment is strongly dependent on operational parameters. More interestingly, SDS surfactant, as an organic matter, did not affect the degradation process, making UV/IO₄^- a promising technique for treating seawater contaminated with EOPs.

Phenol abatement using persulfate activated by nZVI, H2O2 and NaOH and development of a kinetic model for alkaline activation

Three persulfate (PS) activation methods (nanoparticles of zero-valent iron (nZVI), hydrogen peroxide and alkali) were compared using phenol as target pollutant. Firstly, four experiments were conducted at 25°C in a batch way using the same initial phenol and oxidant concentrations (10 mM and 420 mM, respectively), being the molar ratio activator/PS fixed to 0.005 with nZVI (mass ratio 0.0011 nZVI/PS), to 2 using hydrogen peroxide and to 2 and 4 with NaOH. Phenol and PS conversions and aromatic byproducts profiles during 168 h reaction time were measured and compared, as well as mineralization and ecotoxicity of the samples. It was found that both phenol and aromatic byproducts (catechol and hydroquinone) totally disappeared using PS activated by alkali before 24 h, while a significant amount of aromatic intermediates was obtained with nZVI and H₂O₂. Additional runs were carried out using shorter times (0-2 h) to discriminate the oxidation route and the kinetic model of phenol abatement by using PS activated by alkali. Different initial concentrations of phenol (5-15 mM), PS (210 and 420 mM) and molar ratio NaOH/PS (2 and 4) were employed. The kinetic model obtained predicts accurately the evolution of phenol, persulfate, hydroquinone and catechol.

Changes in activation energy and kinetics of heat-activated persulfate oxidation of phenol in response to changes in pH and temperature

Persulfate (peroxydisulfate, S₂O₈^2-) is the newest oxidant used for the in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) remediation of soil and groundwater. The present study investigated impacts of solution pH, temperature, and persulfate concentration on the reaction rate constant (k₁), activation energy (E_a), and reaction order of the heat-activated persulfate process. Phenol was chosen as the model organic contaminant. As temperature increased from 30 °C to 70 °C, k₁ exhibited a significant increase from 0.003 h^-1∼0.962 h^-1 (pH 1.3-13.9) to 1.184 h^-1∼9.91 h^-1 (pH 1.3-13.9), which corroborated with the activation of persulfate using heat. As pH increased from 1.3 to 13.9, k₁ exhibited a 4.3-fold increase at 70 °C and a 320-fold increase at 30 °C, thereby suggesting that: 1) the phenol oxidation rate increased under alkaline conditions, and 2) the enhancement of reaction rate due to alkaline activation was more pronounced at a lower temperature. Increasing pH significantly reduced E_a from 139.7 ± 1.3 kJ/mol at pH 1.3 to 52.0 ± 3.3 kJ/mol at pH 13.9. In contrast to changing pH, increasing persulfate concentration from 20 to 320 mM significantly increased k₁ but did not affect E_a. Changes in E_a suggest that persulfate oxidation of phenol experienced different reaction pathways or elementary reaction sequences as the pH changed from 1.3 to 13.9. In addition, the k₁ and E_a data also suggest that a minimal pH threshold of ∼11 was required for the effective alkaline activation of persulfate.

Efficient transformation in characteristics of cations supported-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for the destruction of trichloroethane

Experiments were conducted to investigate the use of graphene-oxide supported metallic nanocomposites for improving the degradation of trichloroethane (TCA) by sodium percarbonate (SPC). Two methods of production, chemical reduction (CR) and solvo-thermal (ST), were tested for preparation of single (Fe) and binary (Fe-Cu) nanocomposites supported by reduced graphene oxide (rGO). A variety of analytical techniques including N2 adsorption Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), x-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transfrom infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmisison electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to characterize the physicochemical and microstructural properties of the synthesized nanocomposites. The characterization indicated that the CR method produced nanocomposites that comprised only mesoporous structure. Conversely, both micro and mesoporous structures were present for samples produced with the ST method. The synthesized single and bimetallic composites produced from the ST method showed higher surface areas, i.e. 93.6 m²/g and 119.2 m²/g as compared to the ones synthesized via the CR method, i.e. 13.8 m²/g and 38.0 m²/g respectively. The results of FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed that the ST method produced highly crystalline nanocomposites. SEM and TEM analysis validated that metallic particles with definite morphology well distributed on the surface of rGO. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the homogeneity nanocomposites and occurrence of variation in copper oxidation states during degradation process. EDS mapping validate the homogeneous distribution of Cu and Fe at reduced graphene oxide surface. The Fe-Cu/rGO (ST) activated SPC system effectively degraded TCA (92%) in 2.5 h at low nanocomposite dose compared to the Fe-Cu/rGO (CR) and only Fe, for which the maximum degradation efficiencies achieved were 81% and 34%. In conclusion, excellent catalytic characteristics were observed for the ST-synthesized single and bimetallic (Fe/rGO, Fe-Cu/rGO) catalysts. These catalysts were successful in improving the degradation of TCA via activated SPC.

Compatibility of Surfactants and Thermally Activated Persulfate for Enhanced Subsurface Remediation

Limited aqueous availability of hydrophobic organic contaminants and nonaqueous phase liquids in subsurface environment may seriously impair the effectiveness of traditional in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). To tackle the issue, a combination of surfactants and thermally activated persulfate was proposed to enhance the aqueous availability and consequent oxidation of organic contaminants. The compatibility of eight representative nonionic, monovalent anionic, and divalent anionic surfactants with persulfate at various temperatures was first studied, to identify suitable surfactants that have high aqueous stability and low oxidant demands to couple with thermally activated persulfate. C₁₂-MADS (sodium dodecyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, a representative divalent anionic surfactant) stands out as the most compatible surfactant. Batch treatability study with coal tar, an example of challenging scenarios for traditional ISCO, was then conducted. The results show that C₁₂-MADS can significantly enhance not only the oxidation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons contained in coal tar but also oxidant utilization efficiency, indicating the potential of the proposed coupling process for the treatment of organic contaminants with low aqueous availability.

Carbon and Chlorine Isotope Fractionation Patterns Associated with Different Engineered Chloroform Transformation Reactions

To use compound-specific isotope analysis for confidently assessing organic contaminant attenuation in the environment, isotope fractionation patterns associated with different transformation mechanisms must first be explored in laboratory experiments. To deliver this information for the common groundwater contaminant chloroform (CF), this study investigated for the first time both carbon and chlorine isotope fractionation for three different engineered reactions: oxidative C-H bond cleavage using heat-activated persulfate, transformation under alkaline conditions (pH ∼ 12) and reductive C-Cl bond cleavage by cast zerovalent iron, Fe(0). Carbon and chlorine isotope fractionation values were -8 ± 1‰ and -0.44 ± 0.06‰ for oxidation, -57 ± 5‰ and -4.4 ± 0.4‰ for alkaline hydrolysis (pH 11.84 ± 0.03), and -33 ± 11‰ and -3 ± 1‰ for dechlorination, respectively. Carbon and chlorine apparent kinetic isotope effects (AKIEs) were in general agreement with expected mechanisms (C-H bond cleavage in oxidation by persulfate, C-Cl bond cleavage in Fe(0)-mediated reductive dechlorination and E1_CB elimination mechanism during alkaline hydrolysis) where a secondary AKIE_Cl (1.00045 ± 0.00004) was observed for oxidation. The different dual carbon-chlorine (Δδ¹³C vs Δδ³⁷Cl) isotope patterns for oxidation by thermally activated persulfate and alkaline hydrolysis (17 ± 2 and 13.0 ± 0.8, respectively) vs reductive dechlorination by Fe(0) (8 ± 2) establish a base to identify and quantify these CF degradation mechanisms in the field.

Persulfate-enhanced sonochemical degradation of naphthol blue black in water: Evidence of sulfate radical formation

This work explores the effect of persulfate (PS) on the sonochemical degradation of organic pollutants taking naphthol blue black (NBB), an anionic diazo dye, as a substrate model. The sonolytic experiments were conducted in the absence and presence of PS under various experimental conditions including acoustic power (10-80W), frequency (20 and 585kHz) and saturating gas (argon, air and nitrogen). Experimental results showed that PS decomposition into sulfate radical (SO₄^-) takes place by sonolysis and increasing PS concentration up to 1g/L would result in an increase in the NBB degradation rate. It was found that the PS-enhanced effect was strongly operating parameters dependent. The positive effect of PS decreased with increasing power and the best enhancing effect was obtained for the lowest acoustic power. Correspondingly, the PS-enhanced effect was more remarkable at low frequency (20kHz) than that observed at high frequency ultrasound (585kHz). Nitrogen saturating gas gave the best enhanced effect of PS than argon and air atmospheres. Theoretical (computer simulation of bubble collapse) and experimental measurements of the yields of free radical generation under the different experimental conditions have been made for interpreting the obtained effects of PS on the sonochemical degradation of the dye pollutant. The experimental findings were attributed to the fact that radical-radical recombination reactions occur at faster rate than the radical-organic reaction when the concentration of free radicals is too high (at higher sonochemical conditions).

Degradation of landfill leachate compounds by persulfate for groundwater remediation

In this study, batch and column experiments were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using persulfate oxidation to treat groundwater contaminated by landfill leachate (CGW). In batch experiments, persulfate was compared with H₂O₂, and permanganate for oxidation of organic compounds in CGW. It was also compared with the potential of biodegradation for contaminant removal from CGW. Persulfate was observed to be superior to H₂O₂ and permanganate for degradation of total organic carbon (TOC) in the CGW. Conversely, biodegradation caused only partial removal of TOC in CGW. In contrast, persulfate caused complete degradation of the TOC in the CGW or aged CGW, showing no selectivity limitation to the contaminants. Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) enhanced degradation of leachate compounds in both CGW and aged CGW with limited increase in persulfate consumption and sulfate production. Under dynamic flow condition in 1-D column experiments, both biodegradation and persulfate oxidation of TOC were enhanced by Fe₃O₄. The enhancement, however, was significantly greater for persulfate oxidation. In both batch and column experiments, Fe₃O₄ by itself caused minimal consumption of persulfate and production of sulfate, indicating that magnetite is a good persulfate activator for treating CGW in heterogeneous systems The results of the study show that the persulfate-based in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) method has great potential to treat the groundwater contaminated by landfill leachate.

In-situ chemical oxidation: Principle and applications of peroxide and persulfate treatments in wastewater systems

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and persulfate are the most efficient and commonly used oxidants in in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) of organic contaminants. This review focuses on the principle and activation techniques used in H2O2 and persulfate based ISCO processes. It is crucial to understand the effect of activation techniques on process chemistry and free radicals behaviour in order to achieve high degradation efficiency. The chemistry of interaction of activated H2O2 and persulfate with organic contaminants is complex and many parameters influence the performance of ISCO processes, namely non-productive reactants, reaction intermediates, oxygen and pH. The poor understanding of interaction behaviour and reaction chemistry of oxidants with organic contaminants prevents the utilization of full potential of the process. Therefore, particular attention has been given to the factors affecting degradation efficiency and the performance of ISCO processes. Further, the mechanism of contaminant degradation using activated H2O2 and persulfate significantly differ from each other. The interaction of SO4(-) radical usually involves electron transfer reactions whereas HO radical involve electron-transfer and hydrogen-atom abstraction reactions. Moreover, the research gaps have been identified based on the knowledge of current research and recommendations are made for further understanding of ISCO processes.

Efficient transformation of DDTs with Persulfate Activation by Zero-valent Iron Nanoparticles: A Mechanistic Study

In this study, persulfate (PS) activation by nano-Fe(0) was used to degrade dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and the mechanism of this process was elucidated with EPR, GC-MS and free-radical quenching studies. It was found that DDT was degraded efficiently in PS/nano-Fe(0), and GC-MS analysis showed that benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, dichlorobenzophenone and 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethane were the dominant products of DDT degradation, while only dechlorination products (DDD and DDE) were observed in nano-Fe(0) without persulfate. EPR results showed that persulfate activation by nano-Fe(0) led to the production of more sulfate radicals and hydroxyl radicals, which accounted for DDT degradation. But the free radical quenching studies suggested that the addition of ethanol to PS/nano-Fe(0) favored the reductive dechlorination of DDT, which was ascribed that the formed ethanol radical (CH(CH3)OH) enhanced the reductive dechlorination of DDT. Furthermore, the nano-Fe(0) loading not only affected the degradation efficiency of DDT, but also influenced the intermediate product distribution of DDT degradation in the PS/nano-Fe(0) process.