Artificial waters containing the xenobiotics atrazine, bisphenol A and chlorendic acid were treated by use of micro-disinfection apparatus, based on electrochemical ozone production. The design and working principle, as well as the applicability of the apparatus for the degradation of the target compounds is presented.The initial concentrations of the analytes were chosen to be in the mg L −1 order. Degradation and transformation of the analytes was determined via LC-MS, UV/Vis, and IC. Bisphenol A was degraded completely within short ozonation times, but complete mineralization could not be achieved. Ion chromatography indicated formic and oxalic acid to be transformation products. For atrazine a degradation of 96% could be achieved within 3 h. Intermediate transformation products, like desethylatrazine, desisopropylatrazine, and desethyl-desisopropylatrazine, are formed and further degraded to formic acid and chloride. Chlorendic acid was degraded by up to 40% of the initial concentration. Analyses by UV/Vis and IC again showed formic acid, chloride, and also chlorate to be transformation products.Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol.
This journal isWater pollution by xenobiotics is a problem of significant environmental impact. Promising advanced oxidation techniques for water and waste water treatment, that can operate efficiently and sustainably, are still needed. In this paper we present a new small-scale device for electrochemically ozone production, which is able to degradate organic pollutants effectively in aqueous media. The effect of different ozone contact times were studied and degradation products are characterised. Purified water in small amounts (mL to L range) might be of great importance for medical and pharmaceutical use in areas, where no regular water or waste water treatment is possible, e.g. deserts, developing countries.