Electrochemical waste water treatment: Electrooxidation of acetaminophen

Electrochemical degradation of key drugs to treat COVID-19: Experimental analysis of the toxic by-products formation (PCDD/Fs)

Drug consumption has grown exponentially in recent decades, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to their presence in various water sources. In this way, degradation technologies for pollutants, such as electrochemical oxidation (ELOX), have become crucial to safeguard the quality of natural resources. This study has as its starting point a previous research, which demonstrated the efficacy of ELOX in the removal of COVID-19 related-drugs, such as dexamethasone (DEX), paracetamol (PAR), amoxicillin (AMX), and sertraline (STR), using the electrolytes NaCl and Na2SO4. The present research aims to study the potential risks associated with the generation of toxic by-products, during the ELOX of cited drugs, specifically focusing on the highly chlorinated persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Dioxins and furans can be formed potentially in electrochemical systems from precursor molecules or non-precursor molecules in chloride medium. First, the degradation of the parent compounds was found to be complete. At this point, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to identify and analyse the by-products formed during the degradation process; precursors of PCDD/Fs, such as chlorophenols or hydroquinones were identified. Additionally, in continuation of the previous study, PCDD/Fs congeners were investigated, revealing elevated concentrations; the highest concentration obtained was for the congener 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF (234.6 pg L-1 in NaCl) during degradation of the AMX. Finally, an assessment of the toxicity based on TEQ values was conducted, with DEX exhibiting the highest concentration among all compounds: 30.1 pg L-1 for NaCl medium. Therefore, the formation of minor by-products should not be underestimated, as they can significantly enhance the toxicity of the final sample, so the selection of the appropriate remediation technology, as well as the optimization of experimental operating variables, is determining in the treatment of pharmaceutical-contaminated waters.

CaCu3Ti4O12 Perovskite Materials for Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment

The many pollutants detected in water represent a global environmental issue. Emerging and persistent organic pollutants are particularly difficult to remove using traditional treatment methods. Electro-oxidation and sulfate-radical-based advanced oxidation processes are innovative removal methods for these contaminants. These approaches rely on the generation of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals during electro-oxidation and sulfate activation, respectively. In addition, hybrid activation, in which these methods are combined, is interesting because of the synergistic effect of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals. Hybrid activation effectiveness in pollutant removal can be influenced by various factors, particularly the materials used for the anode. This review focuses on various organic pollutants. However, it focuses more on pharmaceutical pollutants, particularly paracetamol, as this is the most frequently detected emerging pollutant. It then discusses electro-oxidation, photocatalysis and sulfate radicals, highlighting their unique advantages and their performance for water treatment. It focuses on perovskite oxides as an anode material, with a particular interest in calcium copper titanate (CCTO), due to its unique properties. The review describes different CCTO synthesis techniques, modifications, and applications for water remediation.

Formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) in the electrochemical oxidation of polluted waters with pharmaceuticals used against COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced a huge impact on our lives, increasing the consumption of certain pharmaceuticals, and with this, contributing to the intensification of their presence in wastewater and in the environment. This situation demands the implementation of efficient remediation technologies, among them, electrochemical oxidation (ELOX) is one the most applied. This work studies the application of ELOX with the aim of eliminate pharmaceuticals used in the fight against COVID-19, assessing its degradation rate, as well as the risk of formation of toxic trace by-products, such as unintentional POPs like polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). To this end, model solutions containing 10 mg L^-1 of dexamethasone (DEX), paracetamol (PAR), amoxicillin (AMX), and sertraline (STR) with two different electrolytes (NaCl and Na₂SO₄) have been evaluated. However, electrochemical systems that contain chloride ions in solution together with PCDD/Fs precursor molecules may lead to the formation of these highly toxic by-products. So, PCDD/Fs were quantified under conditions of complete degradation of the drugs. Furthermore, the presence of PCDD/Fs precursors such as chlorophenols was determined, as well as the role of Cl^-, Cl^• and SO 4 • - radicals in the formation of the by-products and PCDD/Fs. The maximum measured concentration of PCDD/Fs was around 2700 pg L^-1 for the amoxicillin case in NaCl medium. The obtained results emphasise the importance of not underestimating the potential formation of these highly toxic trace by-products, in addition to the correct selection of oxidation processes and operation variables, in order to avoid final higher toxicity in the medium.

A Comprehensive Review for Removal of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Attained from Wastewater Observations Using Carbon-Based Anodic Oxidation Process

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (concentration <µg/L) are globally acknowledged as hazardous emerging pollutants that pass via various routes in the environment and ultimately enter aquatic food chains. In this context, the article reviews the occurrence, transport, fate, and electrochemical removal of some selected NSAIDs (diclofenac (DIC), ketoprofen (KTP), ibuprofen (IBU), and naproxen (NPX)) using carbon-based anodes in the aquatic environment. However, no specific protocol has been developed to date, and various approaches have been adopted for the sampling and elimination processes of NSAIDs from wastewater samples. The mean concentration of selected NSAIDs from different countries varies considerably, ranging between 3992−27,061 µg/L (influent wastewater) and 1208−7943 µg/L (effluent wastewater). An assessment of NSAIDs removal efficiency across different treatment stages in various wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been performed. Overall, NSAIDs removal efficiency in wastewater treatment plants has been reported to be around 4−89%, 8−100%, 16−100%, and 17−98% for DIC, KTP, NPX, and IBU, respectively. A microbiological reactor (MBR) has been proclaimed to be the most reliable treatment technique for NSAIDs removal (complete removal). Chlorination (81−95%) followed by conventional mechanical biological treatment (CMBT) (94−98%) treatment has been demonstrated to be the most efficient in removing NSAIDs. Further, the present review explains that the electrochemical oxidation process is an alternative process for the treatment of NSAIDs using a carbon-based anode. Different carbon-based carbon anodes have been searched for electrochemical removal of selected NSAIDs. However, boron-doped diamond and graphite have presented reliable applications for the complete removal of NSAIDs from wastewater samples or their aqueous solution.

Photo-electrooxidation treatment of Acetaminophen in aqueous solution using BDD-Fe and BDD-Cu systems

In this study, acetaminophen (ACT) in aqueous solution was treated with electrooxidation and photo-electrooxidation processes (PEO). An electrochemical cell was used for the treatment of different concentrations of ACT (10, 50 and 80 mg L^-1). A 2³ factorial design was proposed, and the variables studied were current intensity 0.5 A (45.45 mA cm^-2) and 1.0 A (90.91 mA cm^-2), electrode configuration (anode:BDD, cathode:Fe or Cu) and presence/absence of UV light; NaCl 0.043 M (2.5 g L^-1) was used as supporting electrolyte, the initial pH was 5.5, and the treatment time was 3 h. The aqueous solutions were characterized before and after the treatment using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), total carbon (TC), and fluorescence spectroscopy. The optimal operating conditions using an initial ACT concentration of 80 mg L^-1 were 1.0 A, BDD-Fe configuration and UV light (254 nm). The removal efficiencies were 100% of ACT and 82.75% of TOC after 15 min of treatment. At concentrations of 50 and 10 mg L^-1, 77.16% and 50.29% of TOC were removed after 10 and 5 min of treatment, respectively. Finally, the kinetic study showed an increase in the rate constants when the UV light was applied.

Comparison of the degradation of multiple amine-containing pharmaceuticals during electroindirect oxidation and electrochlorination processes in continuous system

The degradation of pharmaceuticals by electrochemical oxidation (EO) in simulated wastewater containing multiple pharmaceuticals was compared between batch and continuous reactors. Despite the excellent efficiencies achieved in batch experiments, the practical/large-scale applications of EO-degrading amine-containing pharmaceuticals has not yet been accomplished. This paper presents the results of continuous experiments with one of the most promising electrochemical configurations of Pt/Ti electrodes before proceeding to application. In the continuous electrooxidation system (without chloride), direct oxidation on the electrode surface and oxidation by hydroxyl radicals were the main pathways. Due to their short lifespans, the radicals could not be transferred to the bulk solution, and the removal of pharmaceuticals followed the order of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) > paracetamol (PAR) > diclofenac (DIC). In the electrochlorination system (with chloride), oxidation by residual chlorine was the main pathway. The removal of pharmaceuticals followed the order of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) > diclofenac (DIC) > paracetamol (PAR). High SMX removal was realized because of the high reaction rate of SMX with free chlorine. Among the pharmaceuticals, PAR had the lowest removal because it is a neutral species with a low mass transfer rate without the attraction of electrostatic force. These results are consistent with the predictions from our previous batch-scale study, which showed that the reaction rate of dissociated compounds could be increased by the addition of electrostatic force. Furthermore, multiple coexisting pharmaceuticals, such as SMX and PAR or DIC, may form dimers that can be transferred to complex structures and cause higher toxicity.

Observable removal of pharmaceutical residues by highly porous photoactive cellulose acetate@MIL-MOF film

Pharmaceutical products are used tremendously worldwide and subsequently released into wastewater even at very low concentration caused serious environmental problem due to their high activity. Therefore, the present work focuses on remarkable removal of paracetamol as one from the most used pharmaceutical intermediates, by using porous film based on cellulose acetate@metal organic framework (CA@Ti-MIL-NH₂). The film was designed to achieve extreme removal of paracetamol by action of both of adsorption and degradation. Metal organic frame work was directly synthesized and inserted within the pre-prepared porous CA film to obtain porous CA@Ti-MIL-NH₂ film. The synthesized films were applied in adsorption and photo-degradation of paracetamol separately and together. Due to the photocatalytic activity of Ti-MIL-NH_2, the photo-degradation of paracetamol in visible-light was much effective and considerably high degradation of paracetamol was observed (k₁ = 760.0 m^-1) comparing to the adsorption (k₁ = 160.0 m^-1). The overall removal of paracetamol was significantly enlarged from 82.7 mg/g for CA film to 519.1 mg/g for porous CA@Ti-MIL-NH₂ film. The used film exhibited quite good reusability and the removal of paracetamol was lowered from 96% to 85% after 5 regeneration cycles. Results of total organic carbon confirmed that paracetamol was fully degraded to CO₂ and water.

Novel approach to interference analysis of glucose sensing materials coated with Nafion

We focus here on a novel approach to analysing the mechanisms of interference phenomena in glucose sensing, taking into account the changes within the Nafion layer deposited on the active surface. Several electrochemical techniques were used to verify the sustainability of catalytic properties of the electrode material after exposure to different compounds, i.e. ascorbic acid (AA), glycine, urea, acetylsalicylic acid (AsA), and acetaminophen (AAp). Through analysis of impedance data, we concluded that AAp and AsA were trapped permanently in the Nafion membrane, which significantly affected results repeatability. These observations were also confirmed by FT-IR investigations of the membrane after its immersion in solutions containing different interfering species. Moreover, after exposure to AsA and, unexpectedly, large concentrations of urea, the catalytic properties were completely lost, which, in consequence, make sensor reuse impossible. Such behaviour was justified by the chain reorganisation and swelling. Mechanisms involving adsorption onto the interphase and absorption in the membrane were proposed as key factors responsible for deterioration of membrane functionality and were confronted with FT-IR investigations. Following that, application of Nafion for non-invasive glucose sensor protection is unsatisfactory and cannot be considered for multiple detection procedures, especially taking into account biological fluids full of different interfering species.

Characterization, optimization and kinetics study of acetaminophen degradation by Bacillus drentensis strain S1 and waste water degradation analysis

Background

In this study, the biodegradation of N-acetyl-para-aminophenol also known as acetaminophen (APAP, paracetamol) was studied by bacterial strain Bacillus drentensis strain S1 (accession no. KY623719) isolated from sewage sample.

Results

The Bacillus drentensis strain S1 was isolated from the sewage sample using the enrichment culture method. As per our knowledge this is the first Bacillus drentensis strain reported for the degradation of APAP. In this study a 20-L batch reactor was employed for degradation of APAP. The maximum specific growth rate (μmax) was observed at 400 mg/L concentration of APAP. The pilot-scale anaerobic batch reactor of was stable and self-buffered. The degradation in pilot-scale reactor was slow as compared to batch experiments due to fluctuation in pH and exhaustion of nutrients. Design-Expert® software was used for optimization of conditions for APAP degradation; such as temperature (40 °C), pH (7.0), concentration of APAP (300 g/L) and agitation speed (165 rpm). The FTIR and GC–MS were used to identify the degradation metabolites. The intermediates of degradation like 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone and phenothiazine were observed, based on these results the metabolic pathway has been predicted.

Conclusions

The optimization, kinetic, batch study and pilot study indicates the potential of Bacillus drentensis strain S1 for degradation of acetaminophen. The experimental design, optimization and statistical analysis were performed by Design Expert® software. The optimal growth condition for Bacillus drentensis strain S1 was found to be at temperature 40 °C, pH 7, acetaminophen at concentration of 300 (mg/L) and agitation speed 165 rpm. The GC–MS and FTIR was used for identification of metabolites produced during acetaminophen degradation and the partial metabolic pathway for degradation of acetaminophen was also proposed .

Electrochemical oxidation of acetaminophen and its transformation products in surface water: effect of pH and current density

Several studies have been conducted worldwide to develop effective and affordable methods to degrade pharmaceuticals and their metabolites/intermediates/oxidation products found in surface water, wastewater and drinking water. In this work, acetaminophen and its transformation products were successfully degraded in surface water by electrochemical oxidation using stainless steel electrodes. The effect of pH and current density on the oxidation process was assessed and the oxidation kinetics and mechanisms involved were described. Additionally, the results were compared with those obtained in acetaminophen synthetic solutions. It was found that conducting the electrochemical oxidation at 16.3 mA/cm² and pH 5, good performance of the process was achieved and not only acetaminophen, but also its transformation products were totally degraded in only 7.5 min; furthermore, small number of transformation products were generated. On the other hand, degradation rates of acetaminophen and its transformation products in surface water were much faster (more than 2.5 times) and the reaction times much shorter (more than 4.0 times) than in synthetic solutions at all current densities and pH values evaluated. At pH 3 and pH 5, greater soluble chlorine formation due to the higher HCl amount used to acidify the surface water solutions could enhance the degradation rates of acetaminophen and its transformation products. However, constituents of surface water (ions and solids) could also have an important role on the oxidation process because at pH 9 (non-acidified solutions) the degradation rates were also much greater and the reaction times were much shorter in surface water than in acetaminophen synthetic solutions.

Advanced Oxidation Processes for the Removal of Antibiotics from Water. An Overview

In this work, the application of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the removal of antibiotics from water has been reviewed. The present concern about water has been exposed, and the main problems derived from the presence of emerging pollutants have been analyzed. Photolysis processes, ozone-based AOPs including ozonation, O3/UV, O3/H2O2, and O3/H2O2/UV, hydrogen peroxide-based methods (i.e., H2O2/UV, Fenton, Fenton-like, hetero-Fenton, and photo-Fenton), heterogeneous photocatalysis (TiO2/UV and TiO2/H2O2/UV systems), and sonochemical and electrooxidative AOPs have been reviewed. The main challenges and prospects of AOPs, as well as some recommendations for the improvement of AOPs aimed at the removal of antibiotics from wastewaters, are pointed out.

Electrochemical treatment of flutriafol wastewater using a novel 3D macroporous PbO2 filter: Operating parameters, mechanism and toxicity assessment

In order to break the high operating cost bottleneck of electrochemical treatment of aqueous flutriafol (FTF), an emerging fungicide, a novel three-dimensional ordered macroporous PbO₂ (3DOM-PbO₂) filter was designed to facilitate mass transfer. The effects of operating parameters, including current density, flow rate and initial concentration on FTF electrooxidation performance were investigated using conventional flat Ti/PbO₂ (F-Ti/PbO₂) and 3DOM-PbO₂ filters, with primary objective being the development of appropriate parameters for FTF treatment. The results indicated that the FTF removal efficiency on 3DOM-PbO₂ filter was improved by 2.8 times compared to that on F-Ti/PbO₂ at 5 mA cm^-2, 10 ml s^-1 and 100 mg L^-1 FTF. The corresponding electrical energy consumption was reduced by 2.7 times, ` TOC removal and mineralization current efficiency were enhanced by 4.9 and 4.8 times, respectively. Furthermore, aromatic intermediates, nitrogenous compounds and carboxylic acids were identified as main byproducts using experimental method combined with quantum chemical calculations. Then, a possible pathway of FTF degradation on 3DOM-PbO₂ was proposed. Finally, the acute toxicity results showed that toxicity of the byproducts first increases and then decreases through the proposed route. LC_50,48 h value of FTF wastewater increased 35%-70% on the 3DOM-PbO₂ filter, indicating a significant biodegradability enhancement.

Degradation of diuron by heterogeneous electro-Fenton using modified magnetic activated carbon as the catalyst

The magnetic particles were firstly coated with PTFE for the degradation of diuron in a heterogeneous electro-Fenton system.

Boron-doped diamond electrooxidation of ethyl paraben: The effect of electrolyte on by-products distribution and mechanisms

Ethyl paraben (EP), a representative emerging pollutant of the parabens family, was subject to electrochemical oxidation over a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode. Experiments were carried out in a single-compartment cell at 10-70 mA cm^-2 current density, 200-600 μg L^-1 EP concentration, initial solution pH 3-9 and 0.1 M electrolyte concentration. The degradation rate is favored at increased current densities and in the presence of NaCl as the supporting electrolyte, while the pH effect is inconsiderable. For instance, the first order rate constant for the degradation of 200 μg L^-1 EP at 30 mA cm^-2 was 0.25, 0.1 and 0.07 min^-1 with NaCl, Na₂SO₄ and HClO₄, respectively. Degradation in secondary treated wastewater was faster than in pure water presumably due to the action of chloride ions present in the effluent. Liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS) was employed to determine major transformation by-products (TBPs). The route of EP degradation with Na₂SO₄ involves hydroxylation and demethylation reactions, signifying the role of electrogenerated hydroxyl radicals in the process. Twenty one TBPs were identified with NaCl as the electrolyte, including several chlorinated and non-chlorinated dimers and trimers; these findings suggest that indirect oxidation mediated by chlorine radicals and other chlorine active species also takes place. In this view, the role of the supporting electrolyte is crucial since it can influence both reaction kinetics and pathways.

Advanced Electrochemical Oxidation of 1,4-Dioxane via Dark Catalysis by Novel Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Pellets

1,4-dioxane is an emerging groundwater contaminant with significant regulatory implications. Because it is resistant to traditional groundwater treatments, remediation of 1,4-dioxane is often limited to costly ex situ UV-based advanced oxidation. By varying applied voltage, electrical conductivity, seepage velocity, and influent contaminant concentration in flow-through reactors, we show that electrochemical oxidation is a viable technology for in situ and ex situ treatment of 1,4-dioxane under a wide range of environmental conditions. Using novel titanium dioxide (TiO2) pellets, we demonstrate for the first time that this prominent catalyst can be activated in the dark even when electrically insulated from the electrodes. TiO2-catalyzed reactors achieved efficiencies of greater than 97% degradation of 1,4-dioxane, up to 4.6 times higher than noncatalyzed electrolytic reactors. However, the greatest catalytic enhancement (70% degradation versus no degradation without catalysis) was observed in low-ionic-strength water, where conventional electrochemical approaches notoriously fail. The TiO2 pellet's dark-catalytic oxidation activity was confirmed on the pharmaceutical lamotrigine and the industrial solvent chlorobenzene, signifying that electrocatalytic treatment has tremendous potential as a transformative remediation technology for persistent organic pollutants in groundwater and other aqueous environments.

Mineralization of paracetamol in aqueous solution with advanced oxidation processes

Paracetamol is a common analgesic drug widely used in all regions of the world more than hundred tonnes per year and it poses a great problem for the aquatic environment. Its phenolic intermediates are classified as persistent organic pollutants and toxic for the environment as well as human beings. In the present study, the irradiation of aqueous solutions of paracetamol with 60Co gamma-rays was examined on a laboratory scale and its degradation path was suggested with detected radiolysis products. The synergic effect of ozone on gamma-irradiation was investigated by preliminary ozonation before irradiation which reduced the irradiation dose from 5 to 3 kGy to completely remove paracetamol and its toxic intermediate hydroquinone from 6 to 4 kGy as well as increasing the radiation chemical yield (Gi values 1.36 and 1.66 in the absence and presence of ozone, respectively). The observed amount of formed hydroquinone was also decreased in the presence of ozone. There is a decrease in pH from 6.4 to 5.2 and dissolved oxygen consumed, which is up to 0.8 mg l(-1), to form some peroxyl radicals used for oxidation. Analytical measurements were carried out with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and ion chromatography (IC) both qualitatively and quantitatively. Amounts of paracetamol and hydroquinone were measured with gas chromatography after trimethylsilane derivatization. Small aliphatic acids, such as acetic acid, formic acid and oxalic acid, were measured quantitatively with IC as well as inorganic ions (nitrite and nitrate) in which their yields increase with irradiation.

Pharmaceuticals as emerging contaminants and their removal from water. A review

The main objective of this study was to conduct an exhaustive review of the literature on the presence of pharmaceutical-derived compounds in water and on their removal. The most representative pharmaceutical families found in water were described and related water pollution issues were analyzed. The performances of different water treatment systems in the removal of pharmaceuticals were also summarized. The water treatment technologies were those based on conventional systems (chlorine, chlorine dioxide, wastewater treatment plants), adsorption/bioadsorption on activated carbon (from lotus stalks, olive-waste cake, coal, wood, plastic waste, cork powder waste, peach stones, coconut shell, rice husk), and advanced oxidation processes by means of ozonation (O₃, O₃/H₂O₂, O₃/activated carbon, O₃/biological treatment), photooxidation (UV, UV/H₂O₂, UV/K₂S₂O₈, UV/TiO₂, UV/H₂O₂/TiO₂, UV/TiO₂/activated carbon, photo-Fenton), radiolysis (e-Beam, ⁶⁰Co, ¹³⁷Cs. Additives used: H₂O₂, SO₃²⁻, HCO₃⁻, CH₃₋OH, CO₃²⁻, or NO₃⁻), and electrochemical processes (Electrooxidation without and with active chlorine generation). The effect of these treatments on pharmaceutical compounds and the advantages and disadvantages of different methodologies used were described. The most important parameters of the above water treatment systems (experimental conditions, removal yield, pharmaceutical compound mineralization, TOC removal, toxicity evolution) were indicated. The key publications on pharmaceutical removal from water were summarized.

Degradation of paracetamol by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain HJ1012

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain HJ1012 was isolated on paracetamol as a sole carbon and energy source. This organism could completely degrade paracetamol as high as 2200 mg/L. Following paracetamol consumption, a CO₂ yield rate up to 71.4% proved that the loss of paracetamol was mainly via mineralization. Haldane's equation adequately described the relationship between the specific growth rate and substrate concentration. The maximum specific growth rate and yield coefficient were 0.201 g-Paracetamol/g-VSS·h and 0.101 mg of biomass yield/mg of paracetamol consumed, respectively. A total of 8 metabolic intermediates was identified and classified into aromatic compounds, carboxylic acids, and inorganic species (nitrite and nitrate ions). P-aminophenol and hydroquinone are the two key metabolites of the initial steps in the paracetamol catabolic pathway. Paracetamol is degraded predominantly via p-aminophenol to hydroquinone with subsequent ring fission, suggesting partially new pathways for paracetamol-degrading bacteria.

Degradation of paracetamol by advance oxidation processes using modified reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes with TiO(2) and CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3)

The degradation of paracetamol in aqueous solutions in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was carried out by photochemistry, electrolysis and photoelectrolysis using modified 100 pores per inch reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes. The electrodes were coated with catalysts such as TiO(2) and CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) by electrophoresis followed by heat treatment. The results of the electrolysis with bare reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes show that 90% paracetamol degradation occurs in 4 h at 1.3 V vs. SCE, forming intermediates such as benzoquinone and carboxylic acids followed by their complete mineralisation. When the electrolysis was carried out with the modified electrodes such as TiO(2)/RVC, 90% degradation was achieved in 2 h while with CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3)/RVC, 98% degradation took only 1 h. The degradation was also carried out in the presence of UV reaching 95% degradation with TiO(2)/RVC/UV and 99% with CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3)/RVC/UV in 1 h. The reactions were followed by spectroscopy UV-Vis, HPLC and total organic carbon analysis. These studies show that the degradation of paracetamol follows a pseudo-first order reaction kinetics.

Remediation of water pollution caused by pharmaceutical residues based on electrochemical separation and degradation technologies: a review

In the last years, the decontamination and disinfection of waters by means of direct or integrated electrochemical processes are being considered as a very appealing alternative due to the significant improvement of the electrode materials and the coupling with low-cost renewable energy sources. Many electrochemical technologies are currently available for the remediation of waters contaminated by refractory organic pollutants such as pharmaceutical micropollutants, whose presence in the environment has become a matter of major concern. Recent reviews have focused on the removal of pharmaceutical residues upon the application of other important methods like ozonation and advanced oxidation processes. Here, we present an overview on the electrochemical methods devised for the treatment of pharmaceutical residues from both, synthetic solutions and real pharmaceutical wastewaters. Electrochemical separation technologies such as membrane technologies, electrocoagulation and internal micro-electrolysis, which only isolate the pollutants from water, are firstly introduced. The fundamentals and experimental set-ups involved in technologies that allow the degradation of pharmaceuticals, like anodic oxidation, electro-oxidation with active chlorine, electro-Fenton, photoelectro-Fenton and photoelectrocatalysis among others, are further discussed. Progress on the promising solar photoelectro-Fenton process devised and further developed in our laboratory is especially highlighted and documented. The abatement of total organic carbon or reduction of chemical oxygen demand from contaminated waters allows the comparison between the different methods and materials. The routes for the degradation of the some pharmaceuticals are also presented.

Biodegradation of Paracetamol by Aerobic Granules in a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)

Aerobic granules efficient at degrading paracetamol as the sole carbon and energy resource were successfully developed in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). Aerobic granules were first observed about 220 days after reactor start-up. The images SEM showed the aerobic granules typically consisted of coccus and bacillus. Meanwhile, the size distribution of aerobic granules was analyzed on day 200. The result indicated that the granules eventually grew to become the dominant form of biomass in the reactor. The granular sludge on day 80 and 200 degraded paracetamol completely in 48 h and 28 h, respectively, indicating that granulation contributed to paracetamol degradation. The specific paracetamol degradation rate was observed to increase with increasing paracetamol initial concentration from 500 to 5000 mg/L, peaked at 1200 mg-MTBE/g-VSS·h, and declined with further increases in MTBE concentration as substrate inhibition effects became significant. This study demonstrates that paracetamol can be effectively degraded by aerobic granules and gives insight into the microorganisms potentially involved in the process.

Highly efficient and mild electrochemical incineration: mechanism and kinetic process of refractory aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants on superhydrophobic PbO₂ anode

Aqueous aromatic hydrocarbons are chemically stable, high toxic refractory pollutants that can only be oxidized to phenols and quinone on either Pt or traditional PbO(2) electrodes. In this study, a novel method for the electrochemical incineration of benzene homologues on superhydrophobic PbO(2) electrode (hydrophobic-PbO(2)) was proposed under mild conditions. Hydrophobic-PbO(2) can achieve the complete mineralization of aromatic hydrocarbons and exhibit high removal effect, rapid oxidation rate, and low energy consumption. The kinetics of the electrochemical incineration was also investigated, and the results revealed that the cleavage of the benzene ring is a key factor affecting the incineration efficiency. Moreover, on hydrophobic-PbO(2), the decay of intermediates was rapid, and low concentrations of aromatics were accumulated during the reaction. The removal of the initial pollutants and the effects of oxidative cleavage were related to the number of methyl groups on the benzene ring. Specifically, the results of physical experiments and quantum calculations revealed that the charge density of carbon atoms increases with an increase in the number of methyl groups, which promotes the electrophilic attack of ·OH.

Competition between electrochemical advanced oxidation and electrochemical hypochlorination of acetaminophen at boron-doped diamond and ruthenium dioxide based anodes

This work was undertaken to distinguish four pathways for the electrochemical oxidation of acetaminophen as a model organic substrate: (i) direct electron transfer from the substrate to the anode, (ii) reaction of the substrate with HO• at boron-doped diamond anodes, (iii) non-radical (two-electron) oxidation of the substrate at Ti/RuO2 anodes, and (iv) electrochemical hypochlorination if Cl– is present. Pathway (i) was isolated as a slow reaction when boron-doped diamond (BDD) was used as the anode in the range of water stability, whereas in the corresponding reaction with Ti/RuO2 only pathway (iii) could be detected. Pathway (ii) predominated for BDD in the potential range of water oxidation, and was the only mechanism leading to mineralization of the substrate. Comparison between chemical hypochlorination and electrochemical oxidation at Ti/RuO2 in the presence of chloride ion indicated that the latter process principally involves mediated hypochlorination. Oxidation at boron-doped diamond anodes in the presence of chloride was the most complex mechanistically, with competition between hypochlorination and the electrochemical “advanced oxidation process”; this led to the formation of chlorinated byproducts. The observation of mineralization under these conditions demonstrated cross-over between reaction pathways (ii) and (iv), even though hypochlorination appeared to be the initial pathway for loss of acetaminophen. The presence of chloride ion did not significantly retard mineralization of acetaminophen in the initial stages of oxidation, but significantly increased the energy requirement for complete mineralization. The results are discussed in the context of the use of electrochemical oxidation in waste management.

Photocatalytic oxidation of paracetamol: dominant reactants, intermediates, and reaction mechanisms

The role of primary active species (ecb(-), hvb(+), *OH, HO2*, O2*(-), and H2O2) during photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol (acetaminophen) using TiO2 catalyst was systematically investigated. Hydroxyl radicals (*OH) are responsible for the major degradation of paracetamol with a second-order rate constant (1.7 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1)) for an *OH-paracetamol reaction. A total of 13 intermediates was identified and classified into four categories: (i) aromatic compounds, (ii) carboxylic acids, (iii) nitrogen-containing straight chain compounds, and (iv) inorganic species (ammonium and nitrate ions). Concentration profiles of identified intermediates indicate that paracetamol initially undergoes hydroxylation through *OH addition onto the aromatic ring at ortho (predominantly), meta, and para positions with respect to the -OH position of paracetamol. This initial *OH hydroxylation is followed by further oxidation generating carboxylic acids. Subsequent mineralization of smaller intermediates eventually increases ammonium and nitrate concentration in the system.