Selective oxidation of key functional groups in cyanotoxins during drinking water ozonation

Reactivity of Cyanobacteria Metabolites with Ozone: Multicompound Competition Kinetics

Cyanobacterial blooms occur at increasing frequency and intensity, notably in freshwater. This leads to the introduction of complex mixtures of their products, i.e., cyano-metabolites, to drinking water treatment plants. To assess the fate of cyano-metabolite mixtures during ozonation, a novel multicompound ozone (O3) competition kinetics method was developed. Sixteen competitors with known second-order rate constants for their reaction with O3 ranging between 1 and 108 M-1 s-1 were applied to cover a wide range of the O3 reactivity. The apparent second-order rate constants (kapp,O3) at pH 7 were simultaneously determined for 31 cyano-metabolites. kapp,O3 for olefin- and phenol-containing cyano-metabolites were consistent with their expected reactivity (0.4-1.7 × 106 M-1 s-1) while kapp,O3 for tryptophan- and thioether-containing cyano-metabolites were significantly higher than expected (3.4-7.3 × 107 M-1 s-1). Cyano-metabolites containing these moieties are predicted to be well abated during ozonation. For cyano-metabolites containing heterocycles, kapp,O3 varied from <102 to 5.0 × 103 M-1 s-1, giving first insights into the O3 reactivity of this class of compounds. Due to lower O3 reactivities, heterocycle- and aliphatic amine-containing cyano-metabolites may be only partially degraded by a direct O3 reaction near circumneutral pH. Hydroxyl radicals, which are formed during ozonation, may be more important for their abatement. This novel multicompound kinetic method allows a high-throughput screening of ozonation kinetics.

Cyanobacterial blooms in surface waters - Nature-based solutions, cyanotoxins and their biotransformation products

Cyanobacterial blooms are expected to become more frequent and severe in surface water reservoirs due to climate change and ecosystem degradation. It is an emerging challenge that especially countries relying on surface water supplies will face. Nature-based solutions (NBS) like constructed wetlands and biofilters can be used for cyanotoxin remediation. Both technologies are reviewed and critically assessed for different types of water resources. The available information on cyanotoxins (bio)transformation products (TPs) is reviewed to point out the potential research gaps and to disclose the most reliable enzymatic degradation pathways. Knowledge gaps were found, such as information on the performance of the revised NBS in pilot and full scales, the removal processes covering different cyanotoxins (besides the most widely studied microcystin-LR), and the difficulties for real-world implementation of technologies proposed in the literature. Also, most studies focus on bacterial degradation processes while fungi have been completely overlooked. This review also presents an up-to-date overview of the transformation of cyanotoxins, where degradation product data was compiled in a unified library of 22 metabolites for microcystins (MCs), 7 for cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and 10 for nodularin (NOD), most of them reported only in a single study. Major gaps are the lack of environmentally relevant studies with TPs in pilot and full- scale treatment systems, information on TP's toxicity, as well as limited knowledge of environmentally relevant degradation pathways. NBS have the potential to mitigate cyanotoxins in recreational and irrigation waters, enabling the water-energy-food nexus and avoiding the degradability of the ecosystems.

Advanced oxidation processes for synchronizing harmful microcystis blooms control with algal metabolites removal: From the laboratory to practical applications

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems have become a global epidemic, leading to a series of problems related to cyanobacterial outbreaks and toxicity. Studies are needed to improve the technology used for the simultaneous removal of harmful cyanobacteria and algal metabolites. In this review, widely reported advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) strategies for removing major species Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) and microcystins (MCs) were screened through bibliometrics, such as photocatalysis, activated persulfate, H2O2, Ozone oxidation, ultrasonic oxidation, and electrochemical oxidation, etc. AOPs generate kinds of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to inactivate cyanobacteria and degrade cyanotoxins. A series of responses occurs in algal cells to resist the damaging effects of ROS generated by AOPs. Specifically, we reviewed laboratory research, mechanisms, practical applications, and challenges of HABs treatments in AOPs. Problems common to these technologies include the impact of algal response and metabolites, and environmental factors. This information provides guidance for future research on the removal of harmful cyanobacteria and treatment of algal metabolites using AOPs.

Comparative study about ozonation to treat Microcystis-laden source water at the development and maintenance stage

The outbreak of toxic cyanobacteria blooms is hazardous to water safety. Ozonation has been used to treat cyanobacteria-laden source water. Generally, cyanobacterial blooms enter into a long-term maintenance stage from the bloom development, but how the changed bloom stage affects ozonation is still unknow. Herein, influences of ozonation on cell inactivation and microcystin removal of Microcystis at the development and maintenance stage, were investigated. Then, ozonation-assisted coagulation for Microcystis removal at the two stages was compared. Results showed no significant difference in the photosynthetic inactivation of Microcystis at both stages. Microcystis at the maintenance stage exhibited a lower loss of membrane integrity (268-480 M-1 s-1) than that at the development stage (413-596 M-1 s-1). However, the extracellular microcystin increased by 30-410% at the maintenance stage at a lower ratio of [O3: DOC] (0.10-0.80) compared to the development stage (0.21-1.68), mainly ascribed to a decrease in the ozonation efficiency for microcystin removal. This finding might result from the elevated biomass and N-containing organics as competitors to reduce microcystin ozonation. Meanwhile, it was possible to generate fewer hydroxyl radicals to oxidize microcystin at the maintenance stage than that at the development stage. Besides, the removal ratio of Microcystis after ozonation-assisted coagulation, was reduced by 46-230% at the maintenance stage, due to the insufficient modification of cellular surface or elevated organics of 3-30 kDa. This work indicated that ozonation is effective to treat Microcystis at the development stage of a bloom whist pre-ozonation might be an inappropriate choice at the long-term maintenance stage.

Transformation of Algal Toxins during the Oxidation/Disinfection Processes of Drinking Water: From Structure to Toxicity

With the increase of algal blooms worldwide, drinking water resources are threatened by the release of various algal toxins, which can be hepatotoxic, cytotoxic, or neurotoxic. Because of their ubiquitous occurrence in global waters and incomplete removal in conventional drinking water treatment, oxidation/disinfection processes have become promising alternative treatment options to destroy both the structures and toxicity of algal toxins. This Review first summarizes the occurrence and regulation of algal toxins in source water and drinking water. Then, the transformation kinetics, disinfection byproducts (DBPs)/transformation products (TPs), pathways, and toxicity of algal toxins in water oxidation/disinfection processes, including treatment by ozonation, chlorination, chloramination, ultraviolet-based advanced oxidation process, and permanganate, are reviewed. For most algal toxins, hydroxyl radicals (HO•) exhibit the highest oxidation rate, followed by ozone and free chlorine. Under practical applications, ozone and chlorine can degrade most algal toxins to meet water quality standards. However, the transformation of the parent structures of algal toxins by oxidation/disinfection processes does not guarantee a reduction in toxicity, and the formation of toxic TPs should also be considered, especially during chlorination. Notably, the toxicity variation of algal toxins is associated with the chemical moiety responsible for toxicity (e.g., Adda moiety in microcystin-LR and uracil moiety in cylindrospermopsin). Moreover, the formation of known halogenated DBPs after chlorination indicates that toxicity in drinking water may shift from toxicity contributed by algal toxins to toxicity contributed by DBPs. To achieve the simultaneous toxicity reduction of algal toxins and their TPs, optimized oxidation/disinfection processes are warranted in future research, not only for meeting water quality standards but also for effective reduction of toxicity of algal toxins.

Cyanotoxins dissipation in soil: Evidence from microcosm assays

Cyanobacteria proliferate in warm, nutrient-rich environments, and release cyanotoxins into natural waters. If cyanotoxin-contaminated water is used to irrigate agricultural crops, this could expose humans and other biota to cyanotoxins. However, cyanotoxins may be degraded by the diverse microbial consortia, be adsorbed or otherwise dissipate in agricultural soil. This study investigates the disappearance and transformation of 9 cyanotoxins in controlled soil microcosms after 28 d. Six soil types were exposed to factorial combinations of light, redox conditions and microbial activity that influenced the recovery of anabaenopeptin-A (AP-A), anabaenopeptin-B (AP-B), anatoxin-a (ATX-a), cylindrospermopsin (CYN), and the microcystin (MC) congeners -LR, -LA, -LY, -LW, and -LF. Cyanotoxins estimated half-lives were from hours to several months, depending on the compound and soil conditions. Cyanotoxins were eliminated via biological reactions in aerobic and anaerobic soils, although anaerobic conditions accelerated the biological dissipation of ATX-a, CYN and APs. ATX-a was sensitive to photolytic degradation, but CYN, and MCs were not reduced through photochemical transformation. MC-LR and -LA were recovered after exposure to light, redox conditions and low microbial activity, suggesting that they persisted in extractable forms, compared to other cyanotoxins in soil. Cyanotoxin degradation products were identified using high-resolution mass spectrometry, revealing their potential degradation pathways in soil.

Ferrate(VI) mediated degradation of the potent cyanotoxin, cylindrospermopsin: Kinetics, products, and toxicity

The presence of cylindrospermopsin (CYN), a potent cyanotoxin, in drinking water sources poses a tremendous risk to humans and the environment. Detailed kinetic studies herein demonstrate ferrate(VI) (Fe^VIO₄^2-, Fe(VI)) mediated oxidation of CYN and the model compound 6-hydroxymethyl uracil (6-HOMU) lead to their effective degradation under neutral and alkaline solution pH. A transformation product analysis indicated oxidation of the uracil ring, which has functionality critical to the toxicity of CYN. The oxidative cleavage of the C5=C6 double bond resulted in fragmentation of the uracil ring. Amide hydrolysis is a contributing pathway leading to the fragmentation of the uracil ring. Under extended treatment, hydrolysis, and extensive oxidation lead to complete destruction of the uracil ring skeleton, resulting in the generation of a variety of products including nontoxic cylindrospermopsic acid. The ELISA biological activity of the CYN product mixtures produced during Fe(VI) treatment parallels the concentration of CYN. These results suggest the products do not possess ELISA biological activity at the concentrations produced during treatment. The Fe(VI) mediated degradation was also effective in the presence of humic acid and unaffected by the presence of common inorganic ions under our experimental conditions. The Fe(VI) remediation of CYN and uracil based toxins appears a promising drinking water treatment process.

Kinetics and mechanism of ozonation to treat Microcystis-laden source waters affected by cell-viability

Toxic cyanobacteria are challenging drinking water safety globally, and their cell-viability declines at decay stage of a succussive bloom. Ozone might be a more effective oxidant to treat both high- and low-viability cyanobacteria than other common oxidants (e.g., chlorine, potassium permanganate). However, previous studies only conducted ozonation experiments using high-viability cyanobacteria, and potential influences of cell-viability on ozonation process, remains unknown. In this study, kinetics of ozone decay, cell inactivation, membrane destruction, and cyanotoxin fate of high- and low-viability Microcystis (the most common genus), was investigated, and associated mechanism was discussed. Results showed that low-viability Microcystis exhibited a higher rate constant of membrane destruction (665-744 M^-1 s^-1) than high-viability Microcystis (364-600 M^-1 s^-1) by equal concentrations of ozone, ascribed to loosely gelatinous sheath comprised with fewer organic matters as oxidant scavengers. Meanwhile, a higher rate constant of photosynthetic inactivation induced by ozonation, was observed for low-viability Microcystis (312-364 M^-1 s^-1) than that for high-viability Microcystis (168-294 M^-1 s^-1). However, elevated aromatic organics competitively inhibited microcystin ozonation for low-viability Microcystis, and hydroxyl radicals for microcystin oxidation could be reduced by elevated organic loads and alkalinity. Moreover, elevated ozone exposure (>51 mg min L^-1) did not totally oxidize microcystin with a residual of 30 μg L^-1 for low-viability Microcystis. These findings suggested that elevated microcystin risk would be the great barrier to limit ozonation application for low-viability Microcystis, even with benefits of higher cell inactivation compared to high-viability Microcystis.

Analysis of Total-Forms of Cyanotoxins Microcystins in Biological Matrices: A Methodological Review

Microcystins (MCs) are cyclic heptapeptidic toxins produced by many cyanobacteria. Microcystins can be accumulated in various matrices in two forms: a free cellular fraction and a covalently protein-bound form. To detect and quantify the concentration of microcystins, a panel of techniques on various matrices (water, sediments, and animal tissues) is available. The analysis of MCs can concern the free or the total (free plus covalently bound) fractions. Free-form analyses of MCs are the most common and easiest to detect, whereas total-form analyses are much less frequent and more complex to achieve. The objective of this review is to summarize the different methods of extraction and analysis that have been developed for total forms. Four extraction methods were identified: MMPB (2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutyric acid) method, deconjugation at basic pH, ozonolysis, and laser irradiation desorption. The study of the bibliography on the methods of extraction and analysis of the total forms of MCs showed that the reference method for the subject remains the MMPB method even if alternative methods and, in particular, deconjugation at basic pH, showed results encouraging the continuation of the methodological development on different matrices and on naturally-contaminated samples.

Ozonation of organic compounds in water and wastewater: A critical review

Ozonation has been applied in water treatment for more than a century, first for disinfection, later for oxidation of inorganic and organic pollutants. In recent years, ozone has been increasingly applied for enhanced municipal wastewater treatment for ecosystem protection and for potable water reuse. These applications triggered significant research efforts on the abatement efficiency of organic contaminants and the ensuing formation of transformation products. This endeavor was accompanied by developments in analytical and computational chemistry, which allowed to improve the mechanistic understanding of ozone reactions. This critical review assesses the challenges of ozonation of impaired water qualities such as wastewaters and provides an up-to-date compilation of the recent kinetic and mechanistic findings of ozone reactions with dissolved organic matter, various functional groups (olefins, aromatic compounds, heterocyclic compounds, aliphatic nitrogen-containing compounds, sulfur-containing compounds, hydrocarbons, carbanions, β-diketones) and antibiotic resistance genes.

Multi-Soil-Layering Technology: A New Approach to Remove Microcystis aeruginosa and Microcystins from Water

Eutrophication of surface waters caused by toxic cyanobacteria such as Microcystis aeruginosa leads to the release of secondary metabolites called Microcystins (MCs), which are heptapeptides with adverse effects on soil microbiota, plants, animals, and human health. Therefore, to avoid succumbing to the negative effects of these cyanotoxins, various remediation approaches have been considered. These techniques involve expensive physico-chemical processes because of the specialized equipment and facilities required. Thus, implementing eco-technologies capable of handling this problem has become necessary. Indeed, multi-soil-layering (MSL) technology can essentially meet this requirement. This system requires little space, needs simple maintenance, and has energy-free operation and high durability (20 years). The performance of the system is such that it can remove 1.16 to 4.47 log10 units of fecal contamination from the water, 98% of suspended solids (SS), 92% of biological oxygen demand (BOD), 98% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 92% of total nitrogen (TN), and 100% of total phosphorus (TP). The only reported use of the system to remove cyanotoxins has shown a 99% removal rate of MC-LR. However, the mechanisms involved in removing this toxin from the water are not fully understood. This paper proposes reviewing the principal methods employed in conventional water treatment and other technologies to eliminate MCs from the water. We also describe the principles of operation of MSL systems and compare the performance of this technology with others, highlighting some advantages of this technology in removing MCs. Overall, the combination of multiple processes (physico-chemical and biological) makes MSL technology a good choice of cyanobacterial contamination treatment system that is applicable in real-life conditions, especially in rural areas.

Foreseen Effects of Climate-Impacted Scenarios on the Photochemical Fate of Selected Cyanotoxins in Surface Freshwaters

Cyanobacteria populate most water environments, and their ability to effectively exploit light and nutrients provide them with a competitive advantage over other life forms. In particular conditions, cyanobacteria may experience considerable growth and give rise to the so-called harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs are often characterized by the production of cyanotoxins, which cause adverse effects to both aquatic organisms and humans and even threaten drinking water supplies. The concentration of cyanotoxins in surface waters results from the budget between production by cyanobacteria and transformation, including photodegradation under sunlight exposure. Climate change will likely provide favorable conditions for HABs, which are expected to increase in frequency over both space and time. Moreover, climate change could modify the ability of some surface waters to induce phototransformation reactions. Photochemical modeling is here carried out for two cyanotoxins of known photoreaction kinetics (microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin), which follow different phototransformation pathways and for particular freshwater scenarios (summertime stratification in lakes, water browning, and evaporative water concentration). On this basis, it is possible to quantitatively predict that the expected changes in water-column conditions under a changing climate would enhance photodegradation of those cyanotoxins that are significantly transformed by reaction with the triplet states of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (³CDOM*). This is known to be the case for microcystin-LR, for which faster photodegradation in some environments would at least partially offset enhanced occurrence. Unfortunately, very few data are currently available for the role of ³CDOM* in the degradation of other cyanotoxins, which is a major knowledge gap in understanding the link between cyanotoxin photodegradation and changing climate.

Phototransformation of an emerging cyanotoxin (Aerucyclamide A) in simulated natural waters

Aerucyclamide A (ACA) is an emerging cyanopeptide toxin produced by cyanobacteria, and its transformation pathway has rarely been reported. In the present study, ACA was purified from cyanobacterial extracts, and photodegradation processes were investigated in dissolved organic matter (DOM) solutions. Under simulated solar irradiation, the photodegradation of ACA was dominated by ^•OH oxidation, accounting for ~72% of the indirect photodegradation. The bimolecular reaction rate constant of ACA with ^•OH was (6.4 ± 0.2) × 10⁹M ^- 1s ^- 1. Our results indicated that the major reactive sites of ACA toward ^•OH are thiazoline and thiazole moieties. Product analysis via high-resolution mass spectrometry suggested that hydrogen abstraction and gradual hydroxylation are the main photodegradation pathways. The acute toxicity assessment indicate that the products generated in photolysis process did not show any measurable toxicity to Thamnocephalus platyurus. Photodegradation experiments with various DOM-phycocyanin mixtures demonstrated that the half-life of ACA is much longer than that of microcystin-LR.

Selective removal of common cyanotoxins: a review

The development of cyanobacterial blooms can have adverse effects on water bodies and may produce cyanotoxins. Several physical and chemical methods have been applied to remove cyanotoxins, but they have been significantly challenged due to extensive energy footprint and over-used chemicals, which limits practical application on a large scale. Selective removal has been regarded as the most promising approach recently for the elimination of prevalent and major bloom-forming cyanotoxins (e.g., microcystins and cylindrospermopsin) as natural organic matters and radical scavengers are ineluctably present in real scenarios. This paper reviews current advancements in research on selective oxidation and adsorption of cyanotoxins. Its goal is to provide comprehensive information on the treatment mechanism and the process feasibility involved in the cyanotoxin removal from real-world waters. Moreover, perspectives of cyanotoxin control and in situ selective elimination approaches are also reviewed. It is expected that the information gathered and discussed in this review can provide a useful and novel reference and direction for future pilot-scale applications.

Effects of fulvic acid size on microcystin-LR photodegradation and detoxification in the chlorine/UV process

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a polypeptide toxin generated by cyanobacteria, threatens the safety of drinking water supplies. In this study, fulvic acid (FA) was separated into two molecular weight (MW) ranges to evaluate the effects of FA size on MC-LR degradation in the chlorine/UV process. The rates of MC-LR degradation were significantly reduced in FA-containing water (3.7 × 10^-3 s^-1 for small MW FA; 4.3 × 10^-3 s^-1 for large MW FA) as compared with FA free water (4.9 × 10^-3 s^-1). The contributions of ClO• to MC-LR degradation were dramatically lower in small MW FA water (0.4%) than large MW FA (13.9%) and FA free water (17.4%), suggesting inhibition by lignin-like substances in FA in the transformation of Cl• to ClO• and scavenging ClO•. Monochlorination and hydroxylation occurred in the first step of the MC-LR degradation process. The accumulation of intermediate products in the chlorine/UV process indicated that small MW FA inhibited further degradation of MC-LR. Small MW FA, rather than MC-LR degradation, was the dominant factor in minimizing MC-LR cytotoxicity toward a human intestinal epithelial cell line.

Overview of toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in Ibero-American freshwaters: Challenges for risk management and opportunities for removal by advanced technologies

The increasing occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms worldwide represents an important threat for both the environment and public health. In this context, the development of risk analysis and management tools as well as sustainable and cost-effective treatment processes is essential. The research project TALGENTOX, funded by the Ibero-American Science and Technology Program for Development (CYTED-2019), aims to address this ambitious challenge in countries with different environmental and social conditions within the Ibero-American context. It is based on a multidisciplinary approach that combines ecology, water management and technology fields, and includes research groups from Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Spain. In this review, the occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in freshwaters from these countries are summarized. The presence of cyanotoxins has been confirmed in all countries but the information is still scarce and further monitoring is required. In this regard, remote sensing or metagenomics are good alternatives at reasonable cost. The risk management of freshwaters from those countries considering the most frequent uses (consumption and recreation) has been also evaluated. Only Spain and Peru include cyanotoxins in its drinking water legislation (only MC-LR) and thus, there is a need for regulatory improvements. The development of preventive strategies like diminishing nutrient loads to aquatic systems is also required. In the same line, corrective measures are urgently needed especially in drinking waters. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have the potential to play a major role in this scenario as they are effective for the elimination of most cyanotoxins classes. The research on the field of AOPs is herein summarized considering the cost-effectiveness, environmental character and technical applicability of such technologies. Fenton-based processes and photocatalysis using solar irradiation or LED light represent very promising alternatives given their high cost-efficiency. Further research should focus on developing stable long-term operation systems, addressing their scale-up.

Four decades of progress in cylindrospermopsin research: The ins and outs of a potent cyanotoxin

The cyanotoxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN), a toxic metabolite from cyanobacteria, is of particular concern due to its cosmopolitan occurrence, aquatic bioaccumulation, and multi-organ toxicity. CYN is the second most often recorded cyanotoxin worldwide, and cases of human morbidity and animal mortality are associated with ingestion of CYN contaminated water. The toxin poses a great challenge for drinking water treatment plants and public health authorities. CYN, with the major toxicity manifested in the liver, is cytotoxic, genotoxic, immunotoxic, neurotoxic and may be carcinogenic. Adverse effects are also reported for endocrine and developmental processes. We present a comprehensive review of CYN over the past four decades since its first reported poisoning event, highlighting its global occurrence, biosynthesis, toxicology, removal, and monitoring. In addition, current data gaps are identified, and future directions for CYN research are outlined. This review is beneficial for understanding the ins and outs of this environmental pollutant, and for robustly assessing health hazards posed by CYN exposure to humans and other organisms.

Photodegradation of cyanotoxins in surface waters

Cyanotoxin-producing harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a global occurrence and pose ecotoxicological threats to humans and animals alike. The presence of cyanotoxins can seriously harm or kill nearby wildlife and restrict a body of water's use as a drinking water supply and recreational site, making it imperative to fully understand their fate and transport in natural waters. Photodegradation contributes to the overall degradation of cyanotoxins in environmental systems, especially for those present in the photic zone of surface waters. This makes photochemical transformation mechanisms important factors to account for when assessing the persistence of cyanotoxins in environmental systems. This paper reviews current knowledge on the photodegradation rates and pathways of cyanotoxins that can occur over the course of HABs. Sensitized, or indirect, photolysis contributes to the degradation of all cyanotoxins addressed in this paper (anatoxins, cylindrospermopsins, domoic acids, microcystins, and nodularins), with hydroxyl radicals (•OH), excited triplet states formed from the absorption of light by dissolved organic matter (³DOM*), and photosynthetic pigment sensitized pathways being of primary interest. Direct photolysis pathways play a less significant role, but are still relevant for most of the cyanotoxins discussed in this paper.

The impact of preozonation on the coagulation of cellular organic matter produced by Microcystis aeruginosa and its toxin degradation

Ozonation pretreatment is typically implemented to improve algal cell coagulation. However, knowledge on the effect of ozonation on the characteristics and coagulation of associated algal organic matter, particularly cellular organic matter (COM), which is extensively released during algal bloom decay, is limited. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the impact of ozonation applied before the coagulation of dissolved COM from the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa. Additionally, the degradation of microcystins (MCs) naturally present in the COM matrix was investigated. A range of ozone doses (0.1-1.0 mg O₃/mg of dissolved organic carbon - DOC) and ozonation pH values (pH 5, 7 and 9) were tested, while aluminium and ferric sulphate coagulants were used for subsequent coagulation. Despite negligible COM removal, ozonation itself eliminated MCs, and a lower ozone dose was required when performing ozonation at acidic or neutral pH (0.4 mg O₃/mg DOC at pH 5 and 7 compared to 0.8 mg O₃/mg DOC at pH 9). Enhanced MC degradation and a similar pattern of pH dependence were observed after preozonation-coagulation, whereas coagulation alone did not sufficiently remove MCs. In contrast to the benefits of MC depletion, preozonation using ≥ 0.4 mg O₃/mg DOC decreased the coagulation efficiency (from 42%/48% to 28%-38%/41%-44% using Al/Fe-based coagulants), which was more severe with increasing ozone dosage. Coagulation was also influenced by the preozonation pH, where pH 9 caused the lowest reduction in COM removal. The results indicate that ozonation efficiently removes MCs, but its employment before COM coagulation is disputable due to the deterioration of coagulation.

Cylindrospermopsin is effectively degraded in water by pulsed corona-like and dielectric barrier discharges

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is an important cyanobacterial toxin posing a major threat to surface waters during cyanobacterial blooms. Hence, methods for cyanotoxin removal are required to confront seasonal or local incidences to sustain the safety of potable water reservoirs. Non-thermal plasmas provide the possibility for an environmentally benign treatment which can be adapted to specific concentrations and environmental conditions without the need of additional chemicals. We therefore investigated the potential of two different non-thermal plasma approaches for CYN degradation, operated either in a water mist, i.e. in air, or submerged in water. A degradation efficacy of 0.03 ± 0.00 g kWh^-1 L^-1 was found for a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) operated in air, while a submerged pulsed corona-like discharge resulted in an efficacy of 0.24 ± 0.02 g kWh^-1 L^-1. CYN degradation followed a pseudo zeroth order or pseudo first order reaction kinetic, respectively. Treatment efficacy of the corona-like discharge submerged in water increased with pH values of the initial solution changing from 5.0 to 7.5. Notably, a pH-depending residual oxidative effect was observed for the submerged discharge, resulting in ongoing CYN degradation, even without further plasma treatment. In this case hydroxyl radicals were identified as the dominant oxidants of CYN at acidic pH values. In comparison, degradation by the DBD could be related primarily to the generation of ozone.

Carbonate Radical Oxidation of Cylindrospermopsin (Cyanotoxin): Kinetic Studies and Mechanistic Consideration

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is one of the most important cyanobacterial toxins frequently found in surface waters. We reported the detailed kinetics and pathways for the reaction of CYN with carbonate radicals (CO₃^•-). The rate constants of neutral and deprotonated CYN with CO₃^•- were found to be (1.2 ± 0.7) × 10⁷ M^-1 s^-1 and (3.0 ± 0.4) × 10⁸ M^-1 s^-1, respectively. The transformation products for the oxidation of CYN by CO₃^•- were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry, illustrating that the guanidine and bridged hydroxyl portions were the primary moieties attacked by CO₃^•-. Thus, three transformation pathways, including cleavage of the hydroxymethyluracil moiety, hydroxylation, and oxidation of the bridged hydroxyl group, are proposed for the CO₃^•- oxidation of CYN. Moreover, this study reported that dissolved organic matter (DOM) reduced the transformation rate of CYN by inhibiting the transformation of oxidation intermediates. Finally, the role of CO₃^•- in CYN degradation was estimated in both sunlit surface waters and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), demonstrating that CO₃^•- played an important role in CYN attenuation under nonacidic environmentally relevant conditions. The kinetic parameters and product information obtained in this study will be of considerable interest for the application of AOPs and predicting the environmental fate of CYN.

Manganese-oxidizing bacteria form multiple cylindrospermopsin transformation products with reduced human liver cell toxicity

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a toxic alkaloid highly persistent in aquatic environments. Biological removal of CYN was described previously. However, no transformation products formed by biological processes could be identified so far. Here, we describe that various manganese-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) transform CYN completely at an initial mean concentration of 7 mg L^-1 (17 μM) within 3 to 34 days. Regardless of the strain, and transformation rate, transformation of CYN by MOB led to the same seven transformation products identified by mass spectrometry, which suggests that the removal of CYN by MOB follows a similar mechanism. Oxidation was the main transformation process, and the uracil moiety was the most susceptible part of the CYN molecule. In vitro cytotoxicity tests with the transformation products of CYN formed by one of the tested strains against the two human liver cell lines HepG2 and HepaRG, revealed that the transformation products were substantially less toxic than pure CYN for both cell lines. The results suggest that incubation with MOB might be an option for water treatment to remove CYN and may allow more detailed studies on the fate of CYN in the environment.

Delayed Release of Intracellular Microcystin Following Partial Oxidation of Cultured and Naturally Occurring Cyanobacteria

Oxidation processes can provide an effective barrier to eliminate cyanotoxins by damaging cyanobacteria cell membranes, releasing intracellular cyanotoxins, and subsequently oxidizing these toxins (now in extracellular form) based on published reaction kinetics. In this work, cyanobacteria cells from two natural blooms (from the United States and Canada) and a laboratory-cultured Microcystis aeruginosa strain were treated with chlorine, monochloramine, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and potassium permanganate. The release of microcystin was measured immediately after oxidation (t ≤ 20 min), and following oxidant residual quenching (stagnation times = 96 or 168 h). Oxidant exposures (CT) were determined resulting in complete release of intracellular microcystin following chlorine (21 mg-min/L), chloramine (72 mg-min/L), chlorine dioxide (58 mg-min/L), ozone (4.1 mg-min/L), and permanganate (391 mg-min/L). Required oxidant exposures using indigenous cells were greater than lab-cultured Microcystis. Following partial oxidation of cells (oxidant exposures ≤ CT values cited above), additional intracellular microcystin and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were released while the samples remained stagnant in the absence of an oxidant (>96 h after quenching). The delayed release of microcystin from partially oxidized cells has implications for drinking water treatment as these cells may be retained on a filter surface or in solids and continue to slowly release cyanotoxins and other metabolites into the finished water.

Elimination of cyanobacteria and microcystins in irrigation water-effects of hydrogen peroxide treatment

Cyanobacterial blooms pose a risk to wild and domestic animals as well as humans due to the toxins they may produce. Humans may be subjected to cyanobacterial toxins through many routes, e.g., by consuming contaminated drinking water, fish, and crop plants or through recreational activities. In earlier studies, cyanobacterial cells have been shown to accumulate on leafy plants after spray irrigation with cyanobacteria-containing water, and microcystin (MC) has been detected in the plant root system after irrigation with MC-containing water. This paper reports a series of experiments where lysis of cyanobacteria in abstracted lake water was induced by the use of hydrogen peroxide and the fate of released MCs was followed. The hydrogen peroxide-treated water was then used for spray irrigation of cultivated spinach and possible toxin accumulation in the plants was monitored. The water abstracted from Lake Köyliönjärvi, SW Finland, contained fairly low concentrations of intracellular MC prior to the hydrogen peroxide treatment (0.04 μg L^-1 in July to 2.4 μg L^-1 in September 2014). Hydrogen peroxide at sufficient doses was able to lyse cyanobacteria efficiently but released MCs were still present even after the application of the highest hydrogen peroxide dose of 20 mg L^-1. No traces of MC were detected in the spinach leaves. The viability of moving phytoplankton and zooplankton was also monitored after the application of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide at 10 mg L^-1 or higher had a detrimental effect on the moving phytoplankton and zooplankton.

Degradation of cyanotoxin microcystin-LR in synthetic and natural waters by chemical-free UV/VUV radiation

This study investigated the capability of ultraviolet radiation at 254 nm and 185 nm (UV/VUV) to degrade cyanotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR). Results showed 70% toxin reduction solely by 254 nm direct photolysis (ε₂₅₄ = 13,225 ± 814 M^-1cm^-1; Φ₂₅₄ = 0.29 ± 0.03 mol/Einstein). The addition of 185 nm increased MC-LR degradation through advanced oxidation by ^•OH (k_•OH,MC-LR = 2.25 ± 0.39 × 10¹⁰ M^-1s^-1). Alkalinity and organics (DOC) reduced MC-LR degradation by scavenging ^•OH (k_obs,MilliQ = 0.117 cm²/mJ; k_{obs,50ppmAlk.} = 0.0497 cm²/mJ; k_obs,6ppmDOC = 0.019 cm²/mJ). Chloride absorbed 185 nm, impacting ^•OH formation and generating Cl^•, while also scavenging ^•OH. However, Cl^• is reactive and ^•OH scavenging is reversible, resulting in relatively low impact on MC-LR degradation (k_obs,50ppmCl = 0.0939 cm²/mJ). In natural water, MC-LR could be degraded from a typical concentration (˜15 μg/L) to below detection (<0.5 μg/L) with a UV₂₅₄ fluence of 200 mJ/cm² using UV/VUV. The presence of cyanobacterial cells impeded MC-LR degradation; however, 90% MC-LR degradation could still be achieved. UV/VUV is a promising chemical-free technology capable of MC-LR degradation in a variety of water conditions, and a potentially suitable treatment option for small, remote communities.

Degradation of widespread cyanotoxins with high impact in drinking water (microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin-a and saxitoxin) by CWPO

The occurrence of harmful cyanobacterial blooms has unabated increased over the last few decades, posing a significant risk for public health. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) promoted by modified natural magnetite (Fe₃O₄-R400/H₂O₂), as an inexpensive, simple-operation and environmentally-friendly process for the removal of the cyanotoxins that show the major impact on drinking water: microcystins (MC-LR and MC-RR), cylindrospermopsin (CYN), anatoxin-a (ATX) and saxitoxin (STX). The performance of the system was evaluated under ambient conditions and circumneutral pH (pH₀ = 5) using relevant cyanotoxin concentrations (100-500 μg L^-1). The nature of the cyanotoxins determined their reactivity towards CWPO, which decreased in the following order: MC-RR > CYN > MC-LR ≫ ATX > STX. In this sense, microcystins and CYN were completely removed in short reaction times (1-1.5 h) with a low catalyst concentration (0.2 g L^-1) and the stoichiometric amount of H₂O₂ (2-2.6 mg L^-1), while only 60-80% conversion was achieved with ATX and STX in 5 h. In these cases, an intensification of the operating conditions (1 g L^-1 catalyst and up to 30 mg H₂O₂ L^-1) was required to remove both toxins in 1 h. The impact of the main components of freshwaters i.e. natural organic matter (NOM) and several inorganic ions (HCO₃^-, HPO₄^2-, SO₄^2-) on the performance of the process was also investigated. Although the former led to a partial inhibition of the reaction due to HO· scavenging and catalyst coating, the latter did not show any remarkably effect, and the versatility of the process was finally confirmed in a real surface water. To further demonstrate the effectiveness of the catalytic system, the toxicity of both the initial cyanotoxins and the resulting CWPO effluents was measured with the brine shrimp Artemia salina. Remarkably, all CWPO effluents were non-toxic at the end of the treatment.

Combining solar irradiation with chlorination enhances the photochemical decomposition of microcystin-LR

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) generated by cyanobacteria is a potent toxin threatening human health. In this study the kinetics and mechanisms of MC-LR elimination from drinking water under solar irradiation with free chlorine (the solar/chlorine process) was evaluated. The rate of MC-LR degradation was dramatically enhanced in the solar/chlorine process (1.1 × 10^-2 s^-1) compared with chlorination alone (2.6 × 10^-3 s^-1) or solar irradiation alone (1.2 × 10^-4 s^-1) with a free chlorine dose of 42 μM (3.0 mg L^-1 as Cl₂). The enhancement was due to the presence of hydroxyl radicals, reactive chlorine species (RCS), and ozone during free chlorine photolysis. The second-order rate constants of Cl ^• and Cl₂^•- reacting with MC-LR were determined to be (2.25 ± 0.07) × 10¹⁰ and (5.58 ± 0.42) × 10⁷ M^-1s^-1, respectively. Cl ^• was the major RCS contributing to MC-LR elimination. The highest MC-LR degradation rate was observed at pH 8.0. Free chlorine, HO ^•, Cl ^• and O₃ together accounted for almost 95% of the MC-LR elimination. Hydroxyl- and chloro-MC-LR were generated in the process, followed by dechlorination, dehydration and cleavage of cyclic structures in MC-LR. Aldehyde- and ketone-MC-LR byproducts were also observed. The destruction of dienes led to a great reduction in MC-LR's toxicity. MC-LR removal in natural water samples under natural sunlight irradiation with free chlorine was demonstrated with limited formation of disinfection byproducts. The solar/chlorine process is an energy-efficient approach for MC-LR control, especially suitable for rural areas or where algal blooming threatens.

Ozonation of Microcystins: Kinetics and Toxicity Decrease

The ozonation of six microcystins (MCs) (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-LA, MC-LF, MC-YR, and MC-LW) was investigated with a focus on the kinetics and decrease in toxicity. Second-order rate constants for the reactions of the six MCs with O₃ and ^•OH ( k_O3,MC and k_^•OH,MC) ranged from 7.1 × 10⁵ to 6.1 × 10⁶ M^-1 s^-1 ( k_O3,MC) and from 1.2 × 10¹⁰ to 1.8 × 10¹⁰ M^-1 s^-1 ( k_^•OH,MC), at pH 7.2 and 20 °C. The activation energies were calculated to be 21.6-34.5 and 11.6-13.1 kJ mol^-1 for k_O3,MC and k_^•OH,MC, respectively. The rate constants did not show an important pH dependency, except for k_O3,MC-YR, which increased at pH > 7. A kinetic model using the determined rate constants and the measured exposures of O₃ and ^•OH was able to precisely predict the removal of MCs in natural water. The hepatotoxicities of MCs were decreased by ozonation; the toxicities of the four MCs (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-LA, and MC-LF) decreased nearly concurrently with decreases in their concentrations. However, MC-YR and MC-LW showed a gap between the concentration and toxicity as a result of the incomplete destruction of the Adda moiety (a key amino acid expressing the hepatotoxicity of MCs). A product study using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified a number of oxidation products with an intact Adda moiety produced by the ozonation of MC-YR and MC-LW.

The Impact of Natural Variation of OH Radical Demand of Drinking Water Sources on the Optimum Operation of the UV/H2O2 Process

Hydroxyl radical (•OH) water demand is a key parameter which impacts the design and operation of UV/H₂O₂ process for water treatment. Long-term monitoring of the •OH water demand in water sources used for drinking water production indicated significant seasonal variations of this parameter (1.59 × 10⁴ to 4.98 × 10⁴ s^-1), which coincided with the occurrence of algal blooming events. Pilot-scale tests at a drinking water treatment plant confirmed that the UV/H₂O₂ process performance for contaminant removal is predictable when the •OH water demand is accurately determined through a validated experimental method. A predictive tool was developed to identify the optimum operating conditions of the UV system with the UV/H₂O₂ process and it was used to demonstrate the significant impact of seasonal variations of •OH water demand on the operating costs.

Key structural features promoting radical driven degradation of emerging contaminants in water

Diverse contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) can be found in nowadays aquatic environment, possessing high potential to cause adverse ecological and human health effects. Due to their recalcitrance, conventional water treatment methods are shown to be inadequately effective. Thus, their upgrade by advanced oxidation processes, involving the generation of highly reactive species (HO and SO₄^-), is highly demanded. In order to assess the susceptibility of CECs by HO and SO₄^-, as well as to determine the corresponding reaction rate constants k_HO and k_SO4^-, the complex experimental studies has to be maintained. The alternative is the application of modeling approaches which correlate structural characteristics with activities/properties of interest, i.e. quantitative structure activity/property relationship (QSAR/QSPR). In this study k_HO and k_SO4^- of fifteen selected CECs were determined by competitive kinetics, and afterward used to elucidate key structural features promoting their degradation. In that purpose, QSPR models were constructed using multiple linear regression (MLR) combined with genetic algorithm (GA) approach. The models were submitted to the internal and external validation (using additional set of 17 CECs). Selected 3-variable models predicting k_HO and k_SO4^- were characterized with high accuracy and predictivity (R² = 0.876 and Q² = 0.847 and R² = 0.832 and Q² = 0.778, respectively). Although selected models at the first sight include descriptors derived through complicated calculation procedures, their weighting schemes indicate on their relevance and transparency toward established reaction theories and differences regarding radical type.

Ozonation of Tamoxifen and Toremifene: Reaction Kinetics and Transformation Products

The oxidation of the two antiestrogenic pharmaceuticals tamoxifen and toremifene with ozone in water was investigated concerning kinetics, reaction pathway, and transformation product formation. For both compounds a high dependency of second order rate constants and products on pH was determined. In case of full protonation of the amine (cation) ozone attacks with a second order rate constant of 1.57 × 10⁴ M^-1 s^-1 for tamoxifen and 4.37 × 10³ M^-1 s^-1 for toremifene. The neutral tertiary amine has an unexpected high second order rate constant of 3.17 × 10⁸ M^-1 s^-1 for tamoxifen and 1.46 × 10⁸ M^-1 s^-1 for toremifene. For the reaction of ozone and the tertiary amine only N-oxide formation was observed. p K_a values for tamoxifen (9.49 ± 0.22) and toremifene (9.57 ± 0.22) can be reported based on experimental data. Eight transformation products (TPs) were observed and identified based on MS/MS spectra or a reference standard. Products observed derived from Criegee reaction and hydroxylation as well as N-oxide formation. Further TPs from reactions with TAM products were combinations of N-oxides, Criegee products and hydroxylation products. Thus, reaction pathways can be derived and primary and secondary TPs distinguished for the first time.

Oxidation of cyanobacterial neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) with chlorine, permanganate, ozone, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical

Beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a new cyanobacterial neurotoxin produced by more than 20 genera of cyanobacteria, has been associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC) or Alzheimer's disease. Although BMAA has been shown to be removed in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), studies regarding the reactions between BMAA and the commonly used oxidants in DWTPs are limited to chlorine under specific conditions. In this study, the reaction kinetics between BMAA and five oxidants commonly used in DWTPs, including chlorine, potassium permanganate, ozone, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical were investigated. The oxidation of BMAA by chlorine, ozone or OH radical followed the second order reaction rate law, and the reaction rate was in the order of OH radicals > ozone >> chlorine. The rate constants increased by 20 times from 2 × 10³ M^-1s^-1 at pH 5.8 to 4.93 × 10⁴ M^-1s^-1 at pH 7, and kept in a relatively stable level at pH 7-9.5; rate constants of OH radicals were 1.11 × 10⁸ M^-1s^-1 at pH 6.5 and 5.51 × 10⁹- 1.35 × 10¹⁰ M^-1s^-1 at pH > 6.5. For both permanganate and H₂O₂ only, the removal of BMAA was negligible. The pH dependency of chlorine and the OH radical may be attributed to the neutral form of BMAA with free lone pair electrons readily to be attacked by oxidants. However, for ozonation of BMAA, the rate constants were 1.88 × 10⁶-3.72 × 10¹⁰ M^-1s^-1, with a linear dependency on pH, implying that the hydroxide concentration governs the reaction. In addition, the rate of BMAA degradation was found to be slower in natural water if compared with that in deionized water.

Exposure of Microcystis aeruginosa to hydrogen peroxide and titanium dioxide under visible light conditions: Modeling the impact of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical on cell rupture and microcystin degradation

The aims of this study are to evaluate, under visible light conditions, the ability of H₂O₂ and TiO₂ to produce OH, their quantitative impacts on the cell integrity of Microcystis, and the subsequent release and degradation of microcystins (MCs). A sequential reaction model was developed, including one sub-model to simulate the rupture kinetics for cell integrity of Microcystis, and another to describe the release and degradation of MCs. For cell rupture, the dual-oxidant Delayed Chick-Watson model (DCWM) and dual-oxidant Hom model (HM) were first proposed and developed, giving excellent simulation results of cell rupture kinetics. Kinetic rate constants between Microcystis cells and H₂O₂ [Formula: see text] as well as OH (k_•OH, Cell) under visible light successfully separated the individual effects of H₂O₂ and OH on Microcystis. The dual-oxidant models were further validated with additional experiments, making the models more convincing. Finally, the dual-oxidant cell rupture models were integrated with the MC degradation model and well predicted the observed MCs concentrations in the experimental systems. The results of this study not only demonstrate the potential application of H₂O₂ and TiO₂ for the control of cyanobacteria and metabolites in natural water bodies, but also provide a new methodology to differentiate the individual contributions of the two oxidants, H₂O₂ and OH, on cell rupture, thus giving a novel way to more precisely determine the effective doses of applied oxidants for cyanobacteria control.

Transformation of microcystin-LR and olefinic compounds by ferrate(VI): Oxidative cleavage of olefinic double bonds as the primary reaction pathway

The presence of toxic microcystins in algal-impacted surface waters is a concern for drinking water quality management. In this study, the potential of ferrate(VI) to eliminate microcystins during drinking water treatment was assessed by investigating reaction kinetics, reaction sites, transformation products, and toxicity changes for the oxidation of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) as a representative microsystin. The investigations also included several substructural model compounds of MC-LR, such as cinnamic acid and sorbic acid, to elucidate the major transformation products and pathways of MC-LR and olefinic compounds. Second-order rate constants were determined in the pH range 6-10.4 for the reaction of ferrate(VI) with MC-LR and the model compounds. The kinetic data revealed that the olefinic double bonds in the Adda and Mdha residues of MC-LR were the primary ferrate(VI) reaction sites, while the phenyl or guanidine moiety was not the reaction site. This finding was supported by detection and identification of the MC-LR transformation products of double bond cleavage, with high peak abundance in the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the reaction of ferrate(VI) with cinnamic and sorbic acids formed the corresponding aldehydes and organic acids with near complete carbon mass balance, indicating the oxidative cleavage of the double bonds as the primary reaction pathway. A quantitative protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) binding assay for ferrate(VI)-treated MC-LR solutions showed that the MC-LR transformation products exhibited negligible PP2A binding activity compared to that of the parent MC-LR. Oxidation experiments in a filtered river water matrix spiked with MC-LR demonstrated the efficient elimination of MC-LR during water treatment with ferrate(VI).

In-situ electrochemical Fe(VI) for removal of microcystin-LR from drinking water: comparing dosing of the ferrate ion by electrochemical and chemical means

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) release microtoxins that contaminate drinking water supplies and risk the health of millions annually. Crystalline ferrate(VI) is a powerful oxidant capable of removing algal microtoxins. We investigate in-situ electrochemically produced ferrate from common carbon steel as an on-demand alternative to crystalline ferrate for the removal of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and compare the removal efficacy for both electrochemical (EC) and chemical dosing methodologies. We report that a very low dose of EC-ferrate in deionized water (0.5 mg FeO₄^2- L^-1) oxidizes MC-LR (MC-LR₀ = 10 μg L^-1) to below the guideline limit (1.0 μg L^-1) within 10 minutes' contact time. With bicarbonate or natural organic matter (NOM), doses of 2.0-5.0 mg FeO₄^2- L^-1 are required, with lower efficacy of EC-ferrate than crystalline ferrate due to loss of EC-ferrate by water oxidation. To evaluate the EC-ferrate process to concurrently oxidize micropollutants, coagulate NOM, and disinfect drinking water, we spiked NOM-containing real water with MC-LR and Escherichia coli, finding that EC-ferrate is effective at 10.0 mg FeO₄^2- L^-1 under normal operation or 2.0 mg FeO₄^2- L^-1 if the test water has initial pH optimized. We suggest in-situ EC-ferrate may be appropriate for sporadic HAB events in small water systems as a primary or back-up technology.

Solar photo-Fenton treatment of microcystin-LR in aqueous environment: Transformation products and toxicity in different water matrices

Transformation products and toxicity patterns of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a common cyanotoxin in freshwaters, during degradation by solar photo-Fenton process were studied in the absence and presence of two major water components, namely fulvic acid and alkalinity. The transformation products m/z 795, 835, 515/1030 and 532 can be formed through attack of OH on the conjugated carbon double bonds of Adda. Transformation products with m/z 1010, 966 and 513 can be generated through the attack of OH on the methoxy group of Adda. The transformation products m/z 783, 508 and 1012 can be originated from the attack of OH on the cyclic structure of MC-LR. Transformation products (m/z 522, 1028, 1012, 1046 and 514) formed after hydroxylation of the aromatic ring with OH were also identified in this study. The toxicity study revealed that fulvic acid and alkalinity strongly influence the toxicity profiles of solar photo-Fenton treated MC-LR. Fulvic acid enhanced the detoxification whereas low level total alkalinity (1.8 mg L-1 CaCO3) inhibited the detoxification of MC-LR by solar photo-Fenton process as assessed by protein phosphatase-1 (PP-1) inhibition assay. This work provides insights on the utility of solar photo-Fenton destruction of MC-LR in water based on transformation products and toxicity data.

Cell Lysis and Detoxification of Cyanotoxins Using a Novel Combination of Microbubble Generation and Plasma Microreactor Technology for Ozonation

There has been a steady rise in the incidences of algal blooms globally, and worryingly, there is increasing evidence that changes in the global climate are leading to a shift toward cyanobacterial blooms. Many cyanobacterial genera are harmful, producing several potent toxins, including microcystins, for which there are over 90 described analogues. There are a wide range of negative effects associated with these toxins including gastroenteritis, cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Although a variety of oxidation based treatment methods have been described, ozonation and advanced oxidation are acknowledged as most effective as they readily oxidise microcystins to non-toxic degradation products. However, most ozonation technologies have challenges for scale up including high costs and sub-optimum efficiencies, hence, a low cost and scalable ozonation technology is needed. Here we designed a low temperature plasma dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor with an incorporated fluidic oscillator for microbubble delivery of ozone. Both technologies have the potential to drastically reduce the costs of ozonation at scale. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed very rapid (<2 min) destruction of two pure microcystins (MC-LR and MC-RR), together with removal of by-products even at low flow rate 1 L min⁻¹ where bubble size was 0.56–0.6 mm and the ozone concentration within the liquid was 20 ppm. Toxicity levels were calculated through protein phosphatase inhibition assays and indicated loss of toxicity as well as confirming the by-products were also non-toxic. Finally, treatment of whole Microcystis aeruginosa cells showed that even at these very low ozone levels, cells can be killed and toxins (MC-LR and Desmethyl MC-LR) removed. Little change was observed in the first 20 min of treatment followed by rapid increase in extracellular toxins, indicating cell lysis, with most significant release at the higher 3 L min⁻¹ flow rate compared to 1 L min⁻¹. This lab-scale investigation demonstrates the potential of the novel plasma micro reactor with applications for in situ treatment of harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxins.

Effect of operational and water quality parameters on conventional ozonation and the advanced oxidation process O3/H2O2: Kinetics of micropollutant abatement, transformation product and bromate formation in a surface water

The efficiency of ozone-based processes under various conditions was studied for the treatment of a surface water (Lake Zürich water, Switzerland) spiked with 19 micropollutants (pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemical, X-ray contrast medium, sweetener) each at 1 μg L^-1. Two pilot-scale ozonation reactors (4-5 m³ h^-1), a 4-chamber reactor and a tubular reactor, were investigated by either conventional ozonation and/or the advanced oxidation process (AOP) O₃/H₂O₂. The effects of selected operational parameters, such as ozone dose (0.5-3 mg L^-1) and H₂O₂ dose (O₃:H₂O₂ = 1:3-3:1 (mass ratio)), and selected water quality parameters, such as pH (6.5-8.5) and initial bromide concentration (15-200 μg L^-1), on micropollutant abatement and bromate formation were investigated. Under the studied conditions, compounds with high second-order rate constants k_O3>10⁴ M^-1 s^-1 for their reaction with ozone were well abated (>90%) even for the lowest ozone dose of 0.5 mg L^-1. Conversely, the abatement efficiency of sucralose, which only reacts with hydroxyl radicals (OH), varied between 19 and 90%. Generally, the abatement efficiency increased with higher ozone doses and higher pH and lower bromide concentrations. H₂O₂ addition accelerated the ozone conversion to OH, which enables a faster abatement of ozone-resistant micropollutants. Interestingly, the abatement of micropollutants decreased with higher bromide concentrations during conventional ozonation due to competitive ozone-consuming reactions, except for lamotrigine, due to the suspected reaction of HOBr/OBr^- with the primary amine moieties. In addition to the abatement of micropollutants, the evolution of the two main transformation products (TPs) of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and tramadol (TRA), chlorothiazide (CTZ) and tramadol N-oxide (TRA-NOX), respectively, was assessed by chemical analysis and kinetic modeling. Both selected TPs were quickly formed initially to reach a maximum concentration followed by a decrease of their concentrations for longer contact times. For the studied conditions, the TP's concentrations at the outlet of the reactors ranged from 0 to 61% of the initial parent compound concentration, CTZ being a more persistent TP against further oxidation than TRA-NOX. Finally, it was demonstrated in both reactors that the formation of bromate (BrO₃^-), a potentially carcinogenic oxidation by-product, could be controlled by H₂O₂ addition with a general improvement on micropollutant abatement. Post-treatment by granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration enabled the reduction of micropollutants and TPs concentrations but no changes in bromate were observed. The combined algae assay showed that water quality was significantly improved after oxidation and GAC post-treatment, driven by the abatement of the spiked pesticides (diuron and atrazine).

Novel pre-treatments to control bromate formation during ozonation

Worldwide water shortage increase and water quality depletion from microbial and chemical compounds, pose significant challenges for today's water treatment industry. Both the development of new advanced oxidation technologies, but also the enhancement of existing conventional technologies is of high interest. This study tested improvements to conventional ozonation that reduce the formation of the oxidation-by-product bromate, while maintaining the effectiveness for removal emerging contaminants (atrazine). MnO₄^-, ClO₂^-, ClO₂, ClO^-, CH₃COOO^-, HSO₅^- or S₂O₈^-2 with NH₄⁺ were tested as pre-treatments to ozonation of ground water. Each oxidant and NH₄⁺ were added in a single stage or separately prior to ozonation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has tested all the above-mentioned oxidants for the same water matrix. Based on our results, the most promising pre-treatments were MnO₄^--NH₄⁺, ClO₂^--NH₄⁺ and ClO₂-NH₄⁺. MnO₄^--NH₄⁺ was the only pre-treatment that did not inhibit atrazine removal. When compared with the previously proposed Cl₂/NH₄⁺ pre-treatment, MnO₄^-+NH₄⁺ was found as effective for preventing BrO₃^- formation, while atrazine removal was higher. In addition, MnO₄^-+NH₄⁺ can be added in a single stage (compared to the 2 stage addition of Cl₂/NH₄⁺) without causing the formation of potentially harmful chlorination-by-products.

Degradation of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) by UV-254 nm/H2O2 photochemical oxidation: kinetics and influence of various process parameters

Degradation of dibuytl phthalate (DBP), a plasticizer and also a widely distributed endocrine disruptor, by UV-254 nm/H₂O₂ advanced oxidation process (AOP) was investigated in this study. A significant DBP removal of 77.1 % at an initial concentration of 1.0 μM was achieved at UV fluence of 160 mJ/cm², initial H₂O₂ dosage of 1.0 mM, and pH of 7.6 ± 0.1. The DBP degradation exhibited a pseudo-first-order reaction kinetic pattern, with the rate constants linearly increasing with increasing H₂O₂ dosage while decreasing with increasing initial DBP concentration and pH value in a specific range. DBP destruction was significantly inhibited in the presence of alkalinity and natural organic matter (NOM), two known factors that should be taken a serious consideration of in the research and design of UV/H₂O₂-based AOPs. Presence of common inorganic anions (i.e., Cl^-, SO₄^2-, and NO₃^-) and metal cations (i.e., Fe³⁺ and Zn²⁺) had a slight impact on the degradation of DBP, although Cu²⁺ could improve the degradation efficiency even at a concentration as low as 0.01 mg/L, suggesting a strong potential of applying UV/H₂O₂ for the removal of DBP with an environmental relevant level of copper.

Chlorine/UV Process for Decomposition and Detoxification of Microcystin-LR

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a potent hepatotoxin that is often associated with blooms of cyanobacteria. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the chlorine/UV process for MC-LR decomposition and detoxification. Chlorinated MC-LR was observed to be more photoactive than MC-LR. LC/MS analyses confirmed that the arginine moiety represented an important reaction site within the MC-LR molecule for conditions of chlorination below the chlorine demand of the molecule. Prechlorination activated MC-LR toward UV254 exposure by increasing the product of the molar absorption coefficient and the quantum yield of chloro-MC-LR, relative to the unchlorinated molecule. This mechanism of decay is fundamentally different than the conventional view of chlorine/UV as an advanced oxidation process. A toxicity assay based on human liver cells indicated MC-LR degradation byproducts in the chlorine/UV process possessed less cytotoxicity than those that resulted from chlorination or UV254 irradiation applied separately. MC-LR decomposition and detoxification in this combined process were more effective at pH 8.5 than at pH 7.5 or 6.5. These results suggest that the chlorine/UV process could represent an effective strategy for control of microcystins and their associated toxicity in drinking water supplies.

Mechanism and Reaction Pathways for Microcystin-LR Degradation through UV/H2O2 Treatment

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is the most common cyanotoxin in contaminated aquatic systems. MCLR inhibits protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, leading to liver damage and tumor formation. MCLR is relatively stable owing to its cyclic structures. The combined UV/H₂O₂ technology can degrade MCLR efficiently. The second-order rate constant of the reaction between MCLR and hydroxyl radical (·OH) is 2.79(±0.23)×10¹⁰ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ based on the competition kinetics model using nitrobenzene as reference compound. The probable degradation pathway was analyzed through liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Results suggested that the major destruction pathways of MCLR were initiated by ·OH attack on the benzene ring and diene of the Adda side chain. The corresponding aldehyde or ketone peptide residues were formed through further oxidation. Another minor destruction pathway involved ·OH attack on the methoxy group of the Adda side chain, followed by complete removal of the methoxy group. The combined UV/H₂O₂ system is a promising technology for MCLR removal in contaminated aquatic systems.

Transformation of Contaminant Candidate List (CCL3) compounds during ozonation and advanced oxidation processes in drinking water: Assessment of biological effects

The removal of emerging contaminants during water treatment is a current issue and various technologies are being explored. These include UV- and ozone-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). In this study, AOPs were explored for their degradation capabilities of 25 chemical contaminants on the US Environmental Protection Agency's Contaminant Candidate List 3 (CCL3) in drinking water. Twenty-three of these were found to be amenable to hydroxyl radical-based treatment, with second-order rate constants for their reactions with hydroxyl radicals (OH) in the range of 3-8 × 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). The development of biological activity of the contaminants, focusing on mutagenicity and estrogenicity, was followed in parallel with their degradation using the Ames and YES bioassays to detect potential changes in biological effects during oxidative treatment. The majority of treatment cases resulted in a loss of biological activity upon oxidation of the parent compounds without generation of any form of estrogenicity or mutagenicity. However, an increase in mutagenic activity was detected by oxidative transformation of the following CCL3 parent compounds: nitrobenzene (OH, UV photolysis), quinoline (OH, ozone), methamidophos (OH), N-nitrosopyrolidine (OH), N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine (OH), aniline (UV photolysis), and N-nitrosodiphenylamine (UV photolysis). Only one case of formation of estrogenic activity was observed, namely, for the oxidation of quinoline by OH. Overall, this study provides fundamental and practical information on AOP-based treatment of specific compounds of concern and represents a framework for evaluating the performance of transformation-based treatment processes.

Toxic cyanobacteria and drinking water: Impacts, detection, and treatment

Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria in water supply systems are a global issue affecting water supplies on every major continent except Antarctica. The occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria in freshwater is increasing in both frequency and distribution. The protection of water supplies has therefore become increasingly more challenging. To reduce the risk from toxic cyanobacterial blooms in drinking water, a multi-barrier approach is needed, consisting of prevention, source control, treatment optimization, and monitoring. In this paper, current research on some of the critical elements of this multi-barrier approach are reviewed and synthesized, with an emphasis on the effectiveness of water treatment technologies for removing cyanobacteria and related toxic compounds. This paper synthesizes and updates a number of previous review articles on various aspects of this multi-barrier approach in order to provide a holistic resource for researchers, water managers and engineers, as well as water treatment plant operators.

Hepatotoxic microcystin removal using pumice embedded monolithic composite cryogel as an alternative water treatment method

Microcystins are the most commonly encountered water-borne cyanotoxins which present short- and long-term risks to human health. Guidelines at international and national level, and legislation in some countries, have been introduced for the effective health risk management of these potent hepatotoxic, tumour-promoters. The stable cyclic structure of microcystins and their common production by cyanobacteria in waterbodies at times of high total dissolved organic carbon content presents challenges to drinking water treatment facilities, with conventional, advanced and novel strategies under evaluation. Here, we have studied the removal of microcystins using three different forms of pumice particles (PPs), which are embedded into macroporous cryogel columns. Macroporous composite cryogel columns (MCCs) are a new generation of separation media designed to face this challenging task. Three different MCCs were prepared by adding plain PPs, Cu(2+)-attached PPs and Fe(3+)-attached PPs to reaction media before the cryogelation step. Column studies showed that MCCs could be successfully used as an alternative water treatment method for successful microcystin removal.

Ozonation of Cylindrospermopsin (Cyanotoxin): Degradation Mechanisms and Cytotoxicity Assessments

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a potent toxic alkaloid produced by a number of cyanobacteria frequently found in lakes and reservoirs used as drinking water sources. We report for the first time detailed pathways for the degradation of CYN by treatment with ozone. This was accomplished by use of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF MS), which revealed that CYN is readily degraded by ozone with at least 36 transformation products. Structural similarities among the major products indicated that the carbon-carbon double bond in the uracil ring of CYN was most susceptible to attack by ozone. Furthermore, the nitrogen functionality associated with the tricyclic guanidine moiety is also involved via a degradation pathway that has not been previously observed. To assess the potential toxicity of ozonation products of CYN, the cytotoxicity of CYN and the mixture of its ozonation products was measured in a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2). The IC50 for CYN at 24 and 48 h incubations was approximately 64.1 and 12.5 μM, respectively; however, the ozonation products of CYN did not exhibit measurable cytotoxicity to human cells. The results indicate ozone is an effective and practical method for CYN attenuation in water treatment without formation of overtly toxic transformation products.