Photodegradation of selected PCBs in the presence of Nano-TiO2 as catalyst and H2O2 as an oxidant

Photo-assisted electrochemical degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls with boron-doped diamond electrodes

The capacity of the photo electro-Fenton (PEF) process to degrade a mixture of seven polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners was studied. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) sheets were used as anode and cathode in the experimental electrolytic cell that contained Na₂SO₄ 0.05 M at pH 3 as supporting electrolyte for the electro generation of H₂O₂ at the cathode. The effects of UV light intensity (254 and 365 nm), current density (8, 16 and 24 mA cm^-2) and ferrous ion dosage (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mM) on PCB (C₀ = 50 μg L^-1) degradation were evaluated. The highest level of PCB degradation (97%) was achieved with 16 mA cm^-2 of current density, 0.1 mM of ferrous ion and UV light at 365 nm as irradiation source after 6 h of reaction. PCB28, PCB52 and PCB101 were not detected after 0.5, 1.5 and 3 h of reaction, respectively. The degradation of PCB138, PCB153, PCB180 and PCB209 was also high (>95%). The PEF system outperformed other oxidation processes (electro-Fenton, anodic oxidation, Fenton, photo-Fenton and UV photolysis) in terms of reaction rate and degradation efficiency. These results demonstrate for the first time the degradation of PCB209, the most highly chlorinated PCB congener, by an advanced electrochemical oxidation process.

Advances and perspective in bioremediation of polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated soils

In recent years, microbial degradation and bioremediation approaches of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been studied extensively considering their toxicity, carcinogenicity and persistency potential in the environment. In this direction, different catabolic enzymes have been identified and reported for biodegradation of different PCB congeners along with optimization of biological processes. A genome analysis of PCB-degrading bacteria has led in an improved understanding of their metabolic potential and adaptation to stressful conditions. However, many stones in this area are left unturned. For example, the role and diversity of uncultivable microbes in PCB degradation are still not fully understood. Improved knowledge and understanding on this front will open up new avenues for improved bioremediation technologies which will bring economic, environmental and societal benefits. This article highlights on recent advances in bioremediation of PCBs in soil. It is demonstrated that bioremediation is the most effective and innovative technology which includes biostimulation, bioaugmentation, phytoremediation and rhizoremediation and acts as a model solution for pollution abatement. More recently, transgenic plants and genetically modified microorganisms have proved to be revolutionary in the bioremediation of PCBs. Additionally, other important aspects such as pretreatment using chemical/physical agents for enhanced biodegradation are also addressed. Efforts have been made to identify challenges, research gaps and necessary approaches which in future, can be harnessed for successful use of bioremediation under field conditions. Emphases have been given on the quality/efficiency of bioremediation technology and its related cost which determines its ultimate acceptability.

Characterization of La/Fe/TiO₂ and Its Photocatalytic Performance in Ammonia Nitrogen Wastewater

La/Fe/TiO₂ composite photocatalysts were synthesized by Sol-Gel method and well characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen-physical adsorption, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS). It is interesting that the doped catalysts were in anatase phase while the pure TiO₂ was in rutile phase. In addition, the composites possessed better physical chemical properties in photocatalytic activity than pure TiO₂: stronger visible-light-response ability, larger specific surface area, and more regular shape in morphology. The photodegradation results of ammonia nitrogen indicate that: the La/Fe/TiO₂ had higher catalytic activity to ammonia nitrogen waste water compared pure TiO₂ and the other single metal-doped TiO₂. pH 10 and 2 mmol/L H₂O₂ were all beneficial to the removal of ammonia nitrogen by La/Fe/TiO₂. However, the common inorganic ions of Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, HCO₃⁻/CO₃²⁻, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ in water all inhibited the degradation of ammonia nitrogen. By balance calculation, at least 20% of ammonia nitrogen was converted to N₂ during the 64.6% removal efficiency of ammonia nitrogen.

Photocatalytic degradation of 2,4,4′-trichlorobiphenyl into long-chain alkanes using Ag nanoparticle decorated flower-like ZnO microspheres

Highly toxic 2,4,4′-trichlorobiphenyl is completely degraded into long-chain alkanes via the ring-opening reactions and a new photocatalytic degradation pathway.

Hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls in the environment: sources, fate, and toxicities

Hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) are produced in the environment by the oxidation of PCBs through a variety of mechanisms, including metabolic transformation in living organisms and abiotic reactions with hydroxyl radicals. As a consequence, OH-PCBs have been detected in a wide range of environmental samples, including animal tissues, water, and sediments. OH-PCBs have recently raised serious environmental concerns because they exert a variety of toxic effects at lower doses than the parent PCBs and they are disruptors of the endocrine system. Although evidence about the widespread dispersion of OH-PCBs in various compartments of the ecosystem has accumulated, little is currently known about their biodegradation and behavior in the environment. OH-PCBs are, today, increasingly considered as a new class of environmental contaminants that possess specific chemical, physical, and biological properties not shared with the parent PCBs. This article reviews recent findings regarding the sources, fate, and toxicities of OH-PCBs in the environment.

Overview of in situ and ex situ remediation technologies for PCB-contaminated soils and sediments and obstacles for full-scale application

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are persistent organic pollutants used worldwide between the 1930s and 1980s. Although their use has been heavily restricted, PCB can be found in contaminated soils and sediments. The most frequent remediation solutions adopted are "dig and dump" and "dig and incinerate", but there are currently new methods that could be more sustainable alternatives. This paper takes a look into the remediation options available for PCB-contaminated soils and sediments, differentiating between biological, chemical, physical and thermal methods. The use of combined technologies was also reviewed. Most of them are still in an initial development stage and further research in different implementation issues is needed. There is no single technology that is the solution for PCB contamination problem. The successful remediation of a site will depend on proper selection, design and adjustment of the technology or combined technologies to the site characteristics.