Aqueous photodegradation and toxicity of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons fluorene, dibenzofuran, and dibenzothiophene

Abstract

Decay kinetics resulting from the application of UV and UV/H 2 O 2 to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) fluorene, dibenzofuran and dibenzothiophene was studied. Batch experiments were conducted with both low pressure monochromatic (253.7 nm) and medium pressure polychromatic (200-300 nm) UV sources alone or in the presence of up to 25 mg/L hydrogen peroxide, in a quasi-collimated beam apparatus. Degradation of all three PAHs, by both UV and UV/ H 2 O 2 , exhibited pseudo-first order reaction kinetics and low quantum yields ranging from 1.4×10 −3 to 1.8×10 −2 mol/E using both UV lamps. Toxicity testing using a bioluminesence inhibition bioassay was correlated to the decay in concentration of the PAHs as analyzed analytically using HPLC. Results demonstrated that treatment efficacy of oxidative PAH degradation measured by following the decay of the target compound is best complemented by also evaluating the toxicity of the treated water due to byproduct formation concerns.

Photolysis, oxidation and subsequent toxicity of a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in natural waters

“…Although compared to the mixtures, much lower toxicity values were measured for DBF and FLU as sole components while, higher toxicity was found for DBT as a sole component [27]. Loibner et al [17] found additive bioluminescence inhibition effects to V. fischeri for low molecular weight PAHs acenaphthene (ACE), FLU, phenantherene (PHE), naphthalene, and acenaphthylene.…”

Preparation of HDTMA‐bentonite: Characterization studies and its adsorption behavior toward dibenzofuran

“…It is largely derived from anthropogenic products such as petroleum and coal tar, and natural processes such as forest fires. [6] It has a wide variety of uses as an insecticide, in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), in industrial bleaching and incineration. Although it is known to be toxic, there is no information on the acute, chronic, reproductive, developmental and carcinogenic effects of DBF in humans or animals.…”

Removal of organic matter from a variety of water matrices by UV photolysis and UV/H2O2 method

“…The AOPs can be used in treatment of different water matrices containing persistent harmful organic compounds with long environmental lifetime [11,12]. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been detected in waste and natural waters [13]. The PAH compounds have been released into environment for example in wide use of creosote wood preservatives [9,14].…”

“…The PAH compounds have been released into environment for example in wide use of creosote wood preservatives [9,14]. The organic portion of creosote consists mainly of the PAH compounds, many of which are considered to be toxic, carcinogenic and bioaccumulating [13]. Several studies have reported the usability of the UV/H 2 O 2 in the PAH decomposition but mainly from artificially contaminated wastewater [12,13,15].…”

“…The organic portion of creosote consists mainly of the PAH compounds, many of which are considered to be toxic, carcinogenic and bioaccumulating [13]. Several studies have reported the usability of the UV/H 2 O 2 in the PAH decomposition but mainly from artificially contaminated wastewater [12,13,15]. Another kind of pollutant causing concern, 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE), is the most abundant chlorinated C 2 groundwater pollutant [16].…”