Degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid in aqueous solution with sulfate radicals generated in the UV/sodium sulfate system

Abstract

Perfluorooctanoic acid (C7F15COOH, PFOA) is a persisted organic pollutant widely used in industry in recently. It is widespread occurrence in the environment and because of its ability to bioaccumulate. PFOA is reported toxic and carcinogenic to animals such as rats, fishes, monkeys, and even humans. Photodegradation PFOA solution in presence Na2SO4 was studied in this study. PFOA was photodegraded about 93% after 24 h by using a combination of UV 254nm irradiation and Na2SO4 30mM, while under only UV irradiation, 43% of PFOA was photodegraded. Na2SO4 30mM was the concentration that photodegradation PFOA reached highest efficiency. The optimal temperature for PFOA degradation is 25 o C.