This study provided an in-depth understanding
of enhanced
algae
inactivation by combining ultraviolet and peracetic acid (UV/PAA)
and selecting Microcystis aeruginosa as the target
algae species. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tests and
scavenging experiments provided direct evidence on the formed reactive
species (RSs) and indicated the dominant role of RSs including singlet
oxygen (1O2) and hydroxyl (HO•) and organic (RO•) radicals in algae inactivation.
Based on the algae inactivation kinetic model and the determined steady-state
concentration of RSs, the contribution of RSs was quantitatively assessed
with the second-order rate constants for the inactivation of algae
by HO•, RO•, and 1O2 of 2.67 × 109, 3.44 × 1010, and 1.72 × 109 M–1 s–1, respectively. Afterward, the coexisting bi/carbonate, acting as
a shuttle, that promotes the transformation from HO• to RO• was evidenced to account for the better
performance of the UV/PAA system in algae inactivation under the natural
water background. Subsequently, along with the evaluation of the UV/PAA
preoxidation to modify coagulation–sedimentation, the possible
application of the UV/PAA process for algae removal was advanced.