Abstract
The synergistic action of anodic oxidation using boron-doped diamond and low-frequency ultrasound in different water matrices and operating conditions for the decomposition of the emerging contaminant propyl paraben was investigated. The degree of synergy was found to decrease with an increase in current in the range 1.25–6.25 mA/cm2 or the ultrasound power until 36 W/L, where a further decrease was observed. Despite the fact that the increased propyl paraben concentration decreased the observed kinetic constant for both the separated and the hybrid process, the degree of synergy was increased from 37.3 to 43.4% for 0.5 and 2 mg/L propyl paraben, respectively. Bicarbonates (100–250 mg/L) or humic acid (10–20 mg/L) enhanced the synergy significantly by up to 55.8%, due to the higher demand for reactive oxygen species. The presence of chloride ions decreased the observed synergistic action in comparison with ultrapure water, possibly due to the electro-generation of active chlorine that diffuses to the bulk solution. The same behavior was observed with the secondary effluent that contained almost 68 mg/L of chlorides. The efficiency was favored in a neutral medium, while the hybrid process was delayed in alkaline conditions.
Highlights
Nowadays, the interest of both the public and the scientific community about the harmful effects of various chemicals called endocrine disruptors (EDCs) has increased [1,2]
In a recent work published by Honda et al [8] that was performed in 8 different countries, including Asian countries as well as Greece and the USA, the researchers detected propyl paraben (PP) in 80.3% of the urinary samples, with an average concentration of 1.21 μg/L
The analysis of propyl paraben was based on previous work [27]
Summary
The interest of both the public and the scientific community about the harmful effects of various chemicals called endocrine disruptors (EDCs) has increased [1,2]. These substances can mimic or render the hormones and are accused of affecting the endocrine system [3]. Parabens are among the most well-known endocrine disruptors. They have been quantified in a large number of water bodies like rivers and lakes and effluents from wastewater treatment plants worldwide [5,6,7]. In a recent work published by Honda et al [8] that was performed in 8 different countries, including Asian countries as well as Greece and the USA, the researchers detected propyl paraben (PP) in 80.3% of the urinary samples, with an average concentration of 1.21 μg/L
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