Abstract
In this work, the elimination of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is explored by using photodegradation of the UV/TiO2 system, the UV/potassium persulfate (KPS) system, and the homo/heterogeneous UV/TiO2/KPS system. The experimental results show that the dosages of TiO2 and potassium persulfate have optimum values to increase the degradation degree. HBCD can be almost completely degraded and 74.3% of the total bromine content is achieved in the UV/TiO2/KPS homo/heterogeneous photocatalysis, much more than in the UV/persulfate system and the UV/TiO2 system. Roles of radicals SO4•− and OH• in the photocatalysis systems are discussed based on experimental measurements. The high yield of the concentration of bromide ions and decreased pH value indicates that synergistic effects exist in the UV/TiO2/KPS homo/heterogeneous photocatalysis, which can mineralize HBCD into inorganic small molecules like carboxylic acids, CO2 and H2O, thus much less intermediates are formed. The possible pathways of degradation of HBCD in the UV/TiO2/KPS system were also analyzed by GC/MS. This work will have practical application potential in the fields of pollution control and environmental management.
Highlights
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a high bromine content additive flame retardant that is mainly used in polystyrene electrical equipment, insulation boards, resin, polyester fabric, synthetic rubber coating, and so on [1]
Degradation of HBCD is investigated in the UV/TiO2, UV/KPS, and UV/TiO2 /KPS system by measurement of the concentrations of HBCD and bromide ion
HBCD can be almost completely degraded and 74.3% of the total bromine content is achieved in the UV/TiO2 /KPS
Summary
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a high bromine content additive flame retardant that is mainly used in polystyrene electrical equipment, insulation boards, resin, polyester fabric, synthetic rubber coating, and so on [1]. The presence of HBCD was detected in environmental samples such as water, atmosphere, sediment, soil, food, and even in the human body in breast milk and plasma, as it can be enriched through the food chain, causing persistent pollution [3]. The molecular structure of HBCD with a ring structure is relatively stable, making it heat-resistant, UV-resistant, and difficult to be decomposed in the natural environment [5]. Methods for eliminating HBCD in the environment include microbial degradation, ultrasonic degradation, chemical reduction, phytoremediation, and mechanical ball milling [6,7,8].
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