Abstract

Investigating the fate of persistent organic pollutants in water distribution systems (WDSs) is of great significance for preventing human health risks. The role of iron corrosion scales in the migration and transformation of organics in such systems remains unclear. Herein, we determined that hydroxyl (•OH), chlorine, and chlorine oxide radicals are generated by Fenton-like reactions due to the coexistence of oxygen vacancy-related Fe(II) on goethite (a major constituent of iron corrosion scales) and hypochlorous acid (HClO, the main reactive chlorine species of residual chlorine at pH ∼ 7.0). •OH contributed mostly to the decomposition of atrazine (ATZ, model compound) more than other radicals, producing a series of relatively low-toxicity small molecular intermediates. A simplified kinetic model consisting of mass transfer of ATZ and HClO, •OH generation, and ATZ oxidation by •OH on the goethite surface was developed to simulate iron corrosion scale-triggered residual chlorine oxidation of organic compounds in a WDS. The model was validated by comparing the fitting results to the experimental data. Moreover, the model was comprehensively applicable to cases in which various inorganic ions (Ca2+, Na+, HCO3-, and SO42-) and natural organic matter were present. With further optimization, the model may be employed to predict the migration and accumulation of persistent organic pollutants under real environmental conditions in the WDSs.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.