UV-C Peroxymonosulfate Activation for Wastewater Regeneration: Simultaneous Inactivation of Pathogens and Degradation of Contaminants of Emerging Concern

oleh: Ilaria Berruti, Samira Nahim-Granados, María Jesús Abeledo-Lameiro, Isabel Oller, María Inmaculada Polo-López

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2021-08-01

Deskripsi

This study explores the capability of Sulfate Radical-based Advanced Oxidation Processes (SR-AOPs) for the simultaneous disinfection and decontamination of urban wastewater. Sulfate and hydroxyl radicals in solution were generated activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under UV-C irradiation at pilot plant scale. The efficiency of the process was assessed toward the removal of three CECs (Trimethoprim (TMP), Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and Diclofenac (DCF)) and three bacteria (<i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Enterococcus</i> spp., and <i>Pseudomonas</i> spp.) in actual urban wastewater (UWW), obtaining the optimal value of PMS at 0.5 mmol/L. Under such experimental conditions, bacterial concentration ≤ 10 CFU/100 mL was reached after 15 min of UV-C treatment (0.03 kJ/L of accumulative UV-C radiation) for natural occurring bacteria, no bacterial regrowth was observed after 24 and 48 h, and 80% removal of total CECs was achieved after 12 min (0.03 kJ/L), with a release of sulfate ions far from the limit established in wastewater discharge. Moreover, the inactivation of Ampicillin (AMP), Ciprofloxacin (CPX), and Trimethoprim (TMP) antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and reduction of target genes (ARGs) were successfully achieved. Finally, a harmful effect toward the receiving aquatic environment was not observed according to <i>Aliivibrio fischeri</i> toxicity tests, while a slightly toxic effect toward plant growth (phytotoxicity tests) was detected. As a conclusion, a cost analysis demonstrated that the process could be feasible and a promising alternative to successfully address wastewater reuse challenges.