Comparison of UV/TiO sub(2) and UV/H sub(2)O sub(2) processes in an annular photoreactor for removal of micropollutants: Influence of water parameters on metaldehyde removal, quantum yields and energy consumption

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Environmental, 2013-07, Vol.138-139, p.268-275
• Main Authors: Autin, Olivier, Hart, Julie, Jarvis, Peter, MacAdam, Jitka, Parsons, Simon A, Jefferson, Bruce
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0926-3373
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2013.02.045

Advanced oxidation processes have proven their efficacy in the removal of micropollutants but the role of background constituents on the kinetics of degradation is not well understood. Investigation into the role of alkalinity and background organic matter as defined by three surrogate compounds - serine, leucine and resorcinol - on the degradation of metaldehyde was conducted with a continuous flow pho-toreactor operated as either UV/TiO sub(2) or UV/H sub(2)O sub(2). Background organic compounds inhibited the process through scavenging such that reaction rates were on average reduced by 19%. Modelling the radiation field enabled the quantum yield to be determined indicating that metaldehyde contributed to 0.1% of the total quantum yield under realistic background organic matter concentrations. Examination of models in term of electrical energy per order suggested that ideal reactor width of 9 mm for TiO sub(2) and 11.7 cm are required.