Interfering effect of organic compounds on the treatment of synthetic wastewater, containing parabens, by electrochemical processes

Author(s)

Dawany Dionisio

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC/BT)
• Defense date: 2019-02-25

Examining board members

Artur de Jesus Motheo; Eduardo Bessa Azevedo; Pablo Cañizares Cañizares; José Joaquín Linares León; Manuel Andrés Rodrigo Rodrigo

• Advisor: Artur de Jesus Motheo

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are responsible for causing adverse effects on the environment and on human health. Those substances are extensively used in several costumer products, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. However, several EDCs are not completely removed from industrial wastewaters by the most common treatments, contributing on the environmental contamination. In this context, electrochemical processes can be highlighted due to its efficacy presented on the treatment of numerous types of wastewater. Nevertheless, better understanding of the process is important in order to design wastewater treatments that can be widely applied. Hence, this thesis focus on the degradation of methyl paraben (MeP), in different synthetic wastewater, by electrolysis with mixed metal oxides commercial (MMO-Cl2) and boron-doped anode (BDD) anodes. More importantly, MeP is used as a model molecule to understand the effects of the irradiation of UV light and of ultrasound (US) during the electrolysis. It is important to consider that matrix composition must affect the process efficiency. Hence, MeP is also used as model to shed a light on the possible interfering effects of other organics on its oxidation. Finally, a simulated wastewater from cosmetic industry is studied in order to better comprehend the effects of electrolysis and of ultrasound on complex matrix. Great differences were observed on the efficiency of treatments using MMO-Cl2 and BDD, mostly regarding the mechanism of MeP oxidation. With MMO-Cl2, the treated wastewater was often more complex than the initial one, due to the formation of solid product, polymerization reaction and great interfering effect when two compounds are simultaneously treated. Conversely, using BDD, the mineralization process is favored, regardless the complexity of the matrix. Interfering effect on MeP oxidation is relevant under the presence of huge concentrations of a second organic compound, though the complete mineralization is attained. Irradiation of UV and of US resulted in better removals of organic matter, mainly with respect to MeP products. It was observed that surfactants may interfere on the degradation of organic compounds due to the formation of micelles. The efficiency of the process decreases under high micelles content, however 90% of mineralization was achieved. Irradiation of ultrasound notably improves the physical aspect of the treated wastewater, assisting on the transformation of emulsions, with great turbidity and amount of particles, in clear non-organic solutions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/04825-2 - Effect of interferents and operational features on the degradation of endocrine disruptors
• Grantee: Dawany Dionisio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)