Hydrogen peroxide-based wet oxidation to eliminate contraceptive hormone residues from pharmaceutical wastewater

Patnaree Sirinukulwatana, Prapaporn Kunpunya, Pattarin Supanivatin, Kenneth W. Foster, Aluck Thipayarat

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Wet oxidation using hydrogen peroxide (1, 3, and 5% H2O2) at raised temperatures has been used to oxidize pharmaceutical wastewater derived from contraceptive pill production. Model wastewater containing ethinyl estradiol (40 μg/ml), levonorgestrel (25 μg/ml), cyproterone (25 μg/ml), gestodene (10 μg/ml), and desogestrel (50 μg/ml) was formulated based on the average concentration of hormones measured in the first wash of an equipment cleaning process. Higher temperatures for wet oxidation ranging from 100 to 150°C were anticipated to enhance the oxidizing capability of this hydroxyl-radical-mediated advanced oxidation. At mild oxidation treatments (1% H2O2 at 100°C), only sensitive species showed minor degradation by HPLC chromatogram. Desogestrel was easily removed even with this mild oxidizing, but the other hormones were more stable. Fortunately, higher temperatures generated much higher hormone degradation rates. For instance, 5% H2O2 at 150°C destroyed all the hormones in the model wastewater within 5 min. We assume highly reactive hydroxyl radicals produced the rapid mineralization of the spiked hormones.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017
Subtitle of host publicationWater, Wastewater, and Stormwater; Urban Watershed Management; and Municipal Water Infrastructure - Selected Papers from the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017
EditorsBrian Van Weele, Christopher N. Dunn
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages167-178
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9780784480632
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Event17th World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017 - Sacramento, United States
Duration: May 21 2017May 25 2017

Publication series

NameWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017: Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater; Urban Watershed Management; and Municipal Water Infrastructure - Selected Papers from the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017

Other

Other17th World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySacramento
Period5/21/175/25/17

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Environmental Science

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