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 language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017 |
Subtitle of host publication | Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater; Urban Watershed Management; and Municipal Water Infrastructure - Selected Papers from the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017 |
Publisher | American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) |
Pages | 167-178 |
Number of pages | 12 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780784480632 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2017 |
Event | 17th World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017 - Sacramento, United States Duration: May 21 2017 → May 25 2017 |
Other
Other | 17th World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017 |
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Country | United States |
City | Sacramento |
Period | 5/21/17 → 5/25/17 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Science(all)