UV-based advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of complex real matrices: analytical, ecotoxicological and cytotoxicity evaluation

Abstract

Considering: (i) the level of excellence of the work developed by Dr. Gamal El-Din's group at the University of Alberta, as well as his extensive experience in fundamental research on advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and (ii) the studies performed at GPEA/IQSC related to the original project on the removal of organic and biological contaminants by the photolysis of oxidants, this project focuses on performing a comprehensive research of the activation of different oxidants (O3, H2O2, S2O82-, HSO5- and ClO-) under distinct UV irradiation sources (UVC, VUV, UV-LEDs and solar radiation) to treat complex real matrices containing a mixture of representative organic pollutants at very low concentration (100 µg L-1 each). In this study, 13 micropollutants (MPs) with significant differences regarding their chemical structures and their potential toxicity against aquatic ecosystems will be investigated simultaneously: 6 pharmaceuticals, 2 personal care products, 3 pesticides and 2 perfluorinated compounds. The efficiency of these processes will be compared in terms of MPs degradation rates, oxidant consumption, generation of by-products and energy consumption. Finally, the environmental compatibility of the treated matrices will be investigated by ecotoxicity tests using representative microorganisms of producers (green algae Chlorella vulgaris) and primary consumers (Daphnia magna), as well as by cytotoxicity assays in murine and human cell lines by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). (AU)