We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Transformation products of contaminants of emerging concern in water by UV-based processes
Summary
Not a microplastics paper — this study examines how pharmaceutical and other emerging contaminants break down under UV light treatment in water, producing potentially toxic byproducts.
Abstract Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and their respective transformation products (TPs) formed following photodegradation pose considerable threats to the environment and our health. The formation of TPs during UV-LED-based degradation of three target pollutants in the EU Watch List of CECs was accessed by LC-MS-Orbitrap, and their reaction pathways were elucidated. The influence of different matrices and treatments of choice on TP formation was investigated. Results showed that matrix changes did not produce different reaction pathways during UV-A photocatalysis, although plots of TP peak areas vs. time were different for each case. A new TP was found for the antidepressant venlafaxine, (1-[2-(dimethylnitroryl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]cyclohexanol. When comparing UV-A photocatalysis with UV-C photolysis, dissimilar pathways were observed due to the distinct reaction mechanisms of each process, since photocatalysis, unlike photolysis, relies on radical-based reaction routes. Different levels of confidence were obtained for each TP depending on the availability of MS2 data in the literature and of standards for comparison. All the found TPs had similar molecular masses in comparison to their respective parent compounds. Most of the TPs remained in the effluent after 6 hours of photodegradation, which highlights the importance of their control, close-monitoring, and further toxicity assessments.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Unveiling the optical and molecular characteristics of aging microplastics derived dissolved organic matter transformed by UV/chlor(am)ine oxidation and its potential for disinfection byproducts formation
Researchers studied how UV light and common water disinfection chemicals break down microplastics in water and found that different treatment methods produce different types of dissolved organic matter from the plastic. Some treatment combinations, particularly UV with chlorine, created byproducts that could form harmful disinfection byproducts when water is later chlorinated. This is important because it means water treatment processes might unintentionally create new toxic compounds from the microplastics already present in water.
Insight into the dynamic transformation properties of microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter and its contribution to the formation of chlorination disinfection by-products
Researchers studied how dissolved organic matter released from microplastics transforms under UV light and how it contributes to the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts during water chlorination. They found that UV exposure changed the chemical composition of the microplastic-derived organic matter, affecting its reactivity during disinfection. The findings suggest that microplastics in water sources may indirectly increase the formation of potentially harmful chemicals during standard water treatment.
Effects of UV light on physicochemical changes in thermoplastic polyurethanes: Mechanism and disinfection byproduct formation
Researchers examined how UV light exposure changes the properties of thermoplastic polyurethane microplastics in water and whether those changes affect the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts during water chlorination. They found that UV exposure broke the plastic into smaller fragments and released soluble chemicals that significantly increased byproduct formation after chlorination. The findings suggest that aging microplastics in water systems could contribute to the creation of potentially harmful chemicals during standard water treatment.
Transformation of microplastics during UV-LED based water disinfection: Mechanistic insights and environmental implications
Researchers investigated how UV-based water disinfection treatments transform the physical and chemical properties of common microplastics like polystyrene, polyethylene, and PVC. They found that treatment created surface cracks, reduced water repellency, and generated various breakdown compounds, some of which showed toxicity to aquatic organisms. The study highlights that while UV disinfection effectively treats pathogens, it may inadvertently create new environmental risks by altering microplastics in the water supply.
Microplastic-Pharmaceutical Interactions and Their Disruptive Impact on UV and Chemical Water Disinfection Efficacy
This paper explores how microplastics originating from pharmaceutical coatings may interfere with common water disinfection methods including UV irradiation and chemical treatment like chlorination. Researchers propose that these microplastics can disrupt disinfection through physical shielding of pathogens, adsorption of disinfectant chemicals, and catalytic transformation of treatment agents. The findings suggest that pharmaceutical-derived microplastics represent an underrecognized challenge for maintaining water treatment effectiveness.