Rapid AOP Method for Estrogens Removal via Persulfate Activated by Hydrodynamic Cavitation

The production and use of manufactured chemicals have risen significantly in the last few decades. With interest in preserving and improving the state of the environment, there is also growing interested in new technologies for water purification and wastewater treatment. One frequently discussed technological group is advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). AOPs using sulphur-based radicals appear to reduce the volume of organic contaminants in wastewater significantly. The use of persulfate has excellent potential to successfully eliminate the number of emerging contaminants released into the environment. The main disadvantage of sulphur-based AOPs is the need for activation. We investigated an economically and environmentally friendly solution based on hydrodynamic cavitation, which does not require heating or additional activation of chemical substances. The method was evaluated for emerging contaminant removal research, specifically for the group of steroid estrogens. The mixture of estrone (E1), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) was effectively eliminated and completely removed during a treatment that lasted just a few seconds. This novel method can be used in a broad spectrum of water treatment processes or as the intensification of reactions in chemical engineering technologies.

Automated summary

The production and use of chemicals have increased significantly, resulting in a growing interest in new technologies for water purification and wastewater treatment. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) using sulphur-based radicals have shown potential in reducing organic contaminants in wastewater. However, these processes require activation. We have investigated an economically and environmentally friendly solution based on hydrodynamic cavitation, which does not require heating or additional activation, and can effectively remove emerging contaminants such as steroid estrogens in just a few seconds.