p-Nitrophenol Enhanced Degradation in High-Voltage Pulsed Corona Discharges Combined with Ozone System

Degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) in aqueous solution by high-voltage pulse corona discharges (HVPD) combined with ozone was investigated in this study. Experimental results showed that 96 % of PNP (380 mg/L) can be degraded within 30 min using a combined technology. Additionally, the effects of initial concentration of PNP, synergistic effect of both techniques, and pH of the aqueous solution on PNP degradation were evaluated. This combined technology achieved better results than using two mineralization techniques in series which indicates that synergistic effect of HVPD and ozone promoted pollutant decomposition. On the other hand, weak alkalinity was favorable for PNP removal. In the end, intermediate products resulting from PNP degradation processes were analyzed by ion chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Main intermediate products, including p-benzoquinone, nitro benzoquinone, trans-muconic acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, NO2 (-) and NO3 (-) were identified. It was proposed a possible reaction pathway.