Evaluation of an electrochemical membrane reactor for the removal of β-blocker compound from water

As part of the Brazilian Popular Pharmacy Program, the beta-blocker Atenolol (ATN) is widely used, and its presence in the environmental ecosystems is a reality. Aiming the ATN removal, the use of an electrochemical membrane reactor was evaluated and compared to a membraneless one. The results show that the generation of SO4 center dot- in the membrane reactor occurs by the reaction of HSO4-/H2SO4 scavenging HO center dot-, whereas, in the membraneless reactor, the SO4 center dot- generation occurs mainly by the direct oxidation mechanism. Operating both reactors in the same hydrodynamic conditions, it was found that the concentrations of SO4 center dot- and S(2)O8(2)(-) are higher in the membrane reactor, leading to a greater concentration of these species being transported to the bulk solution, changing the kinetics, and presenting better results in electrochemical combustion (phi), mineralization current efficiency (MCE) and specific energy consumption (Es). Since the mass transport limitations were overcome in membrane reactor, the processes may find their good applications in water and wastewater treatment.

Automated summary

This study compares the performance of an electrochemical membrane reactor and a membraneless reactor for the removal of Atenolol. The results show that the membrane reactor has higher mineralization current efficiency and lower energy consumption, making it more effective for ATN removal.