Influence factor of 17β-estradiolphotodegradation by heterogeneous Fenton reaction

Abstract

The photocatalytic degradation of 17β-estradiol (E2), by Fenton like reaction was investigated as a function of E2 concentrations, organic co-solvents and co-existing estrogens, humic acid (HA) and other background anions. E2 degradation was effectively achieved by hydroxyl radicals that were generated in the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process. The degradation kinetics were fitted to Langmuir–Hinshelwood model with kr = 0.3140 µM/h and Kads = 2.2146L/µmol. The removal kinetics of E2 were initiated by a rapid decay and then followed by a much slower one in acetonitrile–water solutions while in methanol–water solutions they followed the first-kinetic model for the diffusion-control of hydroxyl radicals and competition between E2 and co-solvents. In addition, the lower level of co-existing substances did not significantly influence the oxidation efficiency of E2. The degradation rates of E2 were found to depend not only on the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and iron content as reported before but also on pH, E2 concentrations and composition of co-solvents. Thus it is very important to look for the optimum conditions for the purpose of most efficiently eliminating E2 from drinking water.