Treatment of endocrine disrupting chemicals using the downflow gas contractor reactor

Althafiri, Faisal S. (2016). Treatment of endocrine disrupting chemicals using the downflow gas contractor reactor. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The photodegradation of the selected steroid hormones, 17β-Estradiol (17β-E2), 17α-Estradiol (17α-E2), Estrone (E1) and Progesterone (PG) in aqueous solutions has been studied using the Downflow Gas Contactor Reactor (DGCR). The performance evaluation of the DGCR as providing an efficient and economical advanced oxidation process (AOP) demonstrated that it can be considered a promising AOP capable of total degradation in a short period of time. A fast and reliable chromatographic method was developed and validated to study the performance of the DGCR down to the ng L–\(^1\) level. Hydrodynamic and mass transfer characteristics of the DGCR were examined extensively, and the optimum operating conditions were identified. The photodegradation process fit well with pseudo-first order kinetics with R\(^2\) ≥ 99%. UV irradiation is the main factor affecting the whole degradation process. The effect of the initial concentration, initial pH, different O2 flowrates, hydrogen peroxide and different combinations of UV systems with the DGCR were all explored to evaluate the photodegradation performance and the removal efficiency. These results show great promise for the DGCR that it can be considered a promising AOP at the industrial scale applications.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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