In recent decades, increased regulations on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) have prompted a surge in the use of BPA alternatives. Consequently, a widespread occurrence of BPA substitutes in aquatic environments is currently being detected. While some evidence exists about the degradation of these compounds through various water treatment technologies, the evolution of the resulting toxicity and endocrine-disrupting activity during these processes remains scarcely evaluated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis research aimed to synthesise an effective hydrochar adsorbent from vineyard pruning wastes to remove emerging contaminants as a potential valorisation product. The adsorption capacity of the hydrochar was optimised using the Taguchi method. Four synthesis variables were evaluated: hydrothermal reaction temperature, use of HPO as a catalyst, number of acetone washes, and type of chemical cold activation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThere is currently a concern about the endocrine-disrupting capacity of many bisphenol A substitutes, such as BPAF, BPAP, BPB, BPC, BPC-Cl, BPE, BPF, BPS and BPZ in natural waters. However, fundamental data (i.e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) are the most employed substitutes of bisphenol A (BPA), after being restricted by legislation in different countries because of its endocrine disrupting behaviour. In the present work, a deep study was performed about the reactivity of BPF and BPS with ozone and hydroxyl radical. Firstly, the second order rate constants of ozone with the di-protonated, mono-protonated and deprotonated species of both bisphenols were determined to be 2.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAssessment and management of issues related to pesticide residues, such as environmental fate, monitoring and toxicity, are complex and, in many cases, require costly studies. The early establishment of a priority list of pesticides that should be monitored and assigned to a restricted-use policy is an important issue of post-registration Risk Assessment (RA). Various pesticide registration approaches have been adopted by different countries with those from Europe and the USA being the most popular, constituting the major prototypes for registration approaches in other countries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDichlorvos (DDVP) is an organophosphorus pesticide that has been classified as highly hazardous chemical by the World Health organization. In this study, the fate of the pesticide DDVP in natural water compartments was examined under simulated sunlight. Moreover, the effect of UV-254 irradiation on DDVP depletion was also studied.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe wide use of organophosphorous flame retardants (OPFR) and plasticizers causes a continuous release of large quantities into natural waters. One of the main contributors to micropollutants depletion in surface water is sunlight induced phototransformations. This study aims to elucidate whether alkyl, chloroalkyl and aryl organophosphorus flame retardants undergo phototransformations in river water.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDiclofenac (DCF), a common analgesic, anti-arthritic and anti-rheumatic drug, is one of the most frequently detected compounds in water. This study deals with the degradation of diclofenac in aqueous solution by ozonation. Biodegradability (BOD(5)/COD ratio and Zahn-Wellens test), acute ecotoxicity and inhibition of activated sludge activity were determined in ozonated and non-ozonated samples.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdvanced oxidation processes (AOPs) using UV, UV/H2O2, Fenton and photo-Fenton treatment were investigated at laboratory scale for aqueous solutions of 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP). The effects on degradation of different reactant concentrations, irradiation time, temperature and pH were assessed. DCP removal, TOC mineralization, dechlorination and change in oxidation state were monitored.
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