Modeling the Photodegradation of Trace Organic Compounds in Reclaimed Wastewater for UV-185/254 nm Continuous-Flow Photoreactor

Abstract

With the perpetually growing demands for potable water due to climate change, population growth, and urbanization, reclaimed wastewater is increasingly important as a source of potable water. Reclaimed wastewater must undergo intensive treatment to meet drinking water standards. Contaminants resistant to conventional treatment methods such as trace organic compounds (TOrCs) pose significant risks to human health even at low concentrations. Some TOrCs that resist conventional wastewater treatment can be removed through a combination of direct and indirect photolysis under UV-254 nm irradiation. Experiments were conducted for twenty-one TOrCs to determine photodegradation kinetics associated with UV-254 nm light. Quantum yields were determined for each TOrC and successfully used to model the photodegradation of each in reclaimed wastewater in both batch and continuous-flow reactor systems.