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

As part of the Brazilian Popular Pharmacy Program, the β-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•− in the membrane reactor occurs by the reaction of HSO4−/H2SO4 scavenging HO•, whereas, in the membraneless reactor, the SO4•− generation occurs mainly by the direct oxidation mechanism. Operating both reactors in the same hydrodynamic conditions, it was found that the concentrations of SO4•− and S2O82− 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 (ϕ), 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. •Membrane reactor generates SO4•− by HSO4−/H2SO4 scavenging HO•.•Membraneless reactor produce SO4•− mainly by direct oxidation.•Mass transport limitations were overcomed in membrane reactor.•Membrane reactor presents better results in all evaluated conditions than membraneless.•Membrane reactors may find their good applications in water and wastewater treatment.