Improving biodegradability of clopyralid wastes by photoelectrolysis: The role of the anode material

In this work, the removal of the non-readily biodegradable herbicide clopyralid by electrochemical (EC) and photoelectrochemical (PhEC) oxidation with different anode materials were conducted looking to improve not only its oxidation but also its biodegradability. First, in order to find out optimal conditions, it was carried out EC and PhEC degradations in chloride medium, at current densities ranging from 30 to 100 mA cm−2 during 1 h (0.8–2.7 A h L−1), using as anodes MMO-RuO2TiO2, MMO-RuO2IrO2, MMO-IrO2Ta2O5 and boron-doped diamond (BDD). Results show better efficiencies on clopyralid removal for MMO-RuO2IrO2 and BDD anodes at lower current densities. Then, the influence of all anodes on clopyralid transformation was evaluated, extending the electrolysis and photoelectrolysis for 8 h applying 30 mA cm−2 (6.4 A h cm−3). At these conditions, better outcomes are observed for PhEC degradation, where complete pollutant removal is attained for BDD anode and 88.7% for MMO-RuO2IrO2, while COD removal is 47.7% for MMO and 43.1% for BDD anode. Then, short-term biodegradability tests, conducted for EC and PhEC processes, pointed out that MMO-RuO2TiO2 is the most promising anode material, being capable of improving biodegradability in 48.2% and 53% for EC and PhEC degradation, respectively. The toxicity of treated solutions using MMO-RuO2TiO2 and BDD anodes in both EC and PhEC degradation were compared, employing the inhibitory effect in the bioluminescence of marine bacteria Vibrio Fisheri. Toxicity assessments show that toxicity significantly reduces by using the MMO-RuO2TiO2 in NaCl and Na2SO4 medium for both processes. Finally, this study demonstrates that photoelectrolysis with MMO anodes was the most effective strategy in order to increase biodegradability in chloride media, as well as to reduce the toxicity of the treated waste. [Display omitted] •Clopyralid can be removed using electrolysis and photoelectrolysis.•Degradation is more efficient at low current densities using MMO-RuO2TiO2 anode.•Readily biodegradability could be doubled by photoelectrolysis with MMO-RuO2TiO2.•Treated solutions with MMO-RuO2TiO2 reduced their toxicity. Not the case of using BDD.