Application-Scale Parametric Evaluation of Ultraviolet Photolysis (UV) and UV/H2O2 for the Degradation of Neutral Pharmaceuticals in Municipal Wastewaters

AbstractThe removal of 10 pharmaceuticals and 3 of their metabolites from municipal wastewater by ultraviolet irradiation at a wavelength of 254 nm (UVC) and UV/H2O2 were investigated in this study. Experiments were conducted at a full-scale test facility embedded in an operating wastewater treatment plant. The results give a uniquely clear representation of the effectiveness of these processes for full implementation. Parametric studies on UV intensity and H2O2 dosage were performed, with accompanying analysis of feed water variability. Removal by UV photolysis was compound specific, with more than 70% sulfamethoxazole, caffeine, ciprofloxacin, fluoxetine, and norfluoxetine being removed with 1,400 kJ/m3 of UV fluence. Under similar conditions, 20%–70% removal of metformin, acetaminophen, cotinine, and erythromycin occurred, while