Photodegradation of bisphenol A in simulated lake water containing algae, humic acid and ferric ions

The photodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA), a suspected endocrine disruptor (ED), in simulated lake water containing algae, humic acid and Fe 3+ ions was investigated. Algae, humic acid and Fe 3+ ions enhanced the photodegradation of BPA. Photodegradation efficiency of BPA was 36% after 4 h irradiation in the presence of 6.5 × 10 9 cells L −1 raw Chlorella vulgaris, 4 mg L −1 humic acid and 20 μmol L −1 Fe 3+. The photodegradation efficiency of BPA was higher in the presence of algae treated with ultrasonic than that without ultrasonic. The photodegradation efficiency of BPA in the water only containing algae treated with ultrasonic was 37% after 4 h irradiation. The algae treated with heating can also enhance the photodegradation of BPA. This work helps environmental scientists to understand the photochemical behavior of BPA in lake water. Algae, humic acid and ferric ions can induce the photodegradation of bisphenol A in an aqueous environment.