In the quest for innovative water treatment solutions, a groundbreaking study led by Chunxue Li from Shenzhen University has unveiled a promising advanced oxidation process that could revolutionize the way we tackle water purification and environmental safety. The research, published in the journal *Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety* (which translates to *Ecological Toxicology and Environmental Safety*), focuses on the degradation of chloroquine phosphate (CQP), a widely used antiviral drug that often finds its way into water bodies.
Li and her team have developed a novel system that combines low-pressure ultraviolet (LP-UV) light with peroxyacetic acid (PAA), a potent disinfectant. This LP-UV/PAA system has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in degrading CQP, achieving an impressive 99.89% removal rate within just 30 minutes. This performance far surpasses the capabilities of either LP-UV or PAA treatments alone, offering a significant leap forward in water treatment technology.
“The results were beyond our expectations,” Li remarked. “The synergy between LP-UV and PAA not only accelerates the degradation process but also ensures a thorough purification of the water.”
The study also explored the impact of common natural substances found in water, such as chloride, bromide, and bicarbonate ions. Interestingly, these substances slightly promoted the degradation of CQP, indicating that the system can effectively operate in real-world conditions where water composition is complex and varied.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is the identification of the active species involved in the degradation process. Free radical quenching experiments confirmed that hydroxyl radicals (·OH) were the dominant active species, with secondary contributions from methyl radicals (CH3·) and peroxyacetic acid radicals (CH3COOO·). This understanding is crucial for optimizing the system and ensuring its effectiveness in various water treatment scenarios.
Beyond its impressive degradation capabilities, the LP-UV/PAA system also demonstrated excellent sterilizing ability and control of disinfection by-products. This dual functionality makes it a highly attractive solution for water treatment facilities, as it addresses both contamination and microbial safety.
“The potential for engineering applications is substantial,” Li explained. “This system not only deepens our theoretical understanding of UV/PAA reactions but also provides a scalable and efficient solution for treating CQP pollution in practical water treatment settings.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the immediate scope of water treatment. In the energy sector, where water is a critical resource for various processes, the adoption of advanced oxidation technologies like the LP-UV/PAA system could lead to more sustainable and efficient operations. By ensuring cleaner water inputs, energy facilities can reduce the risk of equipment fouling and corrosion, leading to lower maintenance costs and improved operational efficiency.
Moreover, the ability to degrade pharmaceutical contaminants like CQP is particularly relevant in the context of environmental regulations and public health. As awareness of water pollution and its potential health impacts grows, the demand for advanced water treatment solutions is likely to increase. The LP-UV/PAA system offers a promising avenue for meeting these evolving needs.
In summary, the research led by Chunxue Li represents a significant advancement in the field of water treatment. By combining LP-UV and PAA, the team has developed a system that is not only highly effective in degrading CQP but also versatile and scalable. As the energy sector and other industries continue to seek sustainable and efficient water treatment solutions, this innovative technology could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of environmental safety and public health.