SULFATE RADICAL - Sulfate radical-advanced oxidation process (SR-AOP)

BACKGROUND

Contamination by organic non-biodegradable pollutants, of both surface water and ground water, rises serious environmental concerns (water quality, environmental impact, feminization of male fishes…). Biological treatment used in wastewater treatment plants are unsuccessful at treating allthe organic resistant pollutants and downstream metabolites. Combining with chemical process is crucial to achieve efficient treatment and disinfection.

Most Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) treatments rely on in situ production of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH) because of their high oxidation capability.

OH radicals are commonly generated by coupling chemical species (H2O2, O3) with a physical activation (UV light, catalyst, microwaves).

Major drawbacks of OH radical process: no selectivity, handling and storage requirement.

KEY BENEFITS vs. STATE OF THE ART

• Our photochemical process is based on sulfate radicals, through iron and UV light mediated activation of persulfate

• Using sulfate radical as active species allows a better degradation of exogenous organic pollutants due to a greater selectivity of the radical sulfate group with regard to hydroxyl radical

• No addition of acid or base is required

• No safety issues associated with handling and storage of persulfate

Development Status

The process has been validated at laboratory scale; we are currently looking for a partner to scale up the process.

APPLICATIONS

• Wastewater treatment plants

• Industrial effluent treatment

• Drinking water disinfection