"Study of Degradation of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol through the Reduction with Metallic Copper allied to Photooxidation with Hydrogen Peroxide, aiming at Supply Water Treatment."
Degradation, 2, 4, 6-Trichlorophenol, Photochemistry, Drinking Water
Contamination of water can occur through several processes, among them, through the formation of by-products from the chlorination stage of the treatment itself. In this process the remaining organic matter binds to the free residual chlorine, thus generating substances called organochlorines. Among these halogenated organics is 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, which has been widely studied because of its high resistance and carcinogenic power, being listed as a priority substance by the US EPA. The water supply usually contains low concentrations values of this compound (ng L-1), but given its high bioaccumulation tendency the hazardous effects might be observed in the near future. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been shown to be very efficient for the degradation of organic compounds, however, molecules with electron-deficient groups (halogens) might reveal some resistance to oxidation. A suitable alternative consist in placing a pre-reductive process (mediated by a zero valence metal) prior to the oxidative process, in order to remove the chlorine from the molecule and facilitate its further oxidation. Therefore, the present work will propose a treatment system of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol in water, in which a reductive process with zero valence copper will be coupled to an advanced oxidation process.