Correlation between degradation pathway and toxicity of acetaminophen and its by-products by using the electro-Fenton process in aqueous media. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Le, Thi Xuan Huong; Nguyen, Thi Van; Amadou Yacouba, Zoulkifli; Zoungrana, Laetitia; Avril, Florent; Nguyen, Duy Linh; Petit, Eddy; Mendret, Julie; Bonniol, Valerie; Bechelany, Mikhael; Lacour, Stella; Lesage, Geoffroy; Cretin, Marc
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 172(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Carbon felt -- Advanced oxidation process -- TOC -- Mineralization -- By-products -- Toxicity; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.060
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: The evolution of the degradation by-products of an acetaminophen (ACE) solution was monitored by HPLC-UV/MS and IC in parallel with its ecotoxicity ( Vibrio fischeri 81.9%, Microtox ® screening tests) during electro-Fenton (EF) oxidation performed on carbon felt. The aromatic compounds 2-hydroxy-4-(N-acetyl) aminophenol, 1, 4-benzoquinone, benzaldehyde and benzoic acid were identified as toxic sub-products during the first stage of the electrochemical treatment, whereas aliphatic short-chain carboxylic acids (oxalic, maleic, oxamic, formic, acetic and fumaric acids) and inorganic ions (ammonium and nitrate) were well identified as non-toxic terminal sub-products. Electrogenerated hydroxyl radicals then converted the eco-toxic and bio-refractory property of initial ACE molecule (500 mL, 1 mM) and subsequent aromatic sub-products into non-toxic compounds after 2 h of EF treatment. The toxicity of every intermediate produced during the mineralization of ACE was quantified, and a relationship was established between the degradation pathway of ACE and the global toxicity evolution of the solution. After 8 h of treatment, a total organic carbon removal of 86.9% could be reached for 0.1 mM ACE at applied current of 500 mA with 0.2 mM of Fe 2+ used as catalyst. Highlights: Coupling ecotoxicity monitoring and chemical analysis during the electro-Fenton process. Quantifying the toxicity of every intermediate during the mineralization of ACE. Establishing relationship between degradation pathway and global toxicity of the solution.