Degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water matrix using UV/H2O2: Effect of initial PCB concentration and analysis of reaction products

Authors

Carmela R. Centeno, De La Salle University, Manila
Carl Renan E. Estrellan, De La Salle University, Manila
Julius B. Maridable, De La Salle University, Manila
Leonila C. Abella, De La Salle University, Manila
Susan M. Gallardo, De La Salle University, Manila

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Chemical Engineering

Document Type

Article

Source Title

ASEAN Journal of Chemical Engineering

Volume

6

Issue

1

First Page

28

Last Page

35

Publication Date

2006

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of the different initial concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on its degradation in water matrix using UV/H₂O₂ and on the formation of reaction intermediates or products. Simulated PCB-contaminated water solution was subjected to irradiation with 17 W, 254 nm wavelength UV lamp in a batch tubular reactor. The ratio of oxidant to PCBs, in terms of Aroclor 1260, was based on 2,800uL H₂O₂ is to 40 ppm PCB. Samples were extracted from the matrix by solid-phase extraction (SPE) method using C18 cartridges with hexane and ethyl acetate as solvents. The samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector System (GC-ECD) to determine the concentration of PCBs in the samples and pH was monitored every sampling time. The analysis of chloride (Cl) ion concentration in the samples was done using Argentometric titration. Determination of reaction intermediates and products was carried out with 40 ppm PCB concentration using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) system. A decrease in pH in the early stages of degradation was observed and the higher the initial concentration of PCB the greater was the drop in pH . The PCB degradation profile showed that from 1 to 40 ppm initial concentration, the degradation efficiency of UV/H₂O₂ increased with increasing initial PCB concentration. At 80 ppm. however, it was observed that there was a decrease in concentration of PCBs in the solution and showed the preferential attack of the UV/H₂O₂ to PCBs over long chain saturated alkanes or waxes which contained the PCBs.

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Recommended Citation

Centeno, C. R., Estrellan, C. E., Maridable, J. B., Abella, L. C., & Gallardo, S. M. (2006). Degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water matrix using UV/H2O2: Effect of initial PCB concentration and analysis of reaction products. ASEAN Journal of Chemical Engineering, 6 (1), 28-35. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/9175

Disciplines

Chemical Engineering

Keywords

Polychlorinated biphenyls—Oxidation; Oxidation

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