Photocatalysis and catalytic wet air oxidation: Degradation and toxicity of bisphenol A containing wastewaters

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used chemical in consumer products. It is an endocrine disrupter that has potentially significant negative effects on human health. The use and chemical stability of BPA have resulted in the appearance of the chemical in wastewaters. Since the current wastewater treatment technologies are not effective enough to remove BPA, new methods to degrade BPA are required. In this paper, we report the efforts made towards developing a bi-functional catalyst for consecutive catalytic wet air oxidation-photocatalytic water treatment. It was found that 2.5% Pt/Ti_0.8Ce_0.2O₂ is a potential bi-functional catalyst for the consecutive treatment. Concentration and toxicity of BPA were successfully reduced by catalytic wet air oxidation. Although BPA was further reduced by photocatalysis, it was not reflected in further decrease of cell toxicity. Thus wet-air oxidation combined with photocatalysis is a promising approach for the reduction of BPA.