Selective Transformation of Micropollutants in Saline Wastewater by Peracetic Acid: The Overlooked Brominating Agents

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00835
• Publication Date: 2023-05-19T21:44:31Z
• Authors: Tongcai Liu; Shaoze Xiao; Nan Li; Jiabin Chen; Yao Xu; Wenjun Yin; Xuefei Zhou; Ching-Hua Huang; Yalei Zhang
• Keywords: Peracetic acid; Reactivity

Peracetic acid (PAA) is an emerging alternative disinfectant for saline waters; HOBr or HOCl known as the sole species contributing to halogenation reactions during PAA oxidation and disinfection. However, new results herein strongly indicated that brominating agents (e.g., BrCl, Br2, BrOCl, Br2O) are generated at concentrations typically lower than but played significant roles in micropollutants transformation. The presence of Cl- Br- environmentally relevant levels could greatly accelerate 17α-ethinylestraiol (EE2)) transformation by PAA. kinetic model quantum chemical calculations collectively reactivities bromine toward EE2 follow order BrCl > Br2 BrOCl Br2O HOBr. In waters with elevated levels, these overlooked influence bromination rates more nucleophilic constituents natural organic matter increase total bromine. Overall, this work refines our knowledge regarding species-specific reactivity highlights critical micropollutant abatement disinfection byproduct formation