Optimization of operating conditions in the activation of peroxymonosulfato and H2O2 for Enterococcus sp. inactivation: water matrix effect

Resumen

Water disinfection is a complex process highly dependent on environmental factors and target microorganisms. Chlorination is the most commonly used disinfection agent worldwide. However, the generation of disinfection by-products (i.e. trihalomethanes) has raised significant concern among water treatment plants and regulators.

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are emerging as effective alternative water treatments, which combine the oxidation of contaminants and disinfection. The AOPs based on sulfate radicals (SR-AOP) involve the application of chemical oxidants such as peroxymonosulfate (PMS, HSO5). PMS by itself, as with H2O2, do not show disinfectant activity at low doses, but their action increases significantly when they are activated: i) thermally; ii) by UV radiation; and iii) by the addition of a transition metal [1, 2].

In previous studies, Fe-citrate has demonstrated to be the most efficient iron specie among the studied (Fe2O3, FeSO4, Fe(III)-citrate and Zero Valent Iron (ZVI) nanoparticles) in the activation of persulfate and PMS for the elimination of Enterococcus sp. in simulated wastewater [3]. The presence of this microorganism is a common indicator of fecal contamination in the analysis of water and wastewater.