Improving the degradation of low concentration of microcystin-LR with PEM electrolyzers and photo-electrolyzers

In this work, the performances of two electrochemical cells, a conventional liquid-electrolyte electrolyzer (LEE) and solid-electrolyte (SEE) were compared for treatment real water matrixes polluted with microcystin-LR at trace concentrations. The first consists single-compartment flow cell, while second membrane-electrode assembly cell. Both cells can attain removal microcystin, although toxin degradation was more efficient in SEE, both assessed, decreasing initial concentration by 3-logs achieving short times concentrations below guidelines World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water. Irradiation UVC improves results reached technologies, lower extension than initially expected. great performance SEE reactor is attributed to suitable production oxidants operation-dependence respect matrix conductivity. This cell remove pollutants also faster single photolysis and, comparing its other technologies assessed it best choice requiring less time energy meet WHO standards, without being necessary coupling photolysis.