UVC-Assisted Tertiary Treatments for the Removal of Pollutants of Emerging Concern in Real WWTP Matrices

The aim of this work is to investigate the enhancement UVC-based tertiary treatments; for purpose, real wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent was spiked with a model pollutant, namely acetaminophen. UVC irradiation resulted in some photodegradation acetaminophen, which enhanced upon addition hydrogen peroxide (11 mM), but higher amounts oxidizing agent no significant acceleration process. An experimental design methodology based on Doehlert matrices showed significance concentration and flow rate reactor operating continuous mode. low iron had positive influence process, most probably due photo-Fenton-like process using complexing ability organic matter. For effluents turbidity, strategy combining coagulation-flocculation tested: approach meaningful as flocculation-coagulation decreased water turbidity more efficient acetaminophen removal. However, under those conditions, presence did not show role, because absence matter, makes UVC/H2O2 and, other hand, humic-like substances available complex drive neutral photo-Fenton