Photolysis of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in aqueous solutions at the presence of natural water photoreactive constituents under simulated sunlight irradiation

Qian Yu, Xiyao Xiong, Jun He, Yuegang Zuo, Yong Chen, Chengjun Wang

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The photolysis of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) under simulated sunlight in the presence of the natural water photoreactive constituents was investigated. The presence of nitrate or ferric ions facilitated the photodegradation of DEHP via oxidation by generation of •OH. The fulvic acids (FAs), at low concentrations, promoted the photolysis of DEHP via energy transfer from the photoreaction-generated 3FA*. However, the DEHP photolysis was inhibited with high concentrations of FAs since the excess FAs at the surface of solution could act as light screening agents to keep FAs in bulk solution from the light irradiation, further reducing the 3FA* generation. When low concentrations of FAs and chloride ions coexist, the reactive chloride species Cl• and Cl2 could generate via energy transfer from 3FA* to chloride ions and react with DEHP to enhance its degradation. Furthermore, the direct and •OH-initiated DEHP photodegraded intermediates and end products were identified by HPLC-MS2 and its corresponding photolysis pathways were proposed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)26797-26806
Number of pages10
JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research
Volume26
Issue number26
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2019

Keywords

  • Aqueous photochemistry
  • Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
  • Natural photoreactive constituents
  • Photodegradation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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