Enhanced treatment of endocrine disrupting chemicals by a granular bed electrochemical reactor

Continuous treatments of trace endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as 17β-estradiol (E2), bisphenol-A, nonylephenol, 4-t-octyl phenol and pentachlorophenol were carried out using a granular bed electrolytic reactor. Experimental results showed that the EDCs were removed by the reactor over 150 days and removal efficiencies were nearly the same in the presence and absence of humic substance. Energy consumption for the treatment was around several Wh/m³. For longer operation or higher loading conditions, Fenton oxidation was effective to regenerate electrodes. Calculated results by a mathematical model developed assuming liquid film mass-transfer as a rate-limiting step were in good agreement with observed results. Based on the model, enhancement of reactor performance was discussed.