Kinetic Study of the Ozonation of Atrazine

Abstract

The kinetic study of the ozonation of atrazine as a single contaminant characterized as COD was studied. A jet loop ejector reactor was used to improve the mixing and transfer of ozone in the reaction system. The results show a higher efficiency of atrazine degradation in alkaline pH during the first 45 minutes. At the same time, the dechlorination of atrazine is faster than in neutral pH. Respirometric measurements carried out with activated sludge were used to evaluate the effect of atrazine and the ozonation intermediates on microorganisms’ oxygen uptake rate. The results showed that ozonation performed at an alkaline pH resulted in the formation of substances that are more rapidly biodegradable compared to substances formed by ozonation at neutral pH, as well as compared to atrazine.

Keywords

• atrazine
• dechlorination
• immediate biodegradability
• kinetic equation
• ozonation
• ph effect
• radical mechanism
• respirometric measurements
• toxicity