The effect of thermohydrolysis on biological properties of selected chemical compounds

Abstract

One of the negative effects of the continuous development of civilization which is observed in recent decades is an increase in the number and variety of pollutants released into the environment. These substances have ecotoxic properties and pose a serious threat to humans and proper functioning of the ecosystem. Their presence in the environment forces the development of new pollution control techniques. One of the latest and very promising methods to destroy organic contaminants using the properties of water which exceeded the critical point is thermohydrolysis in supercritical water. The aim of this study was to investigate thermohydrolysis in supercritical water conditions and to check its suitability for removal of hardly biodegradable organic compounds present in wastewater. Tests for toxicity of these compounds to aquatic organisms such as sewage bacteria, crustaceans and guppy fish were also performed and the degree of their biological decomposition was determined. Biological studies were carried out on starting compounds and after the processes of thermohydrolysis. The research material included p-nitrotoluene sulfonic acid (PNTS), 4,4′-dinitrostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DNSDS) and 4,4′-diaminostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DASDS). The research leads to the conclusion that the reactions occurring during high-temperature thermohydrolysis of the three tested compounds are extremely complex. Results of biological studies indicate a significant decrease in toxicity and increase in the biodegradability of products obtained after the process of thermohydrolysis.