Search

Aminoglikozidni antibiotik gentamicin sulfat v okolju predstavlja vedno večji problem, saj ga je nemogoče v celoti odstraniti iz odpadnih vod. Gentamicin sulfat je najbolj uporabljen antibiotik v skupini aminoglikozidnih antibiotikov in se uporablja za zdravljenje gram-negativnih okužb, izoliran pa je iz bakterije Micromonospora purpurea. Napredni oksidacijski procesi so najučinkovitejše nove metode, ki se uporabljajo za čiščenje in dezinfekcijo odpadnih vod, predvsem farmacevtskih ter za čiščenje biološko strupenih ali nerazgradljivih snovi. Osredotočili smo se na ozonacijo, saj velja za eno najuspešnejših metod čiščenja. V diplomski nalogi smo pod izbranimi pogoji ozonirali raztopino GS in učinkovitost procesa spremljali z določanjem kemijske potrebe po kisiku in koncentracije celotnega organskega ogljika. The aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin sulfate is an increasing problem in the environment, as it is impossible to completely remove it in wastewater. Gentamicin sulfate is the best antibiotic in the group of aminoglycoside antibiotics and is used to treat gram-negative infection and it’s isolated from bacteria Micromonospora purpurea. Advanced oxidation processes are the most effective new methods used for treatment and disinfection of wastewater, especially pharmaceuticals and for cleaning biologically toxic or non-degradable materials. We focused on ozonation, as it is considered one of the most successful treatment methods. In a degree thesis, we ozonated the GS solution under selected conditions and monitored the effectiveness of the process by determining chemical oxygen demand and concentration of total organic carbon.

Zdravilne učinkovine v vodnem okolju danes predstavljajo velik globalni problem. Poraba učinkovin se iz leta v leto povečuje in njihova pojavnost v okoljskih vodah prav tako. Na voljo je veliko raziskav, ki nakazujejo potencialne nevarnosti zdravilnih učinkovin za okolje, ljudi kot tudi živali. V zadnjih desetletjih so se napredni oksidacijski procesi (ang. Advanced Oxidation Processes) izkazali kot učinkovita metoda za odstranjevanje učinkovin in ostalih onesnaževal iz odpadnih voda. Med naprednejšimi oksidacijskimi procesi kažeta velik potencial za razgradnjo fotokataliza z uporabo fotokatalizatorja TiO2 in ultrafini mehurčki ozona. Za raziskavo v okviru magistrskega dela smo sodelovali s Fakulteto za kemijo in kemijsko tehnologijo Univerze v Ljubljani ter slovenskim podjetjem Waboost d. o. o. Podjetje razvija inovativno aparaturo za povečevanje učinkovitosti razgradnje onesnaževal z ozonom na podlagi tvorbe ultrafinih mehurčkov, na Fakulteti za kemijo in kemijsko tehnologijo pa potekajo raziskave fotokatalitsko aktivnega TiO2. Pripravili smo z dušikom dopiran TiO2, ki se aktivira pri osvetljevanju z UV svetlobo, izbrali deset okoljsko problematičnih onesnaževal iz različnih virov in izvedli njihovo razgradnjo z uporabo fotokatalize in ultrafinih mehurčkov ozona. Za spremljanje učinkovitosti razgradnje in koncentracijo onesnaževal ob koncu analize smo pri obeh metodah uporabljali tekočinsko kromatografijo ultra visoke zmogljivosti (UHPLC) z detektorjem z nizom diod (DAD). Metodo UHPLC smo preverili s tridnevno delno validacijo, kjer smo določali linearnost, točnost, mejo zaznave in mejo določitve metode ter ponovljivost injiciranja standardov in njihovo stabilnost po 72 urah. Onesnaževala smo uspešno razgradili tako z uporabo fotokatalitsko aktivnih tankih plasti TiO2 kot z uporabo ultrafinih mehurčkov ozona. Pri uvajanju ultrafinih mehurčkov smo med 60-minutno izvedbo poskusa dosegli 100 % razgradnjo za bisfenol A, diklofenak, estradiol, karbamazepin, naproksen, propifenazon, sulfametoksazol, tramadol, trimetoprim in valsartan. 100 % razgradnja je bila dosežena za devet od desetih analitov že v prvih treh minutah. Pri razgradnji z uporabo fotokatalizatorja TiO2 smo med 90-minutno izvedbo poskusa dosegli 100 % razgradnjo za naproksen, tramadol, trimetoprim in valsartan. Pri bisfenolu A, diklofenaku, propifenazonu, sulfametoksazolu in karbamazepinu 90 % ter pri estradiolu 71 %. Active pharmaceutical ingredients in the aquatic environment are a major global problem today. Year by year, their consumption is increasing and so is their presence in environmental waters. There is a large body of research indicating the potential dangers of these substances to the environment, humans as well as animals. In recent decades, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have proven to be an effective method for removing active substances and other pollutants from wastewater. Among the advanced oxidation processes, the TiO2 photocatalysis and ultrafine ozone bubbles show great potential for degradation. For the master’s thesis research, we collaborated with the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the University of Ljubljana and the Slovenian company Waboost d.o.o. The company is developing an innovative apparatus for increasing the efficiency of pollutant degradation by generating ozone in ultrafine bubbles, while research on photocatalytically active TiO2 is ongoing at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology. We prepared nitrogen-doped TiO2, which is activated by UV light irradiation, selected ten pollutants of environmental concern from different sources and carried out their degradation using photocatalysis and ultrafine bubbles of ozone. For both methods, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) was used to monitor the degradation efficiency and the concentration of the pollutants at the end of the analysis. The UHPLC method was validated in the study by a three-day partial validation, where the linearity, accuracy, detection limit and limit of quantification of the method were determined, as well as the reproducibility of the injection of the standards and their stability after 72 hours. Contaminants were successfully degraded using both photocatalytically active TiO2 thin films and ultrafine ozone bubbles. The introduction of the ultrafine bubbles achieved 100 % degradation for bisphenol A, diclofenac, estradiol, carbamazepine, naproxen, propyphenazone, sulfamethoxazole, tramadol, trimethoprim and valsartan during the 60 minutes of the experiment. 100 % degradation was achieved for nine out of ten analytes already within the first three minutes. In the degradation using the TiO2 photocatalyst, 100 % degradation was achieved for naproxen, tramadol, trimethoprim and valsartan during the 90 minutes of the experiment. For bisphenol A, diclofenac, propyphenazone, sulfamethoxazole and carbamazepine the degradation was 90 % and 71 % for estradiol.

Z razvojem industrije, prihaja v uporabo vse več kemikalij, ki v določeni meri zaidejo v okolje in onesnažujejo pitno vodo in druge vodne vire. V državah v razvoju se je uporaba kemikalij močno povečala, skrb za okolje pa je na zelo nizki ravni, zato so pitna voda, reke, jezera in morje ponekod izredno onesnaženi. Primer škodljivih kemikalij so hormonski motilci, ki že v nizkih koncentracijah povečajo tveganje za neplodnost, pojav raka ter presnovne in kognitivne motnje. Za reševanje tega problema je pomembno, da razvijemo učinkovite metode za odstranjevanje onesnaževal iz okolja. Za čiščenje odpadnih voda so pogosto v uporabi napredni oksidacijski procesi, saj z njimi lahko neselektivno razgradimo organska onesnaževala do CO2, H2O in anorganskih ionov. Kot del naprednih oksidacijskih procesov se vse bolj raziskuje heterogena fotokataliza, kjer so v uporabi kovinski (TiO2, Cu2O, ZnO, ZnS) in nekovinski (grafitni ogljikovi nitridi (g-C3N4)) fotokatalizatorji. V okviru magistrske naloge smo iz različnih izhodiščnih spojin (dicianodiamid, tiosečnina in melamin) pripravili fotokatalizatorje na osnovi grafitnega ogljikovega nitrida, ki delujejo na vidni svetlobi. Kasneje smo z metodami karakterizacije določili njihove površinske, optične in strukturne lastnosti ter njihovo učinkovitost pri tvorbi reaktivnih kisikovih zvrsti. V šaržnem reaktorju smo na koncu izvedli še razgradnjo bisfenolov in s tem določili učinkovitost tega postopka z različnimi fotokatalizatorji. Koncentracijo bisfenolov v različnih časovnih točkah smo določili s tekočinsko kromatografijo visoke ločljivosti. Delež mineralizacije organskega ogljika pa smo določili z meritvami celotnega organskega ogljika v raztopini bisfenolov, pred in po fotokatalitski razgradnji. Pripravljeni fotokatalizatorji g-C3N4 so se med seboj pomembno razlikovali v optičnih in površinskih lastnostih ter po učinkovitosti tvorbe reaktivnih kisikovih zvrsti in fotokatalitske razgradnje bisfenolov. Razlike pri katalizatorjih g-C3N4, pripravljenih iz dicianodiamida in tiosečnine so bile manjše, medtem ko se tisti, izdelan iz melamina precej razlikuje od drugih. Katalizator iz melamina ima namreč največjo specifično površino in zato lahko tvori največ hidroksilnih radikalov. S tekočinsko kromatografijo visoke ločljivosti smo pri melaminskem katalizatorju g-C3N4 določili tudi največji delež razgradnje bisfenola A (55 %), zato smo ga uporabili tudi za razgradnjo preostalih treh modelnih bisfenolov. Pri tem smo z njegovo uporabo po 120 minutah dosegli 51 % razgradnjo bisfenola F, 28 % bisfenola AF in 8 % bisfenola S. Katalizator iz melamina je uporaben za fotokatalitsko razgradnjo BPA in BPF, precej manj pa za razgradnjo BPS in BPAF, ki sta odpornejša na tovrstno obdelavo. With industrial development, more and more chemicals are coming into use, which to a certain extent enter the environment and pollute drinking water and other water sources. In developing countries, the use of chemicals has increased significantly, while environmental concerns are low, making drinking water, rivers, lakes, and the sea extremely polluted in some places. An example of harmful chemicals is hormone disruptors, which increase the risk of infertility, cancer, metabolic and cognitive disorders even in low concentrations. To solve this problem, new effective methods for the removal of pollutants from the environment need to be developed. Advanced oxidation processes are often in use for water treatment since they can nonselectively degrade organic pollutants to H2O, CO2, and inorganic ions. As a part of advanced oxidation processes, heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising method in which metal (TiO2, Cu2O, ZnO, ZnS) and nonmetal (graphitic carbon nitride) photocatalysts are used. In the research project, various graphitic carbon nitride photocatalysts operating in visible light were prepared from different starting compounds (dicyandiamide, thiourea and melamine). Optical, surface, structure properties, and reactive oxygen species production effectiveness of prepared catalysts were determined by different characterization methods. Photocatalytic degradation activity was determined by the degradation of bisphenols in a batch reactor. Bisphenol concentrations at certain time intervals were measured by high performance liquid cromatography. To determine the mineralization percentage of different bisphenols total organic carbon was measured in the final and initial solution. The prepared g-C3N4 photocatalysts showed different optical and surface properties. The production of reactive oxygen species and the percentage of photocatalytic degradation also differed significantly. Photocatalysts made from dicyandiamide and thiourea have more similar properties than the photocatalyst made from melamine. Photocatalyst, made from melamine, has the highest specific surface area and generates more hydroxyl radicals than other catalysts. Since melamine catalyst was most successful at removing bisphenol A from the reaction mixture (54%), we used it to degrade other bisphenols. After 120 minutes 51 % of bisphenol F, 28 % of bisphenol AF, and 8 % of bisphenol S were removed. Catalyst, made from melamine, proved to be useful for BPA and BPF removal, but inefficient for BPAF and BPS removal, as they are more resistant to photocatalytic degradation.

Zaradi široke uporabe antibiotikov v moderni družbi so te snovi v majhnih koncentracijah prisotne tudi v okolju. To sicer ne povzroča neposrednih negativnih učinkov na organizme, prispeva pa k razširjanju odpornosti bakterij na antibiotike, kar postaja vedno bolj izrazit zdravstveni problem. Namen doktorske disertacije je bil ugotoviti, s katerim naprednim oksidacijskim postopkom in s kolikšnimi dozami oksidantov dosežemo, da antibiotiki postanejo primerni za konvencionalno biološko čiščenje. Za to je treba zmanjšati strupenost in povečati biorazgradljivost. Z uporabo oksidacije kot postopkom obdelave pred konvencionalnim biološkim čiščenjem, bi namreč lahko učinkovito omejili širjenje biološko nerazgradljivih antibiotikov v okolje. V doktorski disertaciji smo kot modelni antibiotik uporabili veterinarski slabo biorazgradljivi in okoljsko obstojni tiamulin. Za primerjavo in potrditev učinkov oksidacijskih procesov smo uporabili dva antibiotka s skrajnimi lastnostmi - biološko nerazgradljivi fluorokinolon levofloksacin ter biorazgradljivi betalaktam amoksicilin. Preizkusili smo tri napredne tehnike oksidacije, in sicer ozon, ozon v kombinaciji z vodikovim peroksidom in Fentonov reagent. Cilj je bil doseči delno mineralizacijo, predvsem pa povečati biorazgradljivost antibiotikov oziroma zmanjšati strupenost tako v vodi kot v matriksu biološkega blata. Doze ozona, potrebne za pomembno izboljšanje biorazgradljivosti, so za tiamulin 660 mg O3 g-1 (biorazgradljivost s 17 na 60 %) in za levofloksacin 534 mg O3 g-1 (biorazgradljivost z 0 na 100 %). Ozoniranje amoksicilina z 267 mg O3 g-1 pa deluje nasprotno, saj biorazgradljivost poslabša (s 100 na 80 %). Stopnje mineralizacije ob tem so bile od 13 % za tiamulin, 39 % za levofloksacin in 49 % za amoksicilin. Strupenosti za Vibrio fischeri z ozoniranjem nismo odpravili niti pri tiamulinu niti pri levofloksacinu. Strukturne spremembe, ki jih ozoniranje povzroči v tiamulinu, se začnejo z napadom ozona na vinilno dvojno vez in tvorbo karboksilne skupine, nato sledi oksidacija žvepla in dušika, ter zatem postopna razgradnja molekule. Razpad vinilne dvojne vezi in tvorba karboksilne skupine pomeni tudi izgubo antibiotične aktivnosti molekule. Pri tiamulinu in levofloksacinu sledi časovni potek zmanjševanja TOC in KPK kinetiki ničelnega reda, a v dveh stopnjah, kjer je hitrost reakcije v prvi večja kot v drugi. Stopenjsko naravo reakcije je mogoče utemeljiti z analizo strukturnih sprememb molekule med ozoniranjem, ker se v procesu pojavljajo vmesni produkti, ki z nadaljevanjem ozoniranja reagirajo dalje in izginejo, pojavijo pa se končni produkti, ki z ozonom ne reagirajo več. Pri amoksicilinu pa izmerjeni podatki kažejo, da zmanjševanje TOC in KPK s časom sledi kinetiki spremenljivega reda (od ničelnega k prvemu). Fentonova oksidacija daje primerljive učinke kot ozoniranje, vendar ob zelo velikih dozah oksidanta. Za doseganje 80 % biorazgradljivosti pri levofloksacinu namreč potrebujemo 1.955 mg H2O2 g-1, kar je glede na oksidant enakovredno 2.760 mg O3 g-1. Analogno kot ozoniranje, strupenosti s Fentonovim reagentom ne moremo odpraviti. Ozonirali smo tudi z antibiotiki kontaminirano (400 mg L-1) biološko blato, pri tem smo pokazali na sinergijo učinka utekočinjenja blata in deaktivacije antibiotikov. Inhibicijo produkcije bioplina smo z ozoniranjem blata v dozah med 36 in 70 mg O3 gvss-1 povsem odpravili in obenem povečali količino metana v bioplinu. Rezultati študije kažejo, da pri uporabi naprednih oksidacijskih tehnik ni enotnega merila, kateri postopek je bolje uporabiti za določeno vrsto antibiotika, ker so rezultati slabo predvidljivi, predvsem z vidika produktov oksidacije, ki imajo lahko povsem drugačne lastnosti kot izhodiščna molekula. Kljub temu ima ozoniranje brez dvoma velik potencial za uporabo v realnih sistemih biološkega čiščenja, še posebej kot tehnika obdelave z antibiotiki kontaminiranega blata pred anaerobno stabilizacijo. Due to the widespread use of antibiotics in modern society, these substances are also present in low concentrations in the environment. While this does not cause direct negative effects on organisms, it contributes to the spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, which is becoming an increasingly pronounced health problem. The purpose of this doctoral dissertation was to determine which advanced oxidation process and what doses of oxidants shoudl be used in order that antibiotics become suitable for conventional biological treatment. To achieve that it is necessary to reduce toxicity and increase biodegradability of the antibiotics. The use of oxidation as a pretreatment before conventional biological treatment could effectively limit the spread of non-biodegradable antibiotics into the environment. Veterinary, poorly biodegradable and environmentally sustainable Tiamulin was used as the model antibiotic. Two antibiotics were used to compare and confirm the effects of oxidation techiques biodegradable betalactam Amoxicillin and non biodegradable fluoroquinolone Levofloxacin. We tested three advanced oxidation techniques ozone, ozone in combination with hydrogen peroxide, and Fenton reagent. The aim was to achieve partial mineralization and, above all, to increase the biodegradability of antibiotics both in water and in the biological sludge matrix. The doses of ozone required to significantly improve biodegradability are for Tiamulin 660 mg O3 g-1 (biodegradability improved from 17 to 60 %) and for Levofloxacin 534 mg O3 g-1 (100 % biodegradability achieved). Ozonation of Amoxicillin with 267 mg of O3 g-1 has the opposite effect, as it reduces biodegradability from 100 to 80 %. Mineralization rates ranged from 13 % for Tiamulin, 39 % for Levofloxacin and 49 % for Amoxicillin. Vibrio fischery toxicity was not eliminated by ozonation neither with Tiamulin nor with Levofloxacin. The structural changes caused by ozonation in Tiamulin begin with the attack of ozone on the vinyl double bond and the formation of a carboxyl group, followed by the oxidation of sulfur and nitrogen atom, and then the gradual decomposition of the molecule. The disintegration of the vinyl double bond and the formation of a carboxyl group also results a loss of antibiotic activity of the molecule. Fenton oxidation gives comparable effects as ozonation, however by application of comparativelly high oxidant doses. To achieve 80 % biodegradability of levofloxacin, 1.955 mg of H2O2 g-1 is needed, which is in terms of oxidant equivalent to 2.760 mg of O3 g-1. Analogous to ozonation, toxicity with Fenton's reagent cannot be eliminated. In the case of tiamulin and levofloxacin, the removal of TOC and COD follows zero-order kinetics, however in two stages, where the reaction rate is higher in the first stage of the reaction. The stepwise nature of the reaction may be justified by the analysis of structural changes of the molecule during ozonation, as intermediates appear in the process, which react further with ozone forming end products, which no longer react with ozone. For amoxicillin, however, measurements indicated that the removal of TOC and COD follows variable-order kinetics (from zero to first). Antibiotic-contaminated (400 mg L-1) biological sludge was also ozonated, showing a synergy between the effect of sludge solubilisation and antibiotic deactivation. Inhibition of biogas production was completely eliminated by ozonation of sludge in doses between 36 and 70 mg of O3 gvss-1 and at the same time the yield of methane in biogas was increased. The results of the study show that when using advanced oxidation techniques there is no single guide on what to use for which antibiotic, because the results are poorly predictable, especially in terms of oxidation products, which may have completely different properties than the parent molecule. Nevertheless, ozonation undoubtedly has great potential for use in industrial scale biological treatment systems, especially as an antibiotic treatment technique for contaminated sludge prior to anaerobic stabilization.

Z višanjem življenjskega standarda in rastjo prebivalstva se slabša kakovost vode in vodnih virov. Kakovost vode določamo preko izbranih parametrov mikrobiološke kontaminacije, in sicer preko prisotnosti bakterij in virusov. Pod določenimi pogoji lahko virusi dlje časa preživijo v okolju brez gostitelja in prenašajo okužbe preko vodnih okolij, kar predstavlja tveganje za zdravje. Enega izmed zanesljivih in učinkovitih načinov čiščenja odpadnih vod predstavljajo napredni oksidacijski procesi, ki temeljijo na nastanku močnega oksidanta (največkrat hidroksilnega radikala). Slednji povzroči oksidacijo snovi, kar vodi do popolne deaktivacije in razgradnje patogenih onesnaževal. S pregledom dostopne literature in raziskav na področju odstranjevanja virusov z naprednimi oksidacijskimi procesi lahko zanesljivo ovrednotimo uporabnost in učinkovitost naprednih oksidacijskih procesov za čiščenje odpadnih komunalnih vod. Vsi preiskani napredni oksidacijski procesi so izkazali učinkovito deaktivacijo in razgradnjo virusov. As living standards and population growth increase, the quality of water and water resources is deteriorating. Water quality is determined through selected parameters of microbiological contamination, namely through the presence of bacteria and viruses. Under certain conditions, viruses can survive for a long time in the environment and transmit infections through aquatic environments, posing a health risk. One of the reliable and efficient ways of wastewater treatment is advanced oxidation processes based on the formation of a strong oxidizing agent (usually a hydroxyl radical). The latter causes the oxidation of the substance, leading to a complete deactivation and decomposition of pathogenic pollutants. By reviewing the available literature and research in the field of virus removal by advanced oxidation processes, we can reliably evaluate the usability and efficiency of advanced oxidation processes for municipal wastewater treatment. All reviewed advanced oxidation processes demonstrated effective virus inactivation and degradation.

Razširjena uporaba antibiotikov je povzročila, da se njihov obseg v okolju dnevno globalno povečuje. Antibiotiki se v telesu ne presnovijo v celoti. Večina antibiotikov se v okolje vnese preko živali, saj se v veterini uporabljajo kot zdravstvena preventiva, za zdravljenje bakterijskih okužb, z namenom pospeševanja rasti in/ali prirasta živali, preostanek pa v okolje vnesemo ljudje, zaradi zdravljenja bakterijskih okužb. Vnos antibiotikov v okolje neposredno najbolj vpliva na vodne organizme, predvsem pa je vse bolj skrb vzbujajoč pojav odpornih bakterij oz. superbakterij. Te bakterije so odporne proti antibiotikom in posledično nanje antibiotiki ne delujejo več, zato je vse več še pred kratkim preprosto ozdravljivih bakterijskih okužb težje ozdravljivih oz. neozdravljivih. Odstranjevanje antibiotikov je torej nujno. Zaradi vstopa večine antibiotikov v vodno okolje, se osredotočamo predvsem na odstranjevanje iz odpadnih vod. Konvencionalne komunalne čistilne naprave antibiotikov niso sposobne odstraniti in posledično lahko ti preprosto vstopijo v površinske vode, podtalnico in tudi pitno vodo. Za odstranjevanje antibiotikov iz odpadnih vod se vse bolj uporabljajo napredni oksidacijski procesi. Namen magistrske naloge je bil primerjava različnih naprednih oksidacijskih procesov za čiščenje odpadnih vod, ki vsebujejo antibiotike in preveritev, ali so ti postopki primerni za odstranjevanje antibiotikov iz vodnega okolja. Preučevali smo naslednje tehnike oz. postopke: direktna ozonacija, ozonacija pri povišanem pH (pH=9,5), ozonacija pri povišanem pH (pH=9,5) ob dodatku H2O2, ozonacija, katalizirana z dodatkom Fe2+, ozonacija, katalizirana z dodatkom Fe2+ in UV svetlobe, ozonacija s Fentonovo oksidacijo in ozonacija s foto-Fentonovo oksidacijo. Učinkovitost tehnik smo ovrednotili s spremljanjem celotnega organskega ogljika (TOC) in kemijske potrebe po kisiku (KPK). Ugotovili smo, da pri vseh postopkih proces poteče dvostopenjsko z bolj učinkovito prvo stopnjo procesa. Direktna ozonacija se je izkazala za najmanj učinkovito od vseh preučevanih postopkov, tako glede na TOC, kot KPK rezultate. Učinkovitost ozonacije se je povečala ob povišanem pH, ob dodatku UV, H2O2 in/ali katalizatorjev. Najučinkovitejša je bila ozonacija s foto-Fentonovo oksidacijo, s katero smo dosegli med 83 in 96 % stopnjo oksidacije prisotnih antibiotikov, ter med 65 in 84 % stopnjo mineralizacije, torej popolno razgradnjo antibiotikov v anorganske komponente, CO2 in H2O. S tem smo potrdili, da so napredni oksidacijski procesi primerni postopki za odstranjevanje antibiotikov iz odpadnih vod. The widespread use of antibiotics has been causing increase of their extent in the environment. Antibiotics are not completely metabolised in the body. Most antibiotics come into the environment through animals, as they are used in the veterinary medicine for health prevention, for the treatment of bacterial infections, with the purpose to promote growth and/or animal increment. The rest come to the environment because of human consumption, due to the treatment of bacterial infections. Antibiotics into the environment directly affect the aquatic organisms, and above all, the increasing concern arouses phenomenon of resistant bacteria or superbacteria. These bacteria are resistant to antibiotics and, consequently, they are not affected by them, so nowadays more and more bacterial infections are more difficult to be cured or are even incurable. Therefore, the removal of antibiotics is necessary. Due to the entry of most antibiotics in the aquatic environment, their removal from wastewater is the most important. Conventional municipal wastewater treatment plants are not capable of removing antibiotics and thus they can easily enter surface water, groundwater, and even drinking water. The main focus nowadays is the addition of the tertiary cleaning using advanced oxidation processes. The purpose of this thesis was to compare the various advanced oxidation processes for wastewater treatment containing antibiotics and verification if these procedures are suitable for the removal of antibiotics from the aquatic environment. We studied the following experimental techniques/procedures: direct ozonation, ozonation at elevated pH (pH = 9.5), ozonation at elevated pH (pH = 9.5) at the addition of H2O2, catalysed ozonation by addition of Fe2+, catalysed ozonation by addition of Fe2+ and UV light, ozonation with Fenton oxidation and ozonation with photo-Fenton oxidation. The methods were evaluated according to the total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). It can be concluded that studied procedures occur in two phases with first stage of process to be more effective. Direct ozonation was the least effective in terms of TOC, as well as COD. The efficiency of the ozonation increased at elevated pH, with the addition of UV, H2O2 and/or catalysts. The most effective procedure was ozonation with photo-Fenton oxidation, where we achieved between 83 and 96% oxidation of the present antibiotics and between 65 and 84% mineralization, hence the complete decomposition of antibiotics into inorganic components, CO2, and H2O. Our results confirmed that advanced oxidation processes are appropriate for removing antibiotics from wastewater.

Onesnaženje čistih voda že od začetka pospešene industrializacije predstavlja enega od glavnih problemov človeštva. Organizacija združenih narodov ocenjuje, da je na svetu več kot miljarda ljudi brez dostopa do čiste vode, ki bi bila varna in primerna za pitje. Poseben problem predstavljajo persistentna onesnaževala, ki se v velikih količinah uporabljajo v mnogih industrijskih panogah. Med taka onesnaževala sodijo tudi motilci endokrinega sistema, natančneje bisfenoli, ki lahko že v majhnih količinah vplivajo na fiziološke procese v človeškem organizmu. V zadnjih letih so se napredni oksidacijski procesi izkazali kot učinkovito orodje za odstranjevanje persistentih onesnaževal iz odpadnih voda. Širok nabor naprednih oksidacijskih procesov omogoča prilagajanje postopkov oksidacije zahtevanim specifikacijam za razgradnjo onesnaževal. Za čiščenje voda je še posebej primerna heterogena fotokataliza z uporabo fotokatalitsko aktivnega TiO2. V okviru raziskovalnega dela magistrske naloge smo pripravili plazmonske katalizatorje na osnovi Au+TiO2, pri čemer smo kot izhodiščni material uporabili TiO2 nanodelce in nanopalčke, ki smo jih proizvedli po postopku alkalne hidrotermalne sinteze. Zlato smo na delce TiO2 nanesli z metodo depozicije in precipitacije. Ovrednotili smo fizikalno-kemijske lastnosti Au+TiO2 materialov in njihovo fotokatalitsko aktivnost pod vidno svetlobo. Pripravljene katalizatorje smo uporabili v procesih fotokatalitske oksidacije štirih različnih tipov bisfenolov (bisfenola A, S, AF in F) pod vidno svetlobo. Koncentracijo onesnaževal med reakcijami smo spremljali s tekočinsko kromatografijo visoke ločljivosti, stopnjo mineralizacije onesnaževal pa smo določili z merjenjem količine celotnega organskega ogljika pred in po reakcijh fotokatalitske razgradnje. Ugotovili smo, da se Au+TiO2 nanopalčke in Au+TiO2 nanodelci med seboj razlikujejo v fizikalno-kemijskih lastnostih in po fotokatalitski aktivnosti pod vidno svetlobo. Prisotnost zlata na površini katalizatorja pomembno vpliva na njegovo fotokatalitsko aktivnost pod vidno svetlobo. Ugotovili smo tudi, da imajo Au+TiO2 katalizatorji ugodne lastnosti za razgradnjo bisfenolov kot modelnih organskih onesnaževal. Au+TiO2 nanopalčke so se v primerjavi z Au+TiO2 nanodelci izkazale kot bolj učinkovit katalizator. Pri oksidaciji BPF je bil ob uporabi Au+TiO2 nanopalčk odstotek razgradnje v dveh urah približno 95 %, pri BPA približno 80 %, pri BPS nekaj več kot 20 %, pri BPAF pa nekaj manj kot 20 %. Razgradnja BPS in BPAF je še posebej zahtevna zaradi njunih specifičnih strukturnih elementov. Pollution of fresh water poses a problem that has been present since the beginning of Industrial Revolution. Organisation of United Nations estimates that there are currently over one billion people in the world without access to fresh drinking water. A problem unto itself are persistent pollutants which are used in large quantities in various branches of industry. Most notable endocrine-disrupting chemicals that fall into this category are bisphenols, which are known to have a strong effect on physiological processes even in relatively small quantities. In the last years, advanced oxidation processes have emerged as a novel way of removing persistent pollutants from wastewater. A wide array of advanced oxidation processes allows for a high degree of adjustment to the specifications set by the user in wastewater treatment. One of the most useful techniques in this regard is heterogenous photocatalysis in which photocatalitically active TiO2 is used as the catalyst. During the course of our experimental work, we prepared Au+TiO2 plasmonic catalysts. TiO2 nanoparticles were used as starting material in production of TiO2 nanorods with alkaline hydrothermal synthesis. Supported Au+TiO2 catalysts were produced from TiO2 nanorods and TiO2 nanoparticles in the process of deposition-precipitation. We evaluated physicochemical properties of Au+TiO2 catalysts and their photocatalytic performance upon irradiation with visible light. Furthermore, synthesized materials were used in photocatalytic oxidation reactions of four different bisphenols (bisphenol A, S, AF and F) under visible light. Concentrations of these pollutants during the experiment were monitored with the use of high performance liquid cromatography. Degrees of mineralization of organic pollutants were determined by measuring total organic carbon before and after experiments were conducted. Our research indicates that Au+TiO2 nanorods and Au+TiO2 nanoparticles differ in their physicochemical properties and in their photocatalytic performance under visible light. Presence of gold at the catalyst's surface has a significant impact on its catalytical performance under visible light. Our research also indicates that Au+TiO2 catalysts are suitable for use in degradation of organic pollutants such as bisphenols, although Au+TiO2 nanorods have proven to be a more effective catalyst than Au+TiO2 nanospheres in this regard. When using Au+TiO2 nanorods as the photocatalyst, 95 % of BPF, 80 % of BPA, slightly over 20 % of BPS and slightly under 20 % of BPAF were degraded during two hours of the reaction. Less successful degradation of the latter two pollutants can be attributed to their specific structural elements.

Industrija je največji porabnik vode in hkrati največji proizvajalec odpadnih vod. Odpadne vode iz industrije vsebujejo kompleksne snovi, ki jih v konvencionalnih čistilnih napravah ni mogoče odstraniti. Za potrebe odstranjevanja takšnih snovi se razvijajo naprednejši postopki čiščenja. V diplomski nalogi smo se osredotočili na čiščenje obarvanih odpadnih vod v tekstilni industriji. Za razbarvanje teh smo uporabili napredni oksidacijski postopek (AOP) H_2 O_2/UV. Izbrali smo tri barvila, ki se pogosto uporabljajo v tekstilni industriji, in sicer C. I. Acid Red 374, C. I. Reactive Black 5 in C. I. Direct Red 80. Proučili smo vpliv moči UV-sevanja na samo hitrost in učinkovitost razgradnje barvil ter spremljali spremembe parametrov onesnaženja. Industry is the largest water consumer and, at the same time, largest producer of wastewaters. Wastewaters from industry contains complex substances which cannot be removed in conventional wastewater treatment plants. For the purpose of removing such substances, advanced cleaning processes are being developed. In this thesis we have focused on treatment of colored wastewaters from textile industry. For decolorization we used advanced oxidation processes (AOP), specifically H_2 O_2/UV. We selected three dyes that are commonly used in textile industry, i.e. C.I. Acid Red 374, C.I. Reactive Black 5 in C.I. Direct Red 80. We studied the influence of UV radiation on the speed and efficiency of degradation of dyes and the changes in ecological parameters.

Ena izmed značilnosti tekstilnih odpadnih vod je tudi obarvanost, ki predstavlja izzive ne samo iz estetskega vidika, ampak so takšne odpadne vode tudi potencialno toksične zaradi vsebnosti različnih kemikalij uporabljenih med procesi plemenitenja. Razbarvanje tekstilnih odpadnih vod lahko dosežemo z različnimi kemijskimi postopki čiščenja. V diplomskem delu smo za namene razbarvanja uporabili napredni oksidacijski postopek H2O2/UV. Kot modelno onesnaževalo smo uporabili barvilo Reactive Blue 4. Preučevali smo vpliv katalizatorja MnTACN (1,4,7-trimetil-1,4,7-triazociklanon) na uspešnost razbarvanja s H2O2/UV postopkom. Toksičnost smo spremljali z bakterijami Vibrio fischeri. Na podlagi analize rezultatov smo ugotovili, da se ob dodanem katalizatorju, ne glede na začetno koncentracijo barvila, poveča učinkovitost razbarvanja predvsem v prvih petih minutah obdelave. Prav tako pri testiranih reakcijskih pogojih nismo zaznali povečane toksičnosti raztopin kot posledica dodanega katalizatorja. Coloration is one of the characteristics of textile wastewater presenting challenges not only from the aesthetic point of view, since such wastewater is also potentially toxic due to the presence of different chemicals used during the processes of enrichment. Discoloration of textile wastewater can be accomplished by various chemical cleaning procedures. In the diploma work advanced oxidation process H2O2/UV had been used for the purposes of discoloration. As the model pollutant Reactive Blue 4 dye was used. We studied the impact of the catalyst MnTACN (1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) on the performance of discoloration with the H2O2/UV process. Toxicity was monitored by Vibrio fischeri bacteria. On the basis of the analysis of the results, we have found that by adding the catalyst the effectiveness of decolorizing increases especially in the first five minutes of processing, regardless of the initial concentration of the dyes. In the tested reaction conditions the increased toxicity of the solutions as a result of added catalyst was not recorded.

Odpadne vode iz tekstilne industrije, ki nastajajo pri plemenitenju tekstilnih materialov, so zaradi svoje obarvanosti in heterogene sestave tako estetski kot tudi ekološki problem. V članku je opisan evropski projekt ADOPBIO, ki ponuja alternativno rešitev čiščenja teh odpadnih voda. Namen projekta ADOPBIO je razviti in ponuditi rešitev čiščenja in recikliranja odpadne vode iz tekstilne plemenitilne industrije. Cilj projekta je razviti metodo, ki zagotavlja popolno razbarvanje in 75-odstotno recikliranje odpadne vode iz plemenitilnic. ADOPBIO združuje dve najboljši razpoložljivi tehniki za čiščenje odpadne vode: tehniko AOP z bioflotacijo. Ta kombinacija metod čiščenja odpadnih voda iz tekstilne industrije do začetka projekta še ni bila preizkušena. Vloga Oddelka za tekstilne materiale in oblikovanje pri tem projektu je bila raziskati in proučiti možnost razbarvanja odpadnih voda iz dveh sodelujočih tekstilnih podjetij z naprednima oksidacijskima postopkoma: s postopkom, pri katerem aktiviramo $H_2O_2$ termično ob prisotnosti katalizatorja, in s postopkom, kjer aktiviramo $H_2O_2$ z UV žarki. Z obdelavo termo/$H_2O_2$/katalizator, ki ji je sledila obdelava UV/$H_2O_2$, smo za odpadne vode iz podjetja TSP v povprečju dosegli 70-odstotno razbarvanje, za odpadne vode iz podjetja Blondel pa 87-odstotno razbarvanje. Due to its intense coloration and heterogeneous composition, textile finishing wastewaters represent an aesthetic and an ecological problem. In this paper the European project ADOPBIO, which offers an alternative solution for textile wastewater treatment, is presented. The objective of ADOPBIO project is to develop a solution for treatment and recycling of textile finishing wastewater. The aim of the project is to develop a method that would enable total decoloration and 75% wastewater recycling. The ADOPBIO project comprises two optimal treatment techniques: AOP and bioflotation. The combination of both techniques has not been tested as yet. The role of the Department of Textile Materials and Design (University of Maribor) in this project was to investigate the possibilities of textile wastewater decoloration by using thermally activated $H_2O_2$ in presence of catalyst and UV activated $H_2O_2$. Textile wastewater used in the study was obtained from two companies: TSP and Blondel. By using the thermal/$H_2O_2$/catalyst process followed by the UV/$H_2O_2$ process a 70% decoloration of wastewater from TSP and 87% decoloration of Blondel wastewater was achieved.

Na področju čiščenja odpadnih voda se, kot dopolnitev konvencionalnih pristopov, vse bolj uporabljajo, tako imenovani, napredni postopki čiščenja voda. Med njimi imajo pomembno vlogo napredni oksidacijski postopki, ki ob generiranju visoko reaktivnih hidroksilnih radikalov dosegajo razgradnjo in odstranjevanje številnih biološko nerazgradljivih vrst onesnaţevalcev. Pri tem se, ali pa tudi ne, uporablja zunanji vir UV sevanja. V tej nalogi je bil, za namen delne oz. popolne razgradnje kationske površinsko aktivne snovi ET HT, uporabljen postopek H2O2/UV-C. Obravnavana snov povzroči inhibicijo mikroorganizmov, kar pomeni, da je toksična in mora biti pred vstopom v naravno okolje ustrezno obdelana. S pomočjo matematično statističnega modeliranja RSM sem pridobil območje vrednosti neodvisnih spremenljivk (koncentracije KPK, ET HT in TOC) in njihove optimalne vrednosti, s katerimi sem lahko dobil čim boljše izide. Po izvedenih eksperimentih, katere je določil model, sem pridobljene vzorce nadalje obravnaval še v biološkem reaktorju. Cilj naloge je bil ugotoviti, ali je ET HT mogoče obdelati do te stopnje, da ne predstavlja več toksičnosti do mikroorganizmov, oz. ugotoviti, kakšen vpliv imajo različni predobdelani vzorci na mikroorganizme. Besides conventional approaches to water and wastewater treatment, we know many of advanced processes that are considered as more efficient ways of treatment. Amongst them have an important role, so called, advanced oxidation processes (AOP’s) that generates highly reactive hydroksyl radicals which degrade and remove a wide specter of biologicaly nondegradable pollutants. While operating a source of UV radiation can be used or not. In present study, H2O2/UV-C treatment was applied for partial or complete degredation of cationic surfactant ET HT. Tested surfactant is displaying inhibitory effect to the microorganisms, what indicates that compound is toxic and has to be pretreated before it can enter natural environment. Using mathematical statistical RSM modeling, area of independed variables (COD, ET HT and TOC concentrations) and their optimal values performing the best out puts, was applied. After several experimental runs that were predicted by the model, corresponding samples were obtained and were furthermore tested in bioreactor. The goal of the study was to find out if ET HT surfactant can be pretreated to a level that doesn’t exhibits toxicity towards microorganisms and to find out the effects of different pretreated samples to microorganisms.

V okviru problematike razgradnje pesticidov, ki se skladiščijo v prsti in vodah, smo v diplomski nalogi na osnovi eksperimentov ugotavljali razgradnjo predhodno izbranega pesticida, ki ga lahko detektiramo v UV/VIS področju. Razpad le-tega oziroma razgradnjo smo spremljali s pomočjo naprednega oksidacijskega postopka, ob prisotnosti ultravijolične svetlobe. Spremljali smo razgradnjo herbicida piklorama, ki se uporablja za zatiranje ali uničevanje širokolistnih plevelov, dreves in grmovja. Eksperimente smo izvajali v reaktorju ob prisotnosti ultravijolične (UV) žarnice pri različnih eksperimentalnih pogojih, spremljali smo: koncentracijo piklorama v raztopini, moč UV-žarnice in koncentracijo vodikovega peroksida. Učinkovitost razgradnje piklorama smo spremljali z UV/VIS spektroskopijo in s plinsko kromatografijo podprto z masno spektrometrijo. Na podlagi dobljenih rezultatov analiznih metod lahko zaključimo, da smo s pomočjo šaržnega reaktorja z vgrajeno UV-žarnico ob prisotnosti vodikovega peroksida, kakor tudi brez vodikovega peroksida, uspeli razgraditi raztopino piklorama. Strupenost piklorama, tj. pred in po obdelavi, smo testirali z akutnim testom strupenosti z bakterijami Vibrio fischeri in vodnimi bolhami Daphnia magna. Glede na izvedena testa se toksičnost raztopine piklorama po obdelavi bistveno ne poveča. In this diploma paper we established the decommissioning of previously selected pesticide that can be detected in the UV / VIS field on the basis of experiments within the context of the problem of degradation of pesticides that are stored in the soil and water. The dissolution of it and degradation was monitored with the help of advanced oxidation processes in the presence of ultraviolet light. We monitored the degradation of the herbicide picloram, which is used for the control or destruction of broadleaf weeds, trees and shrubs. Experiments were carried out in a reactor in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) lamp in different experimental conditions, and we monitored: picloram concentration in the solution, the power of the UV lamps, and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The efficiency of the degradation of picloram was monitored by UV/VIS spectroscopy and gas chromatography, supported by mass spectrometry. Based on the results of the analytical methods we can conclude that with the help of the batch reactor with the built-in UV lamp we managed to break the picloram solution in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, as well as hydrogen peroxide. Toxicity of picloram, i.e. before and after treatment, was tested for acute toxicity tests with bacteria Vibrio fischeri and the water flea Daphnia magna. According to the conducted test the toxicity of picloram solution after treatment does not significantly increase.

Odpadna komunalna voda je lahko uporabljena kot alternativni vodni vir, vendar je potrebno s čiščenjem doseči obsežno odstranitev organskih onesnažil. Potrebno je zagotoviti tudi skoraj popolno razbarvanje ter dezinfekcijo te vode. Uporaba kemijske oksidacije in s tem naprednih oksidacijskih procesov (NOP angl. advanced oxidation processes, AOPs) v procesih čiščenja odpadnih voda, je pomembna z vidika zagotavljanja učinkovitega odstranjevanja težje biološko razgradljivih oziroma biološko nerazgradljivih spojin. Teh spojin, ki so lahko strupene in prisotne tudi v odpadni komunalni vodi, s konvencionalnimi metodami čiščenja odpadnih voda namreč ni možno odstraniti. Cilj diplomskega dela je testirati različne kemijske oksidante in njihove medsebojne kombinacije, ki se uporabljajo v NOP procesih in ugotoviti najbolj učinkovit NOP proces pri odstranitvi barve in kemijske potrebe po kisiku (KPK) iz odpadne komunalne vode. Prav tako je namen ugotoviti kako NOP procesi vplivajo na spremembo parametrov biokemijske potrebe po kisiku v 5 dneh (BPK5), skupnih suspendiranih snovi (TSS), vrednosti pH, električne prevodnosti (EP), dušikovih spojin ter fosforja. Municipal wastewater can be used as an alternative water source. However, it is essential to treat the wastewater, thereby achieving extensive removal of organic pollutants. It is also necessary to ensure a nearly complete decolouration and disinfection of the water. The use of chemical oxidation and thus advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in the processes of wastewater treatment is important in terms of ensuring an efficient degradation of the more difficult biodegradable or even non-biodegradable compounds. These compounds, which are present in municipal wastewater, may be toxic and cannot be removed by conventional methods of wastewater treatment. The purpose of this thesis is to test various chemical oxidants and their mutual combinations used in AOPs, in order to determine the most effective AOP for the removal of colour and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of municipal wastewater. The thesis also establishes how AOPs affect the change in the parameters of biochemical oxygen demand in 5 days (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen compounds, and phosphorus.

V doktorski disertaciji predstavljamo študijo določitve stroškovno optimalnih obratovalnih pogojev za razbarvanje in čiščenje vodne raztopine barvila C. I. Reactive Blue 268 z naprednimi procesi čiščenja. Najprej predstavljamo rezultate laboratorijskih eksperimentov in matematične modele procesov UV/H2O2 in Fe2+/H2O2. Rezultati kažejo, da lahko z uporabo metodologije odzivnih površin razvijemo ustrezna matematična modela, ki statistično zadostno opišeta odvisnost merjenih odzivov od izbranih (vplivnih) obratovalnih parametrov. Nato prikazujemo študijo optimiranja energijsko intenzivnega procesa UV/H2O2. Kot vplivne parametre smo upoštevali koncentracijo barvila, koncentracijo vodikovega peroksida, pH, čas obdelave in temperaturo. Stroške elektrike, stroške vodikovega peroksida in stroške vode za uravnavanje koncentracije barvila smo upoštevali kot relevantne obratovalne stroške. Čeprav so minimalni stroški čiščenja ocenjeni na visokih 17 €/m3, dobljeni rezultati jasno kažejo, da moramo, če želimo zagotoviti obratovalno in ekonomsko učinkovitost, proces optimirati z obeh vidikov hkrati. Ekonomsko učinkovitost lahko dodatno izboljšamo z integracijo naprednih procesov čiščenja. Kot alternative v integriranem sistemu smo upoštevali proces UV/H2O2, proces Fe2+/H2O2 in membransko filtracijo. Procesno shemo integriranega procesa in vrednosti obratovalnih parametrov, pri katerih sistem obratuje pri minimalnih stroških, smo določili s pristopom, ki temelji na matematičnem programiranju. Iz rezultatov je razvidno, da lahko z ustrezno integracijo izbranih procesov znatno znižamo povprečne stroške čiščenja. V primerjavi s procesom UV/H2O2 so ocenjeni povprečni stroški čiščenja integriranega proces približno 75 % nižji (2,4 €/m3). Many processes have been proposed as an effective treatment technology for remediation of colored wastewaters. However, it has frequently been noted that some of them are economically unacceptable due to high operating cost. This thesis provides studies on approaches to determine cost-effective decoloration and mineralization of C. I. Reactive Blue 268 using advanced treatment technologies. First, the results of laboratory experiments and mathematical models of UV/H2O2 and Fe2+/H2O2 processes are presented. The results indicate that the processes can be modeled in a sufficient way by using the response surface methodology. Second, a study on optimization of an energy intensive UV/H2O2 process is presented. Dye concentration, hydrogen peroxide concentration, pH, treatment time, and temperature were considered to be influential operating parameters. Cost of electricity, cost of hydrogen peroxide, and cost of water needed to adjust the dye concentration were considered to be relevant operating costs. Although the minimal treatment cost were estimated to 17 €/m3, the results obtained clearly indicate that, in order to assure effective and economically efficient operation any given process should be simultaneously optimized from the perspective of both operational and economic efficiency. The latter can, however, be improved further by integration of advanced treatment technologies. UV/H2O2, Fe2+/H2O2 and membrane filtration were considered as alternatives for the integrated system. The integrated process flow sheet and values of operating parameters yielding minimal operating cost were determined. The results indicate that for the system studied significant reduction in average treatment cost can be achieved by proper integration of the denoted alternatives. Compared to the treatment cost of UV/H2O2, the estimated average treatment cost of an integrated system is approximately 75 % lower (2,4 €/m3).

Voda kot ključni sestavni del okolja predstavlja življenjski prostor velikemu številu živali in rastlin. Prav tako je tudi sestavni del vsakega živega bitja, kateremu omogoča normalno delovanje. V odpadni vodi so prisotne snovi, ki lahko ogrožajo naravno ravnotežje, zato jih je potrebno iz nje odstraniti. Eden večjih onesnaževalcev vode je tekstilna industrija, saj so tekstilne odpadne vode trenutno najkompleksnejše med vsemi odpadnimi vodami, saj poleg barvil vsebujejo še različne dodatke, ki so potrebni za izvedbo določenega procesa. Da barvila ne ostanejo predolgo v okolju, jih je potrebno primerno obdelati. Za razbarvanje tekstilnih odpadnih vod se vedno pogosteje uporabljajo napredni oksidacijski postopki AOP (Advanced Oxidation Processes), ki temeljijo na radikalski oksidaciji onesnaževala, s težnjo k popolni mineralizaciji do okolju neškodljivih produktov ali do takšnih intermediatov, ki bi jih bilo nadalje možno obdelati v bioloških procesih. Vodikov peroksid (H2O2) je najpogosteje uporabljeno oksidacijsko sredstvo. Zaradi njegove stabilnosti ga je potrebno v čisti obliki ustrezno aktivirati. Glede na vrsto uporabljenega aktivatorja, poznamo več različnih oksidacijskih postopkov razbarvanja, med njimi je tudi aktivacija s pomočjo ultravijoličnih (UV) žarkov. Po izdelavi eksperimentalnega načrta in obdelavi odpadne tekstilne vode, onesnažene z reaktivnim barvilom C. I. Reactive Blue 268, po zgoraj omenjenem postopku, smo določili najbolj optimalno koncentracijo vodikovega peroksida (H2O2), optimalen pH medija in optimalen čas trajanja izpostavljenosti UV svetlobi. Water as a key component of an environment, is a living space for large numbers of animals and plants. It is also an integral part of every living creature to which it allows normal operation. In the waste water the substances are present which may threaten the natural balance, so they need to be removed. One of the major polluters of water is the textile industry. Its waste water is currently the most complex of all waste water managements, as dyes also contain various additives which are necessary for the execution of a specific process. If we don't want the colors to stay in the environment for too long, they must be properly treated. For decolorization of textile effluents advanced oxidation processes AOP (Advanced Oxidation Processes) are increasingly being used based on the radical oxidation of pollutants, with a tendency to complete mineralization of environmentally sound products or to such intermediates, which could further be treated in biological processes. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the most commonly used oxidizing agent. Due to its stability it is necessary to properly activate its pure form. Given the type of activator, there are several different oxidation dyeing processes, among them activation by ultraviolet (UV) rays. After the development of experimental design and processing of textile waste water contaminated with reactive dye C. I. Reactive Blue 268, according to the above-mentioned process, we determined the optimal concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the optimal pH of the medium and the optimal duration of exposure to UV light.