Advanced oxidation and a metrological strategy based on CLC-MS for the removal of pharmaceuticals from pore & surface water.

In this work, it is studied the photolysis, electrolysis, and photo-electrolysis of a mixture of pharmaceutics (sulfadiazine, naproxen, diclofenac, ketoprofen and ibuprofen) contained in two very different types of real water matrices (obtained from surface and porewater reservoirs), trying to clarify the role of the matrix on the degradation of the pollutants. To do this, a new metrological approach was also developed for screening of pharmaceuticals in waters by capillary liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (CLC-MS). This allows the detection at concentrations lower than 10 ng mL−1. Results obtained in the degradation tests demonstrate that inorganic composition of the water matrix directly influences on the efficiency of the drugs removal by the different EAOPs and better degradation results were obtained for experiments carried out with surface water. The most recalcitrant drug studied was ibuprofen for all processes evaluated, while diclofenac and ketoprofen were found to be the easiest drugs for being degraded. Photo-electrolysis was found to be more efficient than photolysis and electrolysis, and the increase in the current density was found to attain a slight improvement in the removal although with an associated huge increase in the energy consumption. The main reaction pathways for each drug and technology were also proposed. [Display omitted] • CLC-MS screening of pharmaceuticals in waters and detection at concentrations lower than 10 ng mL−1. • Removal of a mixture of five drugs was evaluated using several EAOP. • Ibuprofen more recalcitrant than sulfadiazine, naproxen, diclofenac and ketoprofen. • Photo-electrolysis more efficient than photolysis and electrolysis. • Important differences in reactions pathways proposed for each technology studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]