Effect of advanced oxidation processes on nonylphenol removal with respect to chlorination in drinking water treatment

Any nonylphenol compounds found in water have to be removed since they are endocrine disruptors. In this study, natural water from the river Ebro fortified with nonylphenol compounds (4n-nonylphenol and technical nonylphenol) is used as a sample in order to simulate a real situation in drinking water treatment plants. The aim is to compare conventional disinfection with advanced oxidation processes (O3, O3/H2O2, O 3/TiO2 and O3/H2O 2/TiO2) used for the removal of nonylphenol compounds present in natural water. Furthermore, a study is carried out of the by-products (THMs) generated as a consequence of the presence of natural organic matter. Preoxidation by chlorine completely oxidizes 4n-nonylphenol and technical nonylphenol. It can be seen that the best of the advanced oxidation processes is the O3/H2O2, achieving an average oxidation of 55%, although the differences among the processes were not very significant. Furthermore, the use of post-chlorination guarantees the total removal of nonylphenol compounds. © IWA Publishing 2010.