Exploring the fate and chemical transformation of organics by UV/H₂O₂-GAC and UV/H₂O₂-BAC based on pilot-scale systems in the treatment of micro-polluted surface water

Abstract

UV/H₂O₂ is commonly used to remove organic micropollutants and frequently paired with activated carbon for further removal of pollutants, addressing issues such as H₂O₂ residuals, uncontrollable by-products, and energy consumption reduction. Here, we report the changes in the removal characteristics of organic contaminants during the operation of a pilot system based on UV/H₂O₂ coupled granular activated carbon (GAC) after in situ biofilm formation to generate biologically activated carbon (BAC). We completed the screening of unknown organic matter and molecular-level chemical transformation of 100–1600 Da dissolved organic matter (DOM) using Fourier transform high-resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). The FT-ICR MS results indicated that BAC differs from GAC in terms of DOM removal behavior and mechanisms. GAC primarily produces free radicals through synergistic residual H₂O₂ to further oxidize and remove organics. Low molecular weight (LMW) organics undergo general molecular chemical changes but have modest removal effects. BAC considerably lowered the chemical variety of DOM and eliminated LMW organics through biodegradation and activated carbon adsorption. According to the study findings, UV/H₂O₂-BAC can more effectively compensate for the drawbacks of individual technologies than UV/H₂O₂-GAC, with superior removal efficiency of organic pollutants, no residual H₂O₂, controllable effluent products, and robust performance in real environmental matrices.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

UV/H ₂O ₂ / GAC / BAC / FT-ICR MS / Chemical transformation

Highlight

	● UV/H2O2-GAC and UV/H2O2-BAC have distinct removal mechanisms.
	● FT-ICR MS confirmed extensive transformation of DOM after UV/H2O2-GAC & UV/H2O2-BAC.
	● Oxidative degradation of GAC/H2O2 is the primary mechanism, followed by adsorption.
	● BAC can effectively remove the uncontrollable LMW by-products after UV/H2O2.
	● BAC has a robust performance in real environmental matrices.

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