Removal of diethyltoluamide, paracetamol, caffeine and triclosan from natural water by photo-Fenton process using powdered zero-valent iron

The removal of four pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), namely diethyltoluamide (DEET), paracetamol (PAR), caffeine (CAF) triclosan (TCS) (at a spiked concentration 25 μg/L), from natural water using the photo (UVC)-Fenton (powdered zero-valent iron, pZVI) process was investigated. results show that molar ratio H2O2/pZVI 2.0, pZVI 22.4 mg/L pH 3.0 maximised target compounds at 71.1%, 100%, 64.2% 87.1%, for DEET, PAR, CAF TCS, respectively, after 30 min in Fenton (pZVI) process. When this coupled with UVC radiation, 29.6%, 80.3%, 3.1% 88.4% were removed within first minute, 99.0%, 99.5% min. pseudo first-order kinetic model best fitted degradation data PAR (1–20 min); because 80% TCS degraded minutes, it is suggested to explore kinetics during initial period. Characterisations photo-Fenton indicated corrosion surface iron powder presence oxides hydroxides. Lower removals nitrate (35–50%), phosphate (<35%) total organic carbon (TOC, <18%) observed, which may be attributed small dosage used. Results investigation has potential efficient cost-effective PPCPs.