Photodegradation of butylparaben in aqueous solutions by 254 nm irradiation

Photolytic degradation of the endocrine disruptor butylparaben in aqueous media upon 254 nm irradiation has been investigated. The influence of photon fluence rate, initial butylparaben concentration and pH of reaction solution on reaction rate was studied. The effect of additives: t-butanol–hydroxyl radical scavenger, humic acids and nitrate ions—constituents of natural surface water, on reaction course was also determined. Bioassays for toxicity and COD and TOC measurements of photolysed solutions were performed as well. The quantum yield of butylparaben decay in neutral aqueous solution was established to be 0.0033 ± 0.0004.