Cold incineration of sucralose in aqueous solution by electro-Fenton process

The effective removal of artificial sweeteners sucralose (SUC) from water was carried out for the first time by an electrochemical advanced oxidation method. Electro-Fenton process was used to generate hydroxyl radicals, a highly powerful oxidant species that are able to oxidize organic pollutants until their mineralization at room temperature. The effect of catalyst (Fe2+) concentration and applied current on the mineralization of SUC during electro-Fenton treatment was evaluated. Results showed that the electro-Fenton process is capable to mineralize SUC solution effectively. A higher mineralization rate was obtained with BDD than Pt anode. Mineralization current efficiency results pointed out better mineralization efficacy (MCE) at relatively short electrolysis time and low applied current values. The formation and evolution of the concentration of carboxylic acids and released inorganic ions, as a consequence of mineralization process, were followed along the treatment. Finally, the toxicity of SUC and its oxidation intermediates products was assessed along the mineralization process using Microtox method to show the detoxification capacity of the process.