Mineralization of bisphenol A (BPA) by anodic oxidation with boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode

Anodic oxidation of bisphenol A (BPA), a representative endocrine disrupting chemical, was carried out using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode at galvanostatic mode. The electro-oxidation behavior of BPA at BDD electrode was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetric technique. The extent of degradation and mineralization of BPA were monitored by HPLC and total organic carbon (TOC) value, respectively. The results obtained, indicate that the BPA removal at BDD depends on the applied current density (Iappl), initial concentration of BPA, pH of electrolyte and supporting medium. Galvanostatic electrolysis at BDD anode cause concomitant generation of hydroxyl radical that leads to the BPA destruction. The kinetics for the BPA degradation follows a pseudo-first order reaction with a higher rate constant 12.8 × 10−5 s−1 for higher Iappl value 35.7 mA cm−2, indicating that the oxidation reaction is limited by Iappl control. Complete mineralization of BPA was achieved regardless of the variables and accordingly the mineralization current efficiency was calculated from the TOC removal measurements. Considering global oxidation process, the effect of supporting electrolytes has been discussed in terms of the electro generated inorganic oxidants. The better performance of BDD anode was proved on a comparative study with Pt and glassy carbon under similar experimental conditions. A possible reaction mechanism for BPA degradation involving three main aromatic intermediates, identified by GC-MS analysis, was proposed.