Phototransformation of ibuprofen and ketoprofen in aqueous solutions

► Degradation of ibuprofen and ketoprofen was studied using UV and UV/VUV irradiation. ► Dissolved molecular oxygen changes the degradation mechanism of ibuprofen. ► The VUV irradiation accelerated the decomposition of ibuprofen only. ► Mineralization was about 60%, suggesting formation of stable aliphatic by-products. ► New by-products were identified using GC-MS and HPLC-MS.