Photodegradation and advanced oxidation of endocrine disruptors in aqueous solutions

Endocrine disruptors, sometimes also referred to as hormonally active agents, are exogenous substances that act like hormones in the endocrine system and disrupt the physiological function of endogenous hormones. Our recent studies concern degradation of some representatives of this class of chemicals: n-butylparaben (BP), 4-t-octylphenol (OP), trenbolone (TB) and boldenone (BD). We applied three methods for their elimination from aqueous solution: photolysis by 254 nm irradiation, advanced oxidation process using hydroxyl radicals and photosensitized oxidation using mainly singlet molecular oxygen. The kinetic parameters of those processes were calculated. The most efficient degradation of studied compounds was observed in H2O2/UV system.