Mineralization of bisphenol A by catalytic ozonation over alumina

Total mineralization of bisphenol A (BPA) has been investigated through non-catalytic and catalytic ozonation treatments in a semi-batch reactor. Non-catalytic ozonation led to complete degradation of BPA in less than 4 min, but did not convert the by-products of BPA ozonation completely. In sole ozonation systems only 35% conversion of the total organic carbon (TOC) was achieved in 60 min. Using 1 g/L alumina catalyst increased the TOC removal to 90%. Study of the effect of catalyst particles showed that by reducing the particle size from pellets to powder, TOC removal increased significantly from 44% to 90% under particular reaction conditions. However, increasing the amount of alumina catalyst from 0.5 g/L to 4 g/L did not show a strong effect on the TOC removal. Catalyst reusability and deactivation studies indicated that catalyst showed stable activity after three consecutive cycles of catalytic ozonation. A two-stage kinetic regime was used to express rate of TOC removal for both non-catalytic and catalytic ozonation of BPA.

► Reaction of bisphenol A (BPA) with ozone is fast but not effective for mineralization. ► Alumina catalysts enhance mineralization of BPA in the presence of ozone in water. ► Despite being a poor adsorbent of BPA in water, alumina adsorbs byproducts of BPA and O3.