Previous work has shown that pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) (including atorvastatin and triclosan) undergo direct photochemical transformation reactions.  Considering the increasing awareness of the presence of PPCPs in natural waters, the effect of natural water components on these phototransformation reactions is important. While the potential role of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in these reactions remains unclear, a review of the literature reveals that for some compounds transformation rates are enhanced in the presence of CDOM.  With a view to evaluating the potential for using molecular spectroscopy as a preliminary evaluation method for the reactions between PPCPs and CDOM, absorbance and fluorescence spectra of CDOM in the presence of selected PPCPs and light will be presented.  Preliminary data shows subtle differences in absorbance profiles of ibuprofen, DEET and acetaminophen when light and CDOM are present.  The effect of reactant concentration and light intensity on spectra will also be discussed.

Role of colored dissolved organic matter in the photochemical reactions of selected pharmaceuticals and personal care products

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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