Cylindrospermopsin (CYN), a potent cyanotoxin, is produced by algae and regularly found in natural fresh water systems. Contaminated drinking water sources often require specific treatment to eliminate CYN. We have used a variety of hydroxyl mediated oxidation methods to study and demonstrate the degradation of CYN as possible treatment options. Steady-state and time-resolved radiolysis methods were used to determine reaction pathways and kinetic parameters for the reactions of hydroxyl radical with CYN. Radiolysis, semiconductor photocatalysis and sonolysis can lead to the degradation of CYN. Radiolysis and UV TiO2 photocatalysis lead to faster degradation than ultrasonic treatment. We have also demonstrated the degradation of CYN model compounds using a number of doped TiO2 materials under visible light, solar and UV irradiation. Studies are underway in an attempt clarify the roles of specific reactive species, hydroxyl radical, valence band holes, superoxide anion radical and singlet oxygen in the UV and VLA TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of CYN model compounds. This work is part of a collaborative project �Degradation Mechanism of Cyanotoxins Using Novel Visible Light-Activated Titania Photocatalysts� funded under the US-Ireland R&D Partnership by DELNI, SFI and NSF [CBET 033317].

Advanced oxidation of cylindrospermopsin (cyanobacterial toxin): Mechanistic and practical considerations

245th National Meeting (2013)

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