1,4-dioxane is a probable human carcinogen and widespread environmental contaminant that is resistant to many traditional water treatment technologies like air stripping and sorption to activated carbon. Electrolytic treatment is an advanced oxidation process that may mineralize 1,4-dioxane, but its oxidation kinetics is notoriously slow in waters with low electrical conductivity. Here, we present two catalytic approaches that promote rapid 1,4-dioxane degradation in continuous flow reactors with dimensionally stable mesh electrodes. Firstly, we have developed novel TiO<sub>2</sub> inter-electrode pellets that catalyze the oxidation of organic compounds in the absence of light. We provide both experimental and theoretical mechanistic studies of a hydroxyl radical pathway at the anatase surface in an electric field, which is largely independent of electrolyte concentrations. Secondly, we show that the oxygen generated during electrolysis of water can stimulate aerobic biodegradation of 1,4-dioxane by <i>Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans</i> CB1190, especially at low voltages where pH shifts are mild. The results of these investigations illustrate that catalyzed electrolytic treatment is a promising new advanced oxidation process for the treatment of persistent organic water contaminants.

Abiotic and biotic catalysis of electrolytic 1,4-dioxane oxidation

251st National Meeting (2016)

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