An effective method for the removal of contaminants in wastewater is through Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP). This process involves the degradation of organic contaminants via the oxidative reaction of hydroxyl (<sup>●</sup>OH) radicals. One particular class of contaminants of interest for AOP removal are the organophosphorous fire retardants, recalcitrant contaminants that are of interest because of impacts on biological and aquatic systems. These fire retardants are added to common household objects to decrease the flammability potential of these items. Upon being discarded in landfills small amounts of these organic flame retardants are leached into waters, resulting in toxicity to terrestrial and aquatic life alike. In humans, these compounds can act as an inhibitors to acetylcholinesterase, potentially have carcinogenic effects, and may have detrimental reproductive and developmental toxicities. Here we report on our studies of a series of trialkyl phosphates (triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate, and tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate) where we are determining absolute rate constants for reaction of <sup>●</sup>OH radicals produced by electron beam radiation with these compounds in water.

Kinetic study of organophosphate flame retardant reactions with hydroxyl radicals

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.