Manganese (Mn) oxides (e.g., MnO<sub>2</sub>) are ubiquitous, strong oxidants capable of reacting with inorganic (e.g., arsenic) and organic (e.g., anilines, phenols) contaminants. The use of natural or synthetic Mn oxides in engineered systems and for <i>in situ</i> treatment of contaminated waters is currently being explored. However, a fundamental understanding of how organic contaminants interact with Mn oxides is in its infancy. The ubiquitous nature of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in natural environments adds to the complexity of determining the rates and mechanisms of organic contaminant degradation by Mn oxides. Not only does DOM sorb and react with Mn oxides, it also may stabilize dissolved organic and inorganic reaction products. Thus, the primary objective of our research is to assess the impact of DOM on the oxidation of phenolic moieties within DOM and on phenolic contaminant oxidation by manganese oxides. Specifically, we are characterizing the interactions of DOM with Mn oxides including sorption, redox, and incorporation; investigating changes in Mn oxide reactivity after reaction with DOM; and assessing the impact of DOM on organic contaminant transformation by Mn oxides. A better understanding of these interactions is needed to apply Mn oxides for water treatment. Thus, the overall goal of the proposed project is to identify the key mechanisms that govern the interactions of DOM, Mn oxides, and phenolic contaminants under conditions that would be encountered in engineered systems designed to oxidize contaminants.

Impact of dissolved organic matter on phenolic contaminant oxidation by manganese oxides

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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