Flumequine degradation by electrochemical and photo-electrochemical processes was evaluated in this study. The antimicrobial activity of the solutions subjected to the electrochemical processes was monitored during the assays. The experiments were carried out using DSA® (dimensionally stable anode) electrode. The influence of current density was investigated for the 7.5 to 45 mA cm-2 range. The photo-electrochemical process was more efficient for degrading flumequine (85%) and reducing solution antimicrobial activity. For both processes, the residual antimicrobial activity decreased as flumequine degradation increased. The reaction intermediate m/z 244 (5-methyl-1-oxo-6,7-dihydro-1H,5H-pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-2-carboxylic acid) was identified.

In this review, the presence of quinolones in the environment, their risks and the available processes for water decontamination were addressed. Their occurrence in surface waters and also in soil raises concerns about the risk of the development of resistant bacteria and other potential chronic effects. AOPs (UV/H2O2, Fenton, photo-Fenton, and UV/TiO2) and ozonation proved effective for degrading these emerging contaminants due to hydroxyl radical formation, surpassing the efficacy of conventional methods. In addition, the main degradation mechanisms of these drugs as well as data on residual biological activity were analyzed.

No presente trabalho foi avaliada a aplicação dos processos de fotólise (UV), peroxidação (H2O2), peroxidação assistida por radiação ultravioleta (UV/H2O2), reagente de Fenton (H2O2/Fe(II)) e foto-Fenton (H2O2/Fe(II)/UV) no tratamento de água ácida retificada proveniente da Refinaria de Petróleo Replan da Petrobras, Paulínia-SP. Para avaliação da eficácia dos processos, a concentração de carbono orgânico dissolvido (COD) foi monitorada durante todo o período de reação. Dentre os processos avaliados, a peroxidação assistida por radiação ultravioleta apresentou o melhor potencial para sua aplicação no tratamento da água ácida retificada.

This study assessed the application of photolysis (UV), peroxidation (H2O2), peroxidation combined with ultraviolet light (UV/H2O2), Fenton’s reagent (H2O2/Fe(II)) and photo-Fenton (H2O2/Fe(II)/UV) processes in the treatment of stripped sour water from the Petrobras Replan Oil Refinery in Paulínia City, São Paulo State, Brazil. To evaluate the efficiency of the process, the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was monitored throughout the reaction period. Among the evaluated processes, peroxidation combined by ultraviolet radiation showed the best potential for its application in the stripped sour water treatment.