PARACETAMOL OXIDATION FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS BY MEANS OF OZONATION AND H2O2/UV SYSTEM

Abstract Paracetamol oxidation from aqueous solutions is studied by means of ozonation and H 2 O 2 photolysis. Both oxidative systems are able to destroy the aromatic ring of the substrate with a partial conversion of the initial carbon content into carbon dioxide. For the adopted experimental conditions mineralization degrees up to 30% and 40% are observed with ozonation and H 2 O 2 photolysis, respectively. Main reaction intermediates and products are identified for both systems by HPLC and GC–MS analyses and a kinetic characterization is achieved.