This work is focused on improving the understanding of the complex water matrix interactions occurring during the removal of a microcontaminants mixture (acetamiprid, carbamazepine and caffeine) by solar/Fe3+-EDDS/persulfate process. The individual and combined effects of sulfates (100-500 mg/L), nitrates (20-160 mg/L), bicarbonates (77-770 mg/L) and chlorides (300-1500 mg/L) were assessed by comparing the outcomes obtained in different synthetic and actual water matrices. In general, the results showed negligible effects of the different anions on Fe3+-EDDS concentration and PS consumption profiles, while the combination of bicarbonates and chlorides seemed to be the key for the MC removal efficiency decrease found when working with complex matrixes. Finally, the influence of dissolved organic matter on process performance was evaluated. It was concluded that there is neither any influence of this variable on Fe3+-EDDS concentration and PS consumption profiles. In contrast, there was a general negative effect on MC removal efficiency, which strongly depended on both the concentration and composition of the dissolved organic matter.
Keywords: Contaminants of emerging concern; Persulfate; Wastewater; Water matrix.
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