PHOTODEGRADATION OF ESTRADIOL IN WATER BY Fe(III) /OXALATE SYSTEM

Photodegradation of estradiol (E2 ) in water by Fe(Ⅲ) /oxalate system was investigated under a 125 W high-pressure mercury lamp ( λ≥365 nm). The influence of initial pH value, initial concentrations of E2 and Fe(Ⅲ)/oxalate ratio on photodegradation efficiency of E2 were discussed in detail. The results indicate Fe(Ⅲ)/oxalate syste m can induce photodegradation of E2 efficiently. 48.0% of E2 can be degradated after 160 min radiation in the solution containing Fe(Ⅲ)/oxalate 1 0.0/120.0 μmol·l~-1 at pH 3.5. Higher degradation efficiency of E2 is obtained at pH 3.0—4.0 over pH range of 3.0—6.0;the photodegradation effic iency decreases with increasing the initial concentration of E2.