Photodegradation of bisphenol A in Fe(III)-oxalate complexes solution

The aqueous photodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA) in the presence of Fe(III)-oxalate complexes (Fe(III)-Ox), which are common compositions of natural water, was investigated in this study. BPA underwent rapid indirect photolysis in Fe(III)-Ox solution under simulated solar irradiation, proceeding pseudo-first-order kinetics. The photolysis rate increased with decreasing pH or initial BPA level and increasing Fe(III)/oxalate concentration ratio. Hydroxyl radicals (*OH), which were generated from the photochemical processes of Fe(III)-Ox complexes and contributed to the photooxidation of BPA, were determined by molecular probe and electron spin resonance (ESR) methods with the steady-state concentration of 2.56 x 10(-14) mol/L. Superoxide anion radical (O2*-) was considered as the precursor of *OH and qualitatively determined by adding nitro blue tetrazolium as well as ESR experiments. Based on the structural analysis of the intermediate photoproducts of BPA in Fe(III)-Ox complexes solution, the possible degradation pathways of BPA were proposed, involving *OH addition, alkyl scission and alky oxidation. The results indicate that the photochemical reactivity of Fe(III) may affect the environmental fate of BPA in natural water significantly.