Transformation of an Amine Moiety of Atenolol during Water Treatment with Chlorine/UV: Reaction Kinetics, Products, and Mechanisms

Abstract

Transformation of atenolol (ATN), a micropollutant containing a secondary (2o) amine moiety, can be significantly enhanced in chlorine/UV water treatment through photolysis of the N-Cl bond. This study investigated the transformation kinetics, products, and mechanisms of the amine moiety of ATN in chlorine/UV (254nm) process. The transformation rate of ATN by the photolysis of N-Cl ATN is significant. Transformation products were identified and quantified with a near complete mass balance. Reaction mechanisms are proposed based on formation of transformation products and several amine-containing model compounds. Overall, the kinetic and mechanistic information from this study can be useful for predicting the transformation of amine moieties by chlorine/UV water treatment.