The rising levels of contaminants in freshwater systems, particularly pharmaceuticals and personal care products, represent a growing environmental threat. These substances, which often evade conventional water treatment methods, persist in aquatic ecosystems and pose risks to both environmental health and human well-being. As these emerging contaminants challenge traditional remediation techniques, understanding the role of sunlight-driven photochemical reactions offers a promising natural solution for mitigating pollution in lakes.
In a study (DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2024.09.001) published on September 19, 2024, in Eco-Environment & Health, researchers from the University of Torino, Repsol Technology Lab, and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos employed global modeling to analyze the photochemical behavior of clofibric acid and diclofenac. By comparing triplet sensitization and direct photolysis, the research presents a comprehensive assessment of how these processes influence contaminant degradation in lakes across diverse global regions.
The study uses the equivalent monochromatic wavelength (EMW) approximation to predict the photodegradation of clofibric acid and diclofenac in lakes worldwide. By integrating an extensive range of photochemical parameters, such as water depth and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels, the research reveals key regional variations in pollutant degradation. For instance, clofibric acid undergoes rapid degradation mediated by DOC in Nordic environments, while diclofenac degrades most efficiently in tropical regions through direct photolysis. These findings not only enhance our understanding of global contaminant dynamics but also offer practical insights for optimizing water treatment strategies that leverage natural photochemical processes.
Dr. Davide Vione, the study's lead author, commented, "Our findings emphasize the critical role of photochemical processes in the natural attenuation of emerging contaminants. This understanding is essential for developing strategies that protect water quality and safeguard aquatic ecosystems from pollutants."
This research has far-reaching implications for environmental management, particularly in optimizing wastewater treatment methods. By identifying the global patterns of pollutant degradation, the study suggests that photodegradation could serve as a powerful complement to traditional water treatment practices. This approach has the potential to significantly reduce contaminant levels, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution to enhance water quality and protect aquatic ecosystems worldwide.
###
References
DOI
10.1016/j.eehl.2024.09.001
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eehl.2024.09.001
Funding information
JM gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI), the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the project AQUAENAGRI (PID2021-126400OB-C32). LC and DV acknowledge support from the Project CH4.0 under the MUR program "Dipartimenti di Eccellenza 2023–2027" (CUP: D13C22003520001). DV also acknowledges financial support by Next Generation EU–PNRR project GRINS (Growing Resilient, INclusive, and Sustainable), PE9-spoke 6 (PE00000018, CUP D13C22002160001).
About Eco-Environment & Health
Eco-Environment & Health (EEH) is an international and multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal designed for publications on the frontiers of the ecology, environment and health as well as their related disciplines. EEH focuses on the concept of "One Health" to promote green and sustainable development, dealing with the interactions among ecology, environment and health, and the underlying mechanisms and interventions. Our mission is to be one of the most important flagship journals in the field of environmental health.