Removal of Bisphenol A and its Reaction-Intermediates from Aqueous Solution by Ozonation

In this study, the oxidation of Bisphenol A (BPA) and its reaction-intermediates in aqueous solution by ozonation was investigated. The results of the study indicated that ozonation is effective in oxidizing BPA. Catechol, resorcinol, acetone, formaldehyde and organic acids, acetic, formic, maleic, and oxalic acid, are identified as reaction-intermediates. Ozonation of 51 M (770 M C) of BPA resulted in peak concentrations of 16.3, 8.7, 6.8, and 2.0 M C of catechol, resorcinol, acetone, and formaldehyde, respectively. These concentrations correspond to 2.1, 1.1, 0.9, and 0.3% of the initial concentration of BPA in terms of total organic carbon for catechol, resorcinol, acetone, and formaldehyde, respectively. It was observed that BPA's reaction-intermediates were resistant to ozonation compared to the parent compound and complete mineralization of BPA may need extended ozonation.