OZONATION OF PYRENE IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTION

The reaction of pyrene with ozone was studied in aqueous solution at low (10-200 μg l-1) substrate concentration and with ozone concentrations (5 mg l-1) approximating to those used in potable water treatment. Degree of reaction and the formation of polyaromatic/aromatic reaction products were assessed using a technique of solvent extraction and derivatisation with gas chromatographic (GC), gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS), high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and u.v. spectrometric analysis of extracts. A freeze drying/derivatisation technique with GC and GC-MS analysis was employed for the isolation/identification of short chain polar aliphatic reaction products. Substantial destruction of pyrene was recorded within 1 min of reaction with ozone. Polyaromatic/aromatic compounds did not persist; reaction products are likely to be short chain polar aliphatic compounds. Products of this type were isolated but not identified in the study. © 1990.