Photodegradation of 17(alpha)-ethynylestradiol in aqueous solution exposed to a high-pressure mercury lamp (250 W)

The photodegradation of 17(alpha)-ethynylestradiol (EE2) induced by high-pressure mercury lamp ((lambda)>=313, 250 W) in aqueous solution of EE2 was investigated initially. The affecting factors on the photodegradation were studied and described in details, such as EE2 initial concentration, Fe3+, algae, exposure time, and so on. The concentration of EE2 in distilled water was mainly determined using fluorescence spectrophotometer. The photodegradation of EE2 in aqueous solution exposed to high-pressure mercury lamp was evident and could be accelerated by Fe3+ or algae (e.g. Anabaena cylindrica) in general. With the algae concentration increasing, photodegradation rate increased. In this paper, the mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of EE2 by Fe3+ or algae is discussed primarily.