Advanced Oxidation Processes For Lindane Degradation: A Leap Toward Water Purification Excellence
Abstract
Noor Zulfiqar, Hafiz Muhammad Yameen, Muhammad Asad Ali and Fawad Inam
Lindane, a persistent organochlorine pesticide and potent environmental pollutant, poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health due to its toxicity, bioaccumulation, and resistance to degradation. Conventional water treatment methods often fail to achieve complete mineralization of such contaminants, necessitating the development of more effective remediation strategies. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), particularly those involving hydroxyl and other reactive radicals, have emerged as promising technologies for the complete breakdown of hazardous organic compounds like lindane. This study explores the degradation of lindane in aqueous media using various AOPs, including gamma radiation, UV/H2O2, and photolysis, under controlled laboratory conditions. Comprehensive kinetic modeling, intermediate identification, and analytical evaluations were performed using GC-ECD, HPLC, and IC methods. The degradation efficiency, optimal conditions, and influence of natural radical scavengers were examined in detail. Additionally, real-world water samples from Peshawar Valley and industrial effluents from Hayatabad were analyzed for lindane contamination and subsequently treated using gamma irradiation. The findings underline the potential of radiation-induced AOPs in achieving near-complete mineralization of lindane, offering a robust and scalable solution for environmental detoxification and safe water production.