Computerized pathway elucidation for hydroxyl radical-induced chain reaction mechanisms in aqueous phase advanced oxidation processes

Abstract

The radical reaction mechanism that is involved in advanced oxidation processes is complex. An increasing number of trace contaminants and stringent drinking water standards call for a rule-based model to provide insight to the mechanism of the processes. A model was developed to predict the pathway of contaminant degradation and byproduct formation during advanced oxidation. The model builds chemical molecules as graph objects, which enables mathematic abstraction of chemicals and preserves chemistry information. The model algorithm enumerates all possible reaction pathways according to the elementary reactions (built as reaction rules) established from experimental observation. The method can predict minor pathways that could lead to toxic byproducts so that measures can be taken to ensure drinking water treatment safety. The method can be of great assistance to water treatment engineers and chemists who appreciate the mechanism of treatment processes. © 2009 American Chemical Society.