H2S Removal from Groundwater by Chemical Free Advanced Oxidation Process Using UV-C/VUV Radiation

Sulfide species may be present in groundwater due to natural processes or due to anthropogenic activity. H₂S contamination poses odor nuisance and may also lead to adverse health effects. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are considered promising treatments for hydrogen-sulfide removal from water, but conventional AOPs usually require continuous chemical dosing, as well as post-treatment, when solid catalysts are applied. Vacuum-UV (VUV) radiation can generate ·OH in situ via water photolysis, initiating chemical-free AOP. The present study investigated the applicability of VUV-based AOP for removal of H₂S both in synthetic solutions and in real groundwater, comparing combined UV-C/VUV and UV-C only radiation in a continuous-flow reactor. In deionized water, H₂S degradation was much faster under the combined radiation, dominated by indirect photolysis, and indicated the formation of sulfite intermediates that convert to sulfate at high radiation doses. Sulfide was efficiently removed from natural groundwater by the two examined lamps, with no clear preference between them. However, in anoxic conditions, common in sulfide-containing groundwater, a small advantage for the combined lamp was observed. These results demonstrate the potential of utilizing VUV-based AOP for treating H₂S contamination in groundwater as a chemical-free treatment, which can be especially attractive to remote small treatment facilities.