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Hydroxyl Radical-Mediated System for Effective Geosmin Mineralization and Anabaena sp. Inactivation for the Decontamination of Drinking Water

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Hydroxyl radical ( • OH)-based decontamination approach is considered an efficient and eco-friendly technology, which can be a competitive solution to odor pollution. Geosmin (GSM) is an odor metabolite produced by the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp., which can seriously compromise the drinking water source quality. The independently developed • OH equipment based on strong ionization discharge produced • OH solution with high concentration, which was identified using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Complete inactivation on Anabaena sp. and efficient degradation on GSM (to 4.26 ng/L, which is below the odor threshold of 10 ng/L) by • OH occurred concurrently within 12 s at a total reactive oxidant (TRO) concentration of 1.1 mg/L. The scanning electron microscopy results revealed that Anabaena sp. cells kept their physical integrity during • OH inactivation. The intracellular GSM barely released from the cells. The results of gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer analyses showed that the chromatogram converged to the baseline with a TRO concentration of 3 mg/L in 12 s, demonstrating that GSM was mineralized. • OH can open the ring structures to finally form CO 2, H 2 O, and inorganic ions. While O 3 and ClO 2 failed to mineralize GSM when the reaction times are 10 and 60 min. Hence, • OH can inactivate Anabaena sp. without cell integrity loss and mineralize GSM simultaneously, the results of which support that the • OH technology may serve as the next-generation drinking water treatment to control algal odor problems.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c08792