Comparison of Microcystin-LR degradation by UV222 and UV254

Environmental Science and Technology
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Abstract

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a toxin produced during some cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), can harm ecosystems and require consideration in water treatment. Ultraviolet (UV)-C treatment has the potential to degrade cyanotoxins with less harmful byproducts than other treatments. This study compares MC-LR degradation in three different water types using UV-C light emitted from a krypton-chlorine excimer lamp (UV light at 222 nm, UV222) or a low-pressure (LP) Hg lamp (UV light at 254 nm, UV254). Quantitative analyses by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), ultra-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (UPLC-PDA), and high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) demonstrated that UV222 had a degradation rate constant 2.4–4.2 times greater than UV254. This aligns with the MC-LR molar absorption (ε) and quantum yield (Φ) in deionized (DI) water. LC-HRMS revealed the photoisomer concentration increasing with UV dose. Trends of abundant photoisomers indicate further degradation. Together, these trends indicate UV222 is a more complete pathway toward protein phosphatase inhibition 2A (PP2A) inactive compounds than UV254. Electrical energy per order (EEO) for UV222 and UV254 was similar across all water matrices and analytical methods, demonstrating that UV222 has the potential to surpass the degradation and electrical efficiency of UV254 used in water disinfection.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Comparison of Microcystin-LR degradation by UV222 and UV254
Series title Environmental Science and Technology
DOI 10.1021/acs.est.5c03660
Volume 59
Issue 28
Publication Date July 07, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher American Chemical Society
Contributing office(s) Central Plains Water Science Center
Description 12 p.
First page 14660
Last page 14671
Additional publication details