Photochemical Treatment of Wastewater: Genotoxic Effects and Bacterial Inactivation

A photochemical treatment system using UV/H2O2/O3 was utilized to purify wastewater that had undergone advanced primary treatment. The study aimed to determine the genotoxic effects and bacterial inactivation potential of this system. Genotoxicity was assessed using Allium sativum (garlic bulbs) as bioindicators, focusing on root growth inhibition and chromosomal aberration frequency. Results indicated that the wastewater treated with advanced primary treatment still contained toxic agents, evidenced by a 29% toxicity rate in root inhibition, which was reduced to 6% following the photochemical treatment. Despite the reduction in toxicity, oxidative stress was suggested by root elongation, indicating potential stress effects. Microbiological tests confirmed that the colony-forming units (CFU) were completely inactivated within 15 minutes of UV exposure, demonstrating the efficacy of the photochemical system in microbial load reduction.