Effectiveness of LAVIE water purifier on Chloredecone

This scientific report presents a detailed analysis of the performance of the LAVIE water purification system, with particular reference to the degradation of the organochlorine pesticide chlordecone. Here is a summary of the report's key points: The purification performance of LAVIE system on the degradation of chlordecone )

Introduction and objectives

  • Issues : Tap water quality is a major concern. The LAVIE system aims to provide pure, high-quality water by eliminating organic contaminants and disinfecting the water.
  • Objective : Demonstrate the effectiveness of the LAVIE system in eliminating chlordecone* at different concentrations.

Material and analytical methods

  • Products and reagents : Use of 99% pure chlordecone and bleach (3.6% active chlorine).
  • Preparation of solutions : Solutions prepared with tap water and stored at 4°C.
  • Purification system : Two LAVIE systems were used, each equipped with ten UV-A LEDs and a 1 L glass bottle, with exposure times of 15 and 30 minutes.
  • Analytical methods : Measurement of free chlorine with a photometer and analysis of chlordecone concentration by LC-MS.

Results

  1. Experiments with high concentrations of chlordecone :
    • Experiments have shown significant degradation of chlordecone under UV-A irradiation.
    • Free chlorine plays an important role in degradation, with removal rates of up to 49%.
    • Without the addition of bleach, the degradation remains significant because of the chlorine already present in the tap water.
  2. Experiments with low concentrations of chlordecone :
    • At lower concentrations, direct photolysis degrades 15%.
    • With the addition of free chlorine, degradation reached 31%, showing the combined efficiency of photolysis and chlorine-induced chemical reactions.

Conclusion

  • Efficiency of the LAVIE system : LAVIE's UV-A technology is effective in degrading chlordecone, with abatement rates of up to 49% depending on experimental conditions.
  • Degradation mechanism : Degradation is due to direct photolysis and chemical reactions induced by free chlorine.
  • Importance of experimental conditions : The presence of free chlorine in tap water is crucial to maximising the system's efficiency.

This report demonstrates that the LAVIE purification system is a powerful solution for removing organic contaminants from water, providing high-quality water for human consumption.

Questions / Answers

Chlordecone is an organochlorine pesticide used mainly on banana plantations to control banana weevils. Extremely persistent in the environment, it has contaminated soil and water, particularly in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Classified as a probable carcinogen, it causes neurological and endocrine disorders. Its use was banned in France in 1993, and efforts are underway to manage the contamination and protect public health in the affected areas.
An organochlorine pesticide is an organic compound containing chlorine, used to control insect pests. These pesticides, such as DDT and chlordecone, are very stable and persistent in the environment, degrading slowly and accumulating in food chains. Although effective, they are potentially carcinogenic and can cause a range of health problems, which has led to them being banned or strictly regulated in many countries.

Other study summarised in French

PURIFICATION PERFORMANCE: IMPACT OF FREE CHLORINE AND DISSOLVED OXYGEN