Process Intensification of a Solar Photo-Fenton Reaction Through the Use of Ferrioxalate Complexes for the Treatment of a Cotton-Textile Dyeing Wastewater.

L. I. DOUMIC; P. SOARES; M.A. AYUDE; M. C. CASSANELLO; R. BOAVENTURA; V. VILAR

Porto

Conferencia; 12th International Chemical and Biological Engineering Conference (CHEMPOR 2014).; 2014

Department of Chemical Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering - University of Porto and Ordem dos Engenheiros (the Portuguese Engineers Association)

Preliminary results using a conventional photo-Fenton reaction for the treatment of a simulated cotton-textile dyeing wastewater showed the formation of stable complexes between Fe3+ and dyeing auxiliary products, limiting the photoreduction of Fe3+ and consequently the reaction rate. Process intensification of a solar photo-Fenton reaction was achieved through the use of ferrioxalate complexes, avoiding the formation of ferric-dyeing auxiliary products complexes, and enhancing significantly the reaction rate. Tests were conducted on a lab-scale tubular photo-reactor using artificial solar radiation. The ferrioxalate induced photo-Fenton process was evaluated at different iron concentrations (20-60 mg Fe3+ L-1), pH values (2.8-6.0) and hydrogen peroxide dosing strategies.