A Highly Effective Photochemical System for Complex Treatment of Heavily Contaminated Wastewaters

ABSTRACT: 

Significant efforts have been committed to the research and development of many advanced oxidation processes, including photocatalytic oxidations with titanium dioxide or the hydrogen peroxide and ferrous/ferric ion (H₂O₂/Fe²⁺(Fe³⁺)/UV (photo-assisted Fenton) process. This study reports the development of a novel photochemical system for complex treatment of heavily contaminated wastewaters based on the use of UV-C light and H₂O₂. Special attention was focused on the technology employed, including the reactor design, process controls, and performance optimization. The effects of process parameters were studied using 4-chlorophenol (4CP) as model compound, and verification of this treatment technology was assessed using actual contaminated water. Among the most influential parameters were the 4CP concentration, reaction mixture volume, H₂O₂ concentration, and irradiation intensity. In contrast, for H₂O₂ dosing (proportional continuous or cumulative one-time), the flow rate did not significantly affect process efficacy.